Porto new home

The Ocean Race will establish its long-term global headquarters in Porto, Portugal, under a landmark partnership that will also see the city host the start of three editions of the round-the-world race through 2040.

Photography by The Ocean Race

08 October 2026

Porto in Portugal will become the permanent base for The Ocean Race from 2028, bringing together offshore racing, ocean science, education and sustainability initiatives on Portugal’s Atlantic coast.

The agreement with the City of Porto, Turismo de Portugal and Turismo do Porto e Norte de Portugal includes a Special Race in 2028, followed by starts for The Ocean Race in 2030, 2034 and 2038. Portugal will also host at least six editions of The Ocean Race Europe over the next 13 years.

An historic waterfront building beside Porto City Park will be transformed into The Ocean Race’s operational headquarters, with public and educational activities planned from 2028. A separate waterfront museum will celebrate the history of the race, its sailors and teams, as well as Portugal’s maritime heritage.

Portuguese sailor Mariana Lobato celebrates with the national flag during The Ocean Race Atlantic. Photo by Jean-Louis Carli / The Ocean Race Europe 2025

Offshore racing remains central to The Ocean Race, which will establish a permanent base in Porto.

The Ocean Race Europe fleet in action, showcasing the high-performance IMOCA yachts at the heart of the event.

Porto’s maritime heritage will provide the backdrop for The Ocean Race’s new Atlantic headquarters.

Porto will host three starts of The Ocean Race in 2030, 2034 and 2038.

Portuguese sailor Mariana Lobato celebrates on board United by the Ocean.

Race Chairman Richard Brisius said the partnership would provide a new long-term home for the event while strengthening its work in ocean racing, science and ocean health.

The move is also intended to position Porto as a European hub for offshore sailing, with infrastructure designed to attract teams, sailors and businesses connected with the ocean racing industry.

The next edition of The Ocean Race will start from Alicante, Spain, on 17 January 2027, before the new Porto program begins the following year.

theoceanrace.com

Previous article

Solely sailing

Next article

Sailing on show