The Ocean Race is named an Event of Exceptional Public Interest ahead of the 2027 start in Alicante

The Ocean Race 2027 has been recognised as an Event of Exceptional Public Interest in Spain.

The importance of this designation goes beyond formal recognition: in practice, it places the start of The Ocean Race from Alicante (Alicante Puerto de Salida de la vuelta al mundo a vela 2027) within the most favourable tax framework for attracting investment. Companies participating in the approved plans will be able to benefit from significant incentives and deductions against their expenditure.

This framework is has been a proven strategic opportunity for companies such as MAPFRE, Telefónica and Camper - in previous editions all were able to take advantage of the combination of the commercial power of the race along with the tax benefits offered by its designation as an Event of Exceptional Public Interest. The current recognition once again opens that same opportunity for companies wishing to collaborate in this new edition.

The fiscal support comes on top of demonstrated track record of impact. According to an independent study carried out by consultancy PwC, the start of the 2022–23 edition generated €71.6 million in economic impact on Spanish GDP. The event created more than 1,200 full-time equivalent jobs and attracted more than 300,000 visitors to the Ocean Live Park, the race's public hub in the days leading up to the start. The winning team of the last edition, 11th Hour Racing, reported that the event had generated over $99 million USD in benefits for its partners.

According to Richard Brisius, Race Chairman of The Ocean Race, recognition as an Event of Exceptional Public Interest highlights the teamwork carried out by the event organisation, the Alicante City Council, the Valencian Regional Government and the Spanish Government.

"This is excellent news for everyone and turns the Alicante start into a strategic opportunity at both public and private level. For companies, it opens a path for collaboration with significant tax advantages in terms of investment, sponsorship and partnership. For the city and the Valencian Community, it reinforces the capacity to capitalise on the international reach of a race that has called Alicante home since 2008. And for The Ocean Race, it consolidates its position as a global sporting event with a genuine ability to generate economic returns, a halo-effect of association with a compelling and engagement event, and impact through ocean health initiatives."

The Ocean Race is positioned as a leading global platform for sustainability and ocean health, with impact across science, education and ocean advocacy.

The Ocean Race 2027 will depart from Alicante on 17 January 2027. The build up to the start, from 8 to 17 January, ffeatures an engaging programme of activities for all audiences at Ocean Live Park, the free-entry race village where visitors can get close to the race, the sailors and the teams and learn about ocean health and science.

The first leg of The Ocean Race 2027 will mark a milestone by connecting Alicante with Auckland (New Zealand) over 14,000 nautical miles (approximately 26,000 kilometres), the longest opening leg in the race's 53-year history. From Auckland, the fleet will head towards Itajaí (Brazil) and St. Pete-Clearwater (Florida, United States), before crossing the Atlantic to Cascais (Portugal) and heading through the Mediterranean towards the grand finale in AMAALA (on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia).