Bitter Blow for Alicante as start of Ocean Race moved to Porto
Alicante will host its final scheduled departure on 17 January 2027, bringing almost two decades as the round-the-world race’s starting port to an end. Alicante is set to lose one of its most prestigious international sporting events after The Ocean Race confirmed that its flagship race will start in Porto from 2031. The decision is […] The post Bitter Blow for Alicante as start of Ocean Race…
Alicante will see its final scheduled departure in the Ocean Race on 17 January 2027, marking the end of the city's 20-year tenure as the race's starting port. The Ocean Race has announced that the flagship event will now begin in Porto from 2031, disappointing the city whose waterfront has become inextricably linked with the race since its inception in 2008.
An agreement between Portugal and the race organizers will see Alicante host six consecutive editions, concluding with the departure on 17 January 2027. Race chairman Richard Brisius expressed sadness over the loss, stating that the partnership with Alicante has been fundamental to the event's history over the past two decades. The departure will be the centrepiece of the city's association with the event, bringing the port into the global spotlight as crews embark on their global journey.
Over the next ten days, the city will host public activities at the Ocean Live Park, turning the waterfront into a focal point for visitors, residents, and sailing enthusiasts. While a future connection with The Ocean Race is being discussed, the departure of Alicante as the starting host marks the end of the city's long-held position at the starting line.
Written by urgent.news from The Leader's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
