AMAALA, a luxury destination located in the northern part of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, has been chosen by Red Sea Global (RSG) to host the finish of the 15th edition of The Ocean Race in the summer of 2027. This marks the first time sailors participating in The Ocean Race will race on the stunning waters of the Red Sea. The Ocean Race, a challenging offshore sailing race that began in 1973, is known for testing teams’ sailing skills and its commitment to ocean health initiatives. The event will showcase the vibrant coral reefs and rich marine biodiversity of the Red Sea, highlighting the region’s importance in ocean research and conservation.
John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global, expressed excitement about hosting the Grand Finale of The Ocean Race at AMAALA, stating that the race’s commitment to ocean protection and restoration aligns perfectly with their mission to pioneer regenerative tourism. The “Triple Bay” marina at AMAALA will feature a leading marine life institute dedicated to coral science research and ocean conservation, alongside a state-of-the-art yacht club. By bringing this prestigious international event to Saudi shores, RSG aims to contribute to the future health of the Red Sea and oceans worldwide, while also nurturing the next generation of Saudi sailors and building a lasting sailing legacy.
Strategically located on Saudi Arabia’s west coast, AMAALA is a key region for ocean research, particularly focusing on coral reef resilience in the face of climate change challenges. Leading up to the 2027 race finish, The Ocean Race and RSG will collaborate on various initiatives related to ocean science, health, and educational programs for youth in the region. This collaboration is in line with the UN Ocean Decade Challenge to restore humanity’s relationship with the oceans. Johan Salén, Director of The Ocean Race, highlighted the potential for engagement around ocean health at AMAALA and emphasized the importance of raising awareness of the ocean’s critical role in regions with young populations reconnecting with their maritime heritage.
The Ocean Race 2027 will kick off from its home port in Alicante, Spain, in January 2027, with the high-tech IMOCA fleet embarking on a challenging journey through the Mediterranean, Atlantic, Southern Ocean, and around Cape Horn before returning to Europe via the Americas. The race course will include up to six additional stopovers, with the final leg leading to AMAALA covering approximately 135 nautical miles after a transit through the Suez Canal. The Ocean Race aims to engage with communities along the route and emphasize the importance of ocean health through various initiatives and educational programs.
AMAALA’s design emphasizes meaningful interactions between people and nature while prioritizing the protection and restoration of fragile ecosystems in the Red Sea. With a focus on coral reef restoration and the establishment of new mangrove forests, RSG aims to achieve a 30% net conservation benefit at AMAALA by 2040. This commitment to conservation and sustainability aligns with The Ocean Race’s emphasis on ocean health initiatives and its mission to raise awareness about the critical importance of preserving marine ecosystems. The announcement of AMAALA as the finish venue for the 2027 race follows the unveiling of the race route for The Ocean Race Europe and the introduction of a new event, The Ocean Race Atlantic: New York to Barcelona, signaling a new era of continuous engagement and events focused on ocean health and sustainability.
