The Newport Volvo Ocean Race Village opens May 8th, 2018 – less than a month away! Come experience “the Everest of professional sailing” up close during its only North American stop, right here in Newport, RI!
The Volvo Ocean Race, held once every three years, is sailing’s toughest team challenge. It’s a 9 month, 45,000 nautical mile regatta that circles the globe. This year’s course is the longest ever, crossing four oceans and visiting six continents. The race kicked off from Alicante, Spain, in October, 2017 and is scheduled to end this June in the Netherlands.
The race includes 11 stopovers at cities around the world, including Lisbon, Melbourne, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Cardiff, and Gothenburg. Newport, RI is proud to once again be a part of this elite group, having served as a stopover previously in 2015.
The Newport Volvo Ocean Race Stopover follows the 8th leg of the race and is scheduled for May 8th through May 20th. The Newport Volvo Ocean Race Village will open on May 8th at 4pm in Fort Adams State Park. The Race Village will be open daily thereafter – 11am to 7pm weekdays, 10am to 7pm weekends – until the May 20th start to Cardiff, Wales.
During the 13 days of the Newport Stopover, the Newport Race Village will offer a variety of related attractions and events.
Fort Adams’ North Lawn will be the site for Race Village activities and an outdoor cocktail cafe. The Volvo Ocean Race fleet will be docked nearby for the curious to visit and observe. Sail Newport will offer sailing opportunities throughout the Stopover, and a variety of events including food, drink, and live entertainment are scheduled.
One of the most popular features of the 2015 Stopover returns in 2018: One Ocean Exploration Zone. The One Ocean Exploration Zone offers a variety of interactive exhibits. The exhibits focus on marine life, sailing, ocean conservation, weather, and marine technology, with an emphasis on sustainability.
There will be special opportunities throughout the Stopover to meet the racing teams, experience sailing, see the boats up close, and much more. All Newport Volvo Ocean Race related activities will be based at Fort Adams State Park. Best of all, the end of Leg 8 and start of Leg 9 race will be visible from the park!
Newport Volvo Ocean Race
May 8, 2018 – May 20, 2018
Fort Adams – 90 Fort Adams Drive, Newport, RI 02840
See the Newport Volvo Ocean Race event schedule online at www.volvooceanracenewport.com. You can also visit www.volvooceanrace.com or follow the event on Facebook.
Newport Volvo Ocean Race Lodging
Make the most of your Newport getaway with a stay at a Newport County Inn and Bed & Breakfast! You’ll find that a Newport B&B offers the kind of hospitality, service, and comfort that’ll make you hesitant to leave and eager to return. Choose from among the many locally owned and operated Newport B&B’s and let us help make your visit one of your best getaways ever.