This “historic” first arrival of The Ocean Race in Italy will transform Genoa into the sailing capital of the world. Starting last 15 January from Alicante (Spain), the most extraordinary and toughest regatta around the world will arrive in the capital of Liguria at the end of June with the “Grand Finale”.
The countdown has already begun. From 24 June to 2 July the new Waterfront di Levante, designed by Renzo Piano, will be transformed into the Ocean Live Park, the village of The Ocean Race with numerous events and activities open to all sailing enthusiasts and more. Sport, food, music and sustainability will be the stars of a nine-day programme of events. Admission to the village will be free of charge.
Expectations are high for the arrival of the 14th edition of The Ocean Race scheduled for 24-25 June. Then there will be two Pro-Ams on 28 and 29 June and the “In Port Race” on 1 July. The novelty, however, is “The Ocean Race Legends 50th Anniversary Regatta”, an event designed to celebrate 50 years of the competition with the presence of boats and sailors who have written historic pages of the round-the-world race.
An extraordinary opportunity for Genoa to promote its excellence worldwide and in the name of sustainability. On 27 June, at the Magazzini del Cotone, the last Ocean Summit will be held with experts on oceans and environment of international standing for the closing of the “Genova Process”, a pathway that aims to write the first draft of the Charter of Ocean Rights to be presented to the UN.
A great celebration for Genoa, inside and outside the village, with important events that will animate the days of The Ocean Race attracting many visitors from all over Italy and abroad. The Waterfront di Levante will host the boats taking part in the regatta. Enthusiasts and the curious alike will be able to admire the protagonists of the round-the-world race as well as numerous historic boats that have participated in this most legendary regatta over the past 50 years. Among the “special” attendees is the Palinuro, the Italian Navy’s “schooner ship”. This will serve as an additional attraction. The public will be able to climb aboard and admire a jewel that is loved the world over.
Those who like sailing, but also those who would be interested in getting closer to this discipline, will find a range of activities at the Italian Sailing Federation area in the Jean Nouvel Pavilion. From the Foil Academy to the ParaSailing Academy, the Primazona Committee will bring all the excitement of sailing to life both on board the simulators and with sea trips on the numerous boats available. There will be “Shipwrights” with fascinating demonstrations of how to build a boat. The 222 Mini Solo for the Mini 650 class will also be launched from Genoa, the first step in Italy for the creation of an Academy that will bring new potential ocean navigators closer together. Also worth admiring is the Sestri LevanteLeudo vessel, one of only two remaining seaworthy examples in the entire Mediterranean, and a large flotilla of gozzicornigiotti and lance a vela boats
Not just sailing. The Ocean Live Park will feature numerous sports disciplines, all to be tried out. A small appetiser of what will be an extraordinary 2024 with Genoa chosen to be European Capital of Sport.
There is also a full programme of initiatives and events on land: from the athletes’ parade to the various award ceremonies culminating on 1 July with the Awards Night. On the stage in the village will be a variety of performances and activities for all tastes. There will be the ETT-designed Immersive Chamber that is delighting visitors to the world stages where Genoa has been in attendance with its Pavilion. The public will be able to admire the Sustainability Pavilion. The One Blue Voice Immersive Experience, produced in collaboration with 11th Hour Racing, will take visitors on a journey beneath the waves to discover the race that protects the ocean. Combining video, audio and hologram, visitors will gain a new perspective on the ocean by meeting some of its unsung heroes. At Ocean Live Park there will also be educational workshops for children aged 6 to 16, designed to help them understand the issues affecting the sea and inspire them to join the movement to protect and restore the seas. Thanks to the work developed in the region of Liguria, within the Learning Programme, children from the summer centres of the Municipality of Genoa will be involved in numerous activities. Two mascots will welcome the little ones: Wisdom, the seagull of The Ocean Race, and Seawolf, symbol of Genoa The Grand Finale. Following the Call for Innovation promoted by the Genoa City Council and Blue District, a space will be set up in the Jean Nouvel Pavilion where visitors can learn about and see the best “inventions” awarded by the initiative. An Innovation Pavilion in which to preview projects that will play a leading role in processes related to sustainability and protection of the oceans.
The Ocean Live Park will also host the final of the “World Pesto Championship” which has been warmly received in each of the city stages of The Ocean Race. The winners from Alicante, Cape Town, Itajaí, Newport, Aarhus and The Hague will meet in Genoa for a hotly contested event conceived by Roberto Panizza.
The Ocean Live Park will offer events and activities for all ages: concerts, entertainment, shows, workshops, introductory sailing courses, gaming and eSports activities, exhibitions, parades and much more. You will be able to discover what it is like to live aboard an ocean racing boat and also learn about the hard work behind the preparation of such an event. It will also be possible to sign One Blue Voice’s petition for the protection of the Oceans.
A unique occasion for Genoa, which will be dressed up to create a “scattered village”. There will also be numerous fringe events accompanying the Ocean Live Park throughout the city.
The Ocean Race “Genova The Grand Finale” enjoys the sponsorship of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, the Italian Navy, Enit, Coni, Ussi. The Ministry of Tourism, Liguria Region, Genoa Chamber of Commerce, Genoa Port Authority, Genoa Old Port, Blue District and Federvela constitute the institutional partners. Whereas Iren, FreetoX, Boero Yacht Coating, Banca Passadore, Amico, Esselunga, Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane, Esaote, Rina, Ett, Fastweb and Telepass are the commercial partners.