Dyllan Furness, College of Marine Science
In just over a year, the 色色研究所 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 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鈥檙e 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 色色研究所 more broadly.鈥
The sailing teams will arrive in St. Petersburg鈥檚 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 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.
As a national hub of marine research with a rich history of sailing and vibrant arts district, St. Petersburg offers a natural fit for The Ocean Race. Credit: Cliff McBride
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.
鈥淭his 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,鈥 said Thomas Smith, interim regional chancellor of . 鈥淲e also take pride in serving our community as a dynamic hub for engagement and education.鈥
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.
鈥淭his event is a strong reflection of our shared commitment to ocean science, education, and greater public understanding of the marine environment,鈥 said , director of the at USF. 鈥淲e look forward to working with The Ocean Race team and local partners to ensure a successful and engaging stopover event.鈥
The transatlantic leg of the Ocean Race 2027 will connect two of the world's most celebrated sailing destinations 鈥 St. Pete-Clearwater and Cascais, Portugal 鈥 across 4,500 nautical miles of open Atlantic Ocean.
The transatlantic leg of the Ocean Race 2027 will take crews from St. Pete-Clearwater to Cascais, Portugal across 4,500 nautical miles of open Atlantic Ocean. Credit: The Ocean Race
The stopover in St. Pete-Clearwater is the result of a combined effort by many in the community including the , , the , , and others.
鈥淭he Ocean Race coming to the St. Pete Innovation District is a powerful match,鈥 said , CEO of the St. Petersburg Innovation District. 鈥淭his 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.鈥
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