Riyadh, October 27, 2024 — Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind Saudi Arabia's
visionary regenerative tourism destinations AMAALA and The Red Sea, announced today that AMAALA will host the finish line of the 15th edition of The Ocean Race in 2027. This milestone event will bring one of the world’s premier offshore sailing competitions to the Kingdom, highlighting Saudi Arabia's commitment to both sport and ocean conservation.
Since its inception in 1973, The Ocean Race has been recognized as the ultimate test of endurance for teams in the sport, often referred to as the toughest offshore sailing challenge. The race has also gained international recognition for its commitment to ocean health and sustainable practices. With AMAALA’s waters teeming with vibrant coral reefs and marine life, the destination will serve as a fitting venue for this celebrated event.
"Sailing has long been a part of life on the Red Sea. Hosting the finale of The Ocean Race brings a unique opportunity to showcase the beauty and resilience of our waters while promoting our commitment to ocean conservation,” said RSG CEO John Pagano. He added that The Ocean Race's dedication to protecting the seas aligns with AMAALA’s mission of fostering regenerative tourism, which aims to safeguard natural environments while offering unique travel experiences.
Key elements of the race’s finale will take place at AMAALA’s Triple Bay marina, which will include Corallium, an advanced marine life institute dedicated to coral research, alongside a four-story yacht club that will serve as a focal point for the event. This state-of-the-art facility underscores RSG’s efforts to promote ocean conservation through immersive visitor experiences, education, and hands-on involvement in research initiatives.
Scheduled to begin in January 2027 from Alicante, Spain, the race will see cutting-edge IMOCA yachts embark on a multi-continent journey through the Atlantic, Southern Ocean, and Mediterranean. After rounding Cape Horn and making stops across the Americas and Europe, the penultimate leg will end in Port Said, Egypt. The fleet will then transit the Suez Canal into the Red Sea, where they will set off on the final 135-nautical-mile leg to the finish line at AMAALA. Dates for all stops, including the final leg, will be confirmed in the coming months.
RSG and The Ocean Race have collaborated since 2022 to promote ocean health and sustainability, an effort that will continue in the lead-up to 2027. They are working on ocean science initiatives, youth education, and ocean literacy programs in line with the UN Ocean Decade Challenge, aiming to inspire a new generation of Saudi sailors and environmental stewards. "AMAALA has the potential to drive significant awareness around ocean health, especially among Saudi Arabia’s young population who are deeply connected to their maritime heritage,” said The Ocean Race Director Johan Salén at the announcement ceremony.
Further reflecting its commitment to the environment, RSG aims to achieve a 30% net conservation benefit at AMAALA by 2040, undertaking projects such as coral reef restoration, mangrove forest creation, and sustainable economic opportunities for local communities. AMAALA’s hosting agreement builds on the Regenerative Project Partnership between RSG and The Ocean Race, which began in the 2022-23 race edition, highlighting a shared mission to improve ocean health worldwide.
As The Ocean Race expands into an “always on” event series, additional global events are being established, including The Ocean Race Europe and The Ocean Race Atlantic, reinforcing a year-round commitment to ocean health initiatives.
