Genova

Genova will be the finish of the next edition of The Ocean Race in 2023, marking the first time the fully crewed, around the world yacht race will come to Italy. The historic maritime city was also the host of The Ocean Race Europe finish in June 2021.

The selection of Italy’s top maritime city opens the event to a new audience in one of the most passionate sailing centres in Europe.

Since before the time of Christopher Columbus, Genova, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site and Italy’s sixth largest city, has been considered one of the most important maritime centres in Europe, and continues to be the yachting capital of Italy as well as being designated as the European Capital of Sports in 2024. Genova is also considered as the Italian capital of the Blue Economy.

The city boasts Europe’s largest aquarium in Porto Antico, designed by local star architect Renzo Piano, who also rejuvenated Genova’s old port area; over a hundred 16th and 17th glittering palaces and amazing shops and historic eateries that serve the region’s delicious food.

Italy has long had a close relationship with The Ocean Race, which began as the Whitbread Race Around the World in 1973 with three Italian flagged entries on the starting line. Over the years, 11 Italian teams and over 130 Italian sailors have competed in the event.