The Ocean Race will return to Itajaí, Brazil during the 2027 and 2031 around the world races
by The Ocean Race 17 Jun 02:03 AEST
April 2027
The Ocean Race 2022-23 - 23 April 2023. Start of Leg 4 in Itajaí. Team Holcim - PRB and Team Malizia © Sailing Energy / The Ocean Race
The Ocean Race confirms Itajaí, in Santa Catarina state, in Brazil will once again host the world's most iconic around-the-world yacht race in April, 2027 and again in 2031, in a two-edition hosting partnership.
Known for its enthusiastic fans who welcome the sailors and teams after weeks of racing through the challenging conditions of the Southern Ocean, Itajaí is always a welcome stop on the race calendar. This will mark the fifth time the race has been in Itajaí and the 11th visit to Brazilian shores.
A legacy of fan support and spectacular sailing
Itajaí first joined the global sailing stage in the 2011-12 edition of The Ocean Race, becoming the race's sole South American stopover that year. The city welcomed the fleet again in 2014-15 and 2017-18, and most recently hosted the 2022-23 edition, making 2027 its fifth consecutive appearance on the race route.
Together, these stopovers have attracted over one-million race fans, confirming Itajaí as a premiere destination for The Ocean Race and its teams, sailors and stakeholders.
A sustainable city and event
Itajaí has long championed sustainability by hosting large-scale events while minimising environmental impact. With the support of The Ocean Race's award-winning Racing for the Ocean programme, the city eliminated over 300,000 single-use plastics during the stopover during the 2023 edition of the Race and continues to apply these sustainable practices to other local events. In 2018, Itajaí became Brazil's first city to join the United Nations #CleanSeas campaign, committing to reducing ocean plastic pollution. The Ocean Race will continue to work with local grassroots NGOs and other organisations to move policy forward.
Another legacy from prior editions of The Ocean Race is a donated fleet of small training boats which has evolved into a sailing school enabling young children to learn to sail and importantly get closer to nature and the sea. Each time the Race returns there is a visit to the sailing school for new activities and adventures.
The 2027 stopover will highlight these ongoing initiatives, showcasing a sustainable Ocean Live Park race village, along with education programmes for school children that promote ocean literacy and a passion for ocean health.
The best sailors on the fastest offshore foiling boats
The 2027 edition of The Ocean Race will again feature the flying, foiling IMOCA yachts with their technical innovations and record-breaking speeds. The cutting-edge IMOCAs push the limits of offshore design, technology, and engineering and in the hands of the world's best sailors, create an unforgettable race experience.
"Itajaí is always a very welcome stopover for The Ocean Race and our sailors, not least because it usually comes after the longest leg at sea," said Johan Salen, Director of The Ocean Race. "The passion the people in Itajaí have for the Race and the leadership the team in Itajaí has demonstrated in sustainable event excellence makes it a natural fit for a fifth consecutive stopover."
Beyond the Ocean Live Park race village, Itajaí always welcomes The Ocean Race with its rich cultural tapestry, spectacular beaches and inspired local gastronomy along with a genuine connection to the ocean.
"The Ocean Race in Itajaí is confirmed for 2027 and 2031. This is a partnership between this great event and the governments of Itajaí and the state of Santa Catarina. The City of Itajaí welcomes the visit and support of The Ocean Race team this week and now planning begins now to make this the biggest edition of The Ocean Race that Itajaí has ever had," said Robison Coelho, Mayor of Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
"Here at The Ocean Race, we are truly happy to be coming back to Itajaí for a fifth consecutive visit and we look forward to working with Mayor Coelho and his team to ensure this is the best stopover yet!" concluded The Ocean Race's Salen.