Volvo Ocean Race makes Stopover in Newport, RI

The 130,000 sailing spectators who passed through Newport’s Race Village in 2015 were certainly pleased to see the calendar of events for this year’s stopover. This year will deliver the same amount of excitement and fun that we have come to expect! Combining a trip to watch world class sailing and experience the beauty of our “City By the Sea” is the perfect kick off to Spring. Uniquely, this event combines sport and education in a way that is captivating for all ages. 

Sailing on! What to do, What to do?

Furthermore, will you have time to do it all? The Race Village set up in Fort Adams for the Volvo Ocean Race has something for everyone. Although there is a fee to park your car May 17-20th, there are no additional fees to enter the village.

Interactive exhibits set up by 11th Hour Racing highlight ocean sustainability, the excitement of marine science and sailing recreation. The idea of the Clean Ocean Pledge is reinforced to inspire all of us to save our oceans. After all, what is Newport without the Narragansett Bay?  Sail Newport, a local organization, is running a “Try Sailing” program to help everyone learn the ropes.

There is a 65ft replica of the boats these sailors travel on around the world to help us gain perspective on life at sea in tight quarters. After checking out the boatyard to gain knowledge of the work that goes into preparing a boat for a trans-Atlantic race, you can visit the Heineken beer tent, Mount Gay Rum Cafe, or Whispering Angel garden to top off the day. 

How do we get there?

As mentioned above, there is no entrance fee to the Race Village. If you arrive in a Volvo, the cost of your parking fee will be covered by Viti Automotive Group. The rest of us are out of luck! Parking during the week is $10 per day, and $20 per day on the weekend. There are numerous bike racks provided free of charge if you’re up to the challenge of jumping on the bikes we have here at the Marshall Slocum Inn, just be sure to bring a lock!

The water taxi service from Newport Harbor to Fort Adams has additional boats in service for this 13 day event. The cost is $12 round trip and a schedule can be found here, Oldport Marine Services. 

In-Port Race Day

One of the most exciting events of the stopover will take place on Saturday, May 19th. There are options to watch the race from Fort Adams, the Ocean Race Club, or even to jump aboard the Spectator Boat. Check out the official site here for more information. Wherever you choose to enjoy the race, we hope you take the opportunity to experience this event. It is surely one of the more educational events we see here in Newport, riddled with some good old salty fun!