Visit St. Pete-Clearwater Partners with the Mac Race Ahead of The Ocean Race 2027
The Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust and Visit St. Pete-Clearwater are teaming up to connect the world’s largest annual offshore race with the only North American stopover of the toughest global challenge in sailing: The Ocean Race 2027.
Through this sponsorship, Visit St. Pete-Clearwater will engage sailors, fans, and supporters of “The Mac”, one of North America’s most iconic offshore races, to join St. Pete-Clearwater in welcoming The Ocean Race to the Gulf Coast for the first time, May 4–16, 2027.
“We are delighted to partner with Chicago Yacht Club and one of the most iconic offshore races in the U.S. as we prepare to welcome the world to St. Pete-Clearwater to experience The Ocean Race 2027,” said Steve Grimes, chief marketing officer for Visit St. Pete-Clearwater.
“Everyone can expect a memorable stopover experience for The Ocean Race, which becomes a fantastic addition to our portfolio of major festivals and sporting events. Visitors will experience our unique combination of 35 miles of award-winning white sand beaches and the vibrant culture that St. Pete-Clearwater has to offer.”
“Offshore sailing has a way of bringing people and places together, and this sponsorship is a great example of that,” said Kevin Foote, Race Chairman of the 2026 Race to Mackinac. “The Ocean Race has a legendary reputation among competitive sailors, and we’re excited to help connect our community with Visit St. Pete-Clearwater as they host The Ocean Race’s only North American stopover to the Gulf Coast in 2027.”
The Race to Mackinac is one of North America’s most iconic offshore races, drawing hundreds of boats and thousands of sailors each year for the 333-mile challenge from Chicago to Mackinac Island.
As a first-time host city, St. Pete-Clearwater is thrilled to welcome sailing fans to The Ocean Race. From welcoming the yachts as they arrive from Brazil to dock walks to see the 60-foot foiling IMOCAs to The Ocean Live Park race village with free activities for guests to enjoy, including cultural programming, live entertainment and interactive exhibits focused on ocean health, science and sustainability, the 12-day stopover promises to have something for everyone.
Chart your course for this legendary race and stay for the vibrant culture, delicious food, and gorgeous white-sand beaches.