Top 5 things to do at the Volvo Ocean Race Newport Stopover!

Pictured above, the Globe theater that travels to all of the Volvo Ocean Race Stopovers – where many of the best activities will take place. Photo credit: Jesus Renado/ Volvo Ocean Race

The Volvo Ocean Race boats are almost to Newport, RI and the village opens on May 8th! Get ready to plan your visit to the Race Village with our top 5 things to do at the Volvo Ocean Race Newport Stopover.

1. Visit the Vestas 11th Hour Racing Exploration Zone, located in the team base. While visiting you can: grind like a sailor, stand on top of a wind turbine, and explore the deep ocean – plus there’s always a chance you’ll run into one of the crew members. Watch the video below to learn more about the adventure that awaits!

2. Love learning about the ocean? Then don’t miss the One Ocean Exploration Zone, presented by 11th Hour Racing, inside Fort Adams. This interactive space will offer hands-on learning opportunities for children and adults alike about how the ocean connects us all by providing multiple services to our living environment. From food to weather patterns, the oxygen we breathe, and of course recreation, you’ll learn why the ocean is essential to our daily lives. 27 exhibitors have come together to create this fantastic exhibit that’s not to be missed. Join us for the official opening on Saturday, May 12th at 11 am.

3. Visit the White Shark Café with our “Ship to Shore” with R/V Falkor! The White Shark is among the most iconic predators in the ocean. But for all their public exposure, the lives of white sharks remain shrouded in mystery. Our colleagues at Schmidt Ocean Institute are currently making their way to the middle of the Pacific Ocean with Dr. Barbara Block, researchers from Monterey Bay Aquarium, and two Saildrones. On Saturday, May 12th we’ll connect with the ship to find out how their research is going, and what’ they’ve learned so far!

4. Visit the Globe theater! You’ll get to watch incredible, heart-pounding films that show you what life is like onboard a Volvo Ocean 65. Don’t miss the unique feature on plastic pollution to hear from the sailors what they’ve seen out at sea, and how you can make a difference for this global problem.

5. The sailing! For the best view, there’s no better place to be than Fort Adams when racing commences. The fleet will take to the water on Saturday, May 19th for the in-port race, and Sunday 20th for the race start to Cardiff, UK. And of course, you can try your hand at sailing with Sail Newport’s Try Sailing initiative running every day.

Bonus! newportFILM will be showing a selection of short documentaries about the ocean, including our very own “Lionfish: From Predator to Plate.” Schedule and location details will be available at the Race Village.

The Volvo Ocean Race Newport Stopover officially opens at 4 pm on Tuesday, May 8th. For the full schedule and race village hours visit: https://www.volvooceanracenewport.com/events-schedule