The Ocean Race to Return to Auckland

The City of Sails will roll out the welcome mat once again, marking the race’s 11th visit to New Zealand waters – just one year shy of a golden jubilee of Kiwi-infused offshore history.

Auckland and The Ocean Race (formerly the Whitbread) go together like wind and water. From Sir Peter Blake’s dominance to Grant Dalton’s era-defining campaigns, from Blair Tuke and Peter Burling’s modern-day exploits to Daryl Wislang’s two-time triumphs, the race and this city share a bond forged in saltwater and stories of survival.

Race Chairman Richard Brisius put it simply: “Auckland embodies the spirit of human endeavour and resilience that defines this competition.” And with the New Zealand Government backing the stopover with a $4 million investment, it’s clear the Kiwis see this as more than just another yacht race – it’s a national event.

The 2027 Auckland stopover will be much more than just a refueling station for battle-worn offshore warriors. The race’s Ocean Live Park will transform the Viaduct Harbour into a two-week festival of sailing, sustainability, and high-performance spectacle, with the foiling IMOCAs taking center stage. Expect a free and inclusive experience, where fans can get up close to these engineering marvels and their crews before they vanish southward towards the ice-strewn wastelands of the Southern Ocean.

This isn’t just about big boats and even bigger egos. The stopover will also be a platform to push ocean health initiatives, tying into New Zealand’s longstanding commitment to marine conservation. The Ocean Race Learning Programme will hit schools nationwide, fostering the next generation’s love for the sea while contributing to the UN’s Ocean Decade Challenge 10.

Let’s not forget the racing. Auckland, now confirmed as the exclusive Southern Ocean stopover, will be a critical waypoint in this edition of The Ocean Race. The 2027 route starts in Alicante, Spain, before carving its way across the globe, eventually finishing in Amaala, Red Sea, early that summer. Other stopovers will be announced soon, but for now, Auckland sits as a key tactical battleground on the road to offshore immortality.

For Mayor Wayne Brown, this is more than just another big event for Auckland. It’s a chance for Kiwis to see world-class sailing at its finest, a rare moment where the public can get a glimpse into the life of sailors who spend weeks battling the planet’s most unforgiving oceans.

“The City of Sails is in for a treat,” Brown said. “Spectators will get a close look at these fantastic boats, and the economic boost is a win/win.”

For offshore racing fans, this is a homecoming worth celebrating. The Ocean Race belongs in Auckland – and in 2027, it’s coming home.