The Alicante City Council has officially joined the inter-administrative committee tasked with overseeing the activities related to The Ocean Race, which will set sail from the Alicante port for the sixth time on 17 January 2027. This decision was made in collaboration with the Spanish government and the Generalitat Valenciana, the regional government of Valencia.
Antonio Peral, the city councillor, stated that the regatta is considered the greatest oceanic challenge, transforming Alicante into the world capital of sailing and nautical sports. The council approved the agreement for the creation of the ‘Alicante Port of Departure for The Ocean Race 2027’ inter-administrative committee during a meeting on Tuesday.
This committee will include representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Higher Sports Council, the Port Authority, the Society of Projects for Digital Transformation, and the Valencian Community Foundation ‘Alicante Port of Departure for The Ocean Race’. The central government declared The Ocean Race as an event of exceptional public interest through a decree issued on 26 May, which allows for maximum legal tax benefits for companies collaborating with the event and establishes a support programme running from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2028.
The agreement does not require any financial contributions or costs from the Alicante City Council and is set to remain in effect until 31 December 2029. The committee will be responsible for approving plans and activities to support the event, ensuring the appropriateness of expenses, and monitoring the agreement's implementation.
Mayor Luis Barcala has appointed Antonio Peral as the council's representative on the committee, with Manuel Villar, the sports councillor, as the alternate. Peral highlighted that the city's participation reflects its commitment to promoting sports and enhancing Alicante's tourism profile, particularly as it prepares to host an international competition.
He added that the collaboration among the signing entities will facilitate institutional coordination to ensure the successful execution of the event and the associated activities, as well as attract private contributions through legal tax incentives. The agreement notes that The Ocean Race, departing from Alicante, is regarded as the most significant event in ocean sailing, alongside the Olympic Games and the America's Cup. Since its inaugural year in 1973, the race has been held periodically every three to four years.
The departure and celebration of the event will take place at the Port of Alicante in January 2027, with the Race Village expected to be open for 10 to 12 days, featuring coastal races, sailing schools, and other competitions, alongside a programme for corporate guests, media activations, institutional activities, and public events, including forums and congresses.
