The Ocean Race Returns to Cascais in 2027: What It Means for Portugal's Sailing Ambitions

Cascais will host a decisive stage of The Ocean Race in 2027, marking the prestigious round-the-world sailing regatta's return to Portuguese waters and reinforcing the coastal town's growing reputation as one of Europe's premier sailing destinations. The announcement was confirmed this week as organisers finalised the race route for the 2027 edition.

A Strategic Stop, Not Just a Spectacle

The Ocean Race, formerly known as the Volvo Ocean Race and before that the Whitbread Round the World Race, is one of sailing's most gruelling competitions. Teams spend months racing across the world's oceans, and each stopover port becomes a hub of maritime activity, tourism and international media attention. For broader context, see our practical guide to surfing in Portugal in 2026.

For Cascais, hosting a stopover is more than a sporting event. The municipality has invested heavily in its marina infrastructure, the Cascais Naval Club, and the surrounding waterfront area over the past decade. The 2027 race stop is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors during the stopover period, which typically lasts one to two weeks and features public events, exhibitions and educational programmes focused on ocean conservation.

Portugal's Sailing Ecosystem

The country's relationship with competitive sailing has deepened considerably in recent years. Lisbon hosted a stopover of The Ocean Race in its 2023 edition, and Cascais has become a regular fixture on the international sailing circuit, hosting events ranging from the GC32 Racing Tour to the Extreme Sailing Series.

Portugal's Atlantic coastline, consistent wind conditions and mild climate make it a natural base for sailing operations. Several international sailing teams now maintain training facilities along the Portuguese coast, and the country has produced increasingly competitive sailors at Olympic and World Championship level.

The government has also identified maritime tourism as a strategic growth sector. The "Mar Portugal" strategy aims to leverage the country's 1,794 kilometres of coastline and its deep historical connection to seafaring to attract high-value tourism that extends beyond the traditional beach holiday model.

Economic Impact

Previous Ocean Race stopovers in Portugal have generated significant economic returns. The 2023 Lisbon stopover was estimated to have contributed tens of millions of euros to the local economy through hospitality, retail and event-related spending. Cascais, with its proximity to Lisbon's airport and its established tourism infrastructure, is well positioned to maximise the commercial opportunity.

Local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to boat charter operators and surf schools, stand to benefit from the international attention. The race village, a temporary public space erected at each stopover, typically offers free entry and draws families, school groups and sailing enthusiasts alongside the competitive element.

Ocean Conservation Angle

The Ocean Race has increasingly positioned itself as a platform for marine science and sustainability. During the 2023 edition, race boats carried scientific equipment that collected data on ocean health, microplastics and CO2 levels along the route. The 2027 edition is expected to expand this programme, and Cascais, home to a number of marine research institutions, could play a role in the scientific component.

For Residents and Visitors

The race stopover is free to attend, making it one of the most accessible international sporting events to take place in Portugal. For expats and residents in the greater Lisbon area, it offers a rare chance to see world-class ocean racing up close without the ticket prices associated with football or motorsport events.

Exact dates for the Cascais stopover have not yet been confirmed, but The Ocean Race 2027 is expected to begin in late 2026, with European stopovers scheduled for the spring and summer months of 2027. Further details on the race route and event programming are expected in the coming months.