The Ocean Race 2027: Auckland waterfront to transform into three-week sailing festival in February and March

Auckland's iconic waterfront is set to be transformed into a global sailing festival in February and March 2027, as The Ocean Race revealed exciting partnerships and key details of the Southern Ocean stopover, marking the return of the City of Sails to the race route for the first time since 2018.

At a media launch held in the city's Viaduct Harbour on Monday afternoon, organisers celebrated Auckland’s long-standing relationship with the world's most prestigious and demanding fully-crewed, around-the-world sailing event with the unveiling of a special 50th anniversary logo, commemorating half a century since the city first hosted the race.

The fleet is expected to arrive in Auckland on 20 and 21 February 2027, ahead of a Coastal Race showcasing the city on 6 March and Pro-Am racing on 11 March, before departing for the second leg of the race on 14 March.

Speaking at the launch against the backdrop of the iconic Steinlager 2, The Ocean Race Chair Richard Brisius reflected on the deep history between Auckland and the race.

"Auckland and The Ocean Race share a bond that stretches back five decades, to the very first time the Whitbread fleet raced through the Southern Ocean before sailing into the Hauraki Gulf. The City of Sails has welcomed the race 10 times, and every time the fleet arrives here, you feel it: this is a place that genuinely understands what offshore sailing demands, and what it means," Brisius said.

"Today is particularly special. To be here with Steinlager 2, the boat that Sir Peter Blake and his crew sailed to one of the most extraordinary clean sweeps in the history of our race, is a reminder of just how deeply our stories run together – over 50 years of iconic New Zealanders leading the way in designing, building and racing legendary boats around the world."

Skippered by Blake, Steinlager 2 famously won all six legs of the 1989-90 Whitbread Round the World Race, a feat that is widely regarded as one of the most dominant performances in offshore sailing history.

"Now we are excited to see what the next chapter brings for New Zealand," Brisius said. "The Ocean Race is the embodiment of Kiwi values: adventure, discovery, teamwork, technology, and a deep, profound connection to the ocean. We look forward to welcoming a new generation into The Ocean Race, and continuing the story together."

Auckland will host the event for the 11th time, marking the culmination of the longest opening leg in the race’s history, with teams sailing more than 14,000 nautical miles from Alicante, through the Atlantic Ocean, around Cape Horn and across the Southern Ocean before arriving in New Zealand.

The 2027 edition will be the first in which the entire fleet sails foiling IMOCA boats — 60-foot high-performance ocean racing monohulls capable of speeds exceeding 30 knots.

Auckland will host the longest opening leg in the race’s history next year. Photos / The Ocean Race

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said the Government was delighted to partner with The Ocean Race.

"The Government is proud to support The Ocean Race through the Major Events Fund. It’s a fantastic event that combines international profile, sustained economic activity and global attention. We look forward to the race arrival in 2027 and to sharing this moment with audiences around the world," Upston said.

At the centre of the waterfront festival between 20 February and 14 March 2027 will be The Ocean Live Park, a free, open-access precinct running throughout the stopover. The Viaduct Harbour will be transformed into a global sailing destination, bringing the public closer than ever to teams, technology and life at sea.

"Auckland Council is proud to support the return of this iconic event," said Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown. "The Ocean Race is a big part of our story as the City of Sails, and it’s exactly the kind of world-class event we want more of in Auckland. It’ll bring real energy to our waterfront, draw global attention, and deliver strong benefits for our economy and communities, while celebrating our connection to sailing and the ocean. This will also provide a boost to Auckland’s marine industry, as well as showcasing to the world the wonderful work they do."

A partnership with the Sir Peter Blake Trust (BLAKE) was also revealed, confirming it as the official charity partner of The Ocean Race New Zealand. The collaboration will support environmental leadership initiatives, inspire young ocean guardians and continue Blake’s legacy of ocean advocacy.

"Sir Peter Blake is an icon of The Ocean Race, and his time spent competing in the event helped inspire him to become a champion for the health of the ocean. The Ocean Race is committed to using its platform to raise awareness of critical issues such as ocean health and climate change, and as such BLAKE is proud to be the official charity partner of the Auckland stopover," said BLAKE Chief Executive James Gibson.

The City of Sails will benefit from sustained economic activity and global attention during the stopover. Photos / The Ocean Race

A new three-part documentary series titled Hell or High Water was also revealed as part of a partnership with SKY New Zealand, supported by NZ On Air. It tells the story of Blake and his all-Kiwi crew who reshaped global sailing, while charting 50 years of The Ocean Race from its Whitbread origins through to the modern era of IMOCA racing. The series will be produced by Kevin & Co.

"We’re thrilled to be partnering with Sky New Zealand and NZ on Air to share this remarkable story and bring an extraordinary event to life — one that will connect fans with these incredible boats, the race itself, and celebrate New Zealand’s proud legacy in The Ocean Race," said William Thomas, Managing Director of 18k Sports, The Ocean Race New Zealand's official event delivery partner.