USF to host stopover for the iconic Ocean Race

Dyllan Furness, College of Marine Science

In just over a year, the University of South Florida will welcome a fleet of offshore sailing yachts to its campus in downtown St. Petersburg, as teams of extreme athletes sprint around the world for The Ocean Race 2027. The newly announced St. Pete-Clearwater stopover brings this iconic sailing race to the Gulf Coast for the first time.

From May 4-16, 2027, the fleet of monohull vessels will be berthed at the seawall of the USF College of Marine Science, where the community will have the opportunity to explore the state-of-the-art boats, learn about their equipment, and meet crew members and race organizers.

"We're super excited to welcome The Ocean Race teams to our waterfront campus in downtown St. Petersburg, and to introduce our community to this incredible event," said Tom Frazer, dean of the USF College of Marine Science. "Advancements in science, technology, and ocean education will be on full display. This partnership with The Ocean Race is a natural fit for the college and the University of South Florida more broadly."

The sailing teams will arrive in St. Petersburg's Bayboro Harbor from Itajai, Brazil for a 12-day stopover before their journey across the Atlantic. During that time, USF St. Petersburg will welcome community members to campus, while the St. Petersburg Yacht Club will anchor The Ocean Race festivities, which will include team boat viewings and dock walks; sailing and ocean-themed exhibits; ocean science programming; and sustainability and ocean conservation showcases.

From world-class marine research to a nationally ranked women's sailing team, USF has long been a leader in both the science and sport of the ocean, making this partnership well-suited for The Ocean Race.

"This partnership is a tremendous opportunity to further showcase USF as a leader in marine and environmental sciences, and our city as one of the best places in the nation to learn and conduct research in these fields," said Thomas Smith, interim regional chancellor of USF St. Petersburg. "We also take pride in serving our community as a dynamic hub for engagement and education."

More than just an elite sport, The Ocean Race is an investment in marine science and education. Participating boats are outfitted with sensors that gather data about the ocean, including temperature, salinity, and environmental DNA, helping researchers study the far reaches of the marine environment.

Working with scientists, policymakers, and educators worldwide, the race promotes ocean science, literacy, and action on marine protection. Through partnerships with research institutions such as USF, the St. Petersburg stopover will help highlight the importance of protecting ocean ecosystems and advancing scientific understanding of the seas.

"This event is a strong reflection of our shared commitment to ocean science, education, and greater public understanding of the marine environment," said Michael Kahle, director of the Florida Institute of Oceanography at USF. "We look forward to working with The Ocean Race team and local partners to ensure a successful and engaging stopover event."

The transatlantic leg of the Ocean Race 2027 will connect two of the world's most celebrated sailing destinations - St. Pete-Clearwater and Cascais, Portugal - across 4,500 nautical miles of open Atlantic Ocean.

The stopover in St. Pete-Clearwater is the result of a combined effort by many in the community including the City of St. Petersburg, Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, the St. Pete Yacht Club, St. Petersburg Innovation District, and others.

"The Ocean Race coming to the St. Pete Innovation District is a powerful match," said Alison Barlow, CEO of the St. Petersburg Innovation District. "This is a place where ocean science, maritime innovation, and technology converge, and where the ideas shaping the future of our oceans are being developed every day. It is the perfect place to highlight a race of this caliber and its commitment to innovation and the marine environment."

Read more about The Ocean Race 2027 at the organization's website.