NEWPORT – The Race Village at Fort Adams State Park has welcomed more than 40,000 visitors in the opening week of the Volvo Ocean Race stopover event, Sail Newport and Volvo Ocean Race announced Tuesday.
The 13-day event includes activities ranging from the family-friendly Kid’s Zone to evening concerts featuring local bands leading up to Newport in-port race.
“Newport is a special stopover for the sailors because it is such a sailing-oriented town,” stated Susan Maffei-Plowden, the director of the stopover. “Three years ago, the number of race fans floored the sailors with attention and knowledge of the sport. We’re off to a similar start this year and invite everyone to visit the Race Village. With so much going on, there’s something to capture everyone’s attention.”
Guests of all ages can enjoy the interactive exhibits at the One Ocean Exploration Zone, and experience front row action to the race through the Ocean Race Club’s outdoor terrace. Visitors can also interact with the boats’ skippers at the Dock Out Show prior to the in-port race.
The activities will conclude on May 20 when the Volvo Ocean Race begins its Leg 9 passage, a 3,300-mile race from the Atlantic Ocean to Cardiff, Wales.
A full list of events in the Race Village can be found at the Volvo Ocean Race website.
Haley Hunt is a PBN contributing writer.
