"The Ocean Race Genova The Grand Finale" is officially open

The official opening ceremony of "The Ocean Race Genova The Grand Finale" took place on Sunday afternoon in front of a big audience. The raising of the flag was accompanied by a fanfare from the band of the Italian Navy in the presence of the Mayor of Genova Marco Bucci and many other dignitaries of the Ligurian region. “We are witnessing the finish of the longest and most challenging yacht race in the world, about to conclude in Italy for the first time in its history,” said Mayor Bucci.

“Today we are proud to welcome the crews with a great party that will involve everyone, not just sailing enthusiasts. With our pavilion travelling to every stopover and representing the city of Genova we have reached over 1,500,000 people. And now this week we are happy to host The Ocean Race here, a prestigious event for a maritime city, a city which has such a strong history and connection with sailing.”

Two fleets of boats will be completing their races here this week, with the VO65 fleet completing the third and final stage of the VO65 Sprint.

And the IMOCA fleet complete their circumnavigation - a grueling 32,700 nautical mile race around the world that has tested the resilience and fortitude of the sailors and teams with immense challenges. To complete this race in Genova will be a fitting Grand Finale.

Speaking in Italian, Richard Brisius, president of The Ocean Race, commented: “We can't wait to welcome our sailors and teams as they finish what has been an extraordinary edition of The Ocearn Race.

"And sustainability has been a central goal of this project and the Genova Process is a truly high ambition that will lead us to the draft of the Declaration of Ocean Rights to be presented to the United Nations. Genova is the heart of this round-the-world regatta and it is the right city for us to celebrate 50 years of this race with an extraordinary Legends Regatta here this week.”