Newport Dates Confirmed for Volvo Ocean Race 2017-18

When the next Volvo Ocean Race begins in the fall of 2017, the teams will compete on an around the world course that will include Newport, RI, from May 8 to 20 in 2018.

The Newport stopover in 2015 was a remarkable success as the race’s only North American stop and the City-by-the-Sea was quickly re-selected as a host port for the next edition. Key dates in 2018 include the public race village opening on May 8.

Sail Newport Executive Director Brad Read, says “Newport hosted the most successful North American stopover in the race’s history and Rhode Island will be ready again with an enthusiastic family-friendly public festival and celebration in May 2018.”

The boats are expected to arrive in Rhode Island between May 8 and 10. The in-port racing will take place May 17-19 and the leg departure is scheduled for May 20.

When the fleet leaves Newport, their 2,900-nautical mile transatlantic crossing will take them to Cardiff, returning the race to the United Kingdom after a 12 year absence. The race will visit Cardiff from May 25 to June 10.

Other stopovers already announced for the 2017-18 edition include Alicante (Spain), Cape Town (South Africa), Auckland (New Zealand), Lisbon (Portugal) and Gothenburg (Sweden). Current route: http://www.volvooceanrace.com/en/route.html