Ocean Race 2027 To Conclude At AMAALA Destination On The Red Sea

The Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind AMAALA and The Red Sea, has announced that AMAALA will host the finish of "The Ocean Race" in 2027. This renowned sailing event, first held in 1973, is known for its challenging nature and commitment to ocean health initiatives. The race will highlight these aspects as it concludes in AMAALA, a destination celebrated for its vibrant marine life.

Located on Saudi Arabia's west coast, AMAALA is a new sports and wellness hub. It aims to integrate spaces where people and nature thrive together. RSG is committed to preserving the Red Sea's delicate ecosystems by restoring coral reefs and planting mangrove forests. By 2040, they aim for a 30% net conservation benefit at AMAALA.

The Ocean Race and RSG have been partners since 2022, focusing on ocean science and health initiatives. Their collaboration includes educational programs for youth in line with the UN Ocean Decade Challenge. This partnership aims to restore society's connection with the oceans while supporting sailors in making impactful changes.

Johan Salén, director of The Ocean Race, noted AMAALA's potential for engaging with ocean health issues. He stated, "From our work with RSG over the past three years, we have seen that AMAALA on the Red Sea is a destination with tremendous potential for significant engagement around ocean health." He emphasised raising awareness about the ocean's importance among the region's young population.

The final leg of The Ocean Race will be thrilling, taking place in the northern Red Sea with reliable sea-breeze conditions leading to AMAALA. Starting from Alicante, Spain, in January 2027, the race will navigate through various global waters before concluding at this new destination.

The race course includes up to six additional stopovers between Alicante and AMAALA. The penultimate leg ends in Port Said, Egypt, after which the fleet will transit through the Suez Canal to begin their final journey of approximately 135 nautical miles to AMAALA.

Sustainable Development Goals

RSG aims to create sustainable economic opportunities for local communities while preserving cultural heritage. They have implemented educational and vocational training programs since their inception. Graduates are placed into roles either directly or with operational partners at destinations like The Red Sea.

This hosting agreement expands on RSG's original partnership with The Ocean Race during its 2022-23 edition. It aligns perfectly with their mission of regenerative tourism by fostering a legacy of sailing and nurturing future Saudi sailors.

John Pagano, RSG chief executive, expressed enthusiasm about hosting this prestigious event: "By bringing this prestigious, purpose-led international event to Saudi shores, we are helping to secure the future health of the Red Sea and the oceans around the world while nurturing the next generation of Saudi sailors and building a sailing legacy for years to come."

The announcement follows confirmation of other events like The Ocean Race Europe and The Ocean Race Atlantic: New York to Barcelona. These races contribute towards an ongoing commitment towards ocean health initiatives alongside iconic global events such as The Ocean Race 2027.

With inputs from SPA