NEWPORT – Gov. Gina M. Raimondo and other dignitaries officially opened Race Village for the Volvo Ocean Race Stopover at Fort Adams State Park late Tuesday afternoon.
Raimondo said the Volvo’s presence here is putting Rhode Island and “especially Fort Adams State Park, on the map” as a “world-class” destination. This is first time that the Volvo, first contested in 1973-’74, is visiting Newport.
“Hosting the only North American stop for the Volvo Ocean Race is an exciting opportunity for Rhode Island to showcase to the world all that our state has to offer, from our beautiful state parks to great restaurants and small businesses,” said Raimondo.
The governor joined Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed, Sail Newport Executive Director Brad Read and others in welcoming the public to Race Village. The site is open daily for free to all ages through May 17.
“This opening culminates two long years of planning,” said Read. “We couldn’t be happier welcoming the Volvo Ocean Race to our wonderful city of Newport. Sailors around the world consider Newport one of the best destinations for its scenery, hospitality and great conditions for sailing.”
Part of the Opening Ceremony included the dedication of the new North Pier at Fort Adams. The 240-foot long concrete pier has seven rows of floating docks capable of berthing craft from dinghies to 65-foot yachts, whether sail or power.
Built over the past year and funded through the state’s annual capital improvement program, the pier will host six yachts arriving with the Volvo Ocean Race. The first boat is expected to finish Thursday. Seven sailors with strong ties to Newport and two more from the U.S. for a total of nine American sailors are participating in the race.
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