Less than a month before its arrival in Matosinhos, Europe’s largest sailing competition has unveiled the programme for its highly anticipated Fly-By, scheduled for August 19 and 20.
The 2025 edition of the regatta sets off from Kiel, Germany, promising to connect Europe from north to south, from the Baltic Sea to the Bay of Boka, in Montenegro, navigating through the English Channel, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean, under the theme “Connecting Europe”.
Matosinhos will host one of the competition’s landmark moments: a Fly-By that extends beyond the sporting dimension to include cultural, scientific, and family-oriented activities.
CIIMAR will be present throughout various moments of the event, with a programme dedicated to Ocean literacy, including Ocean Talks, games and educational activities, and scientific exhibitions at the Sea and Science Pavilion (Cruise Terminal).
The programme launch event was attended by Ana Paula Mucha, from CIIMAR’s board of directors, Inês Abreu, representing The Ocean Race, Cláudia Soutinho, board member of APDL, Luís Pedro Martins, president of Porto and Northern Portugal Tourism Board, Carlos Abade, president of Turismo de Portugal, and Luísa Salgueiro, mayor of Matosinhos.
Programme
AUGUST 19
- 18h00 – Official Opening of the Ocean Live Park
- Fun Park: Ferris wheel, inflatables, bungee trampolines, among others
- Street Food & Wine Affairs: Street food stands with local flavours, wines from the Wine Routes and Wine Tourism of Porto and the North, and an open-air lounge
- Sea and Science Pavilion: Interactive scientific exhibitions curated by CIIMAR
- 19h30–21h15 – DJ Set at Ocean Live Park
- 22h00 – Multimedia Show “Guardians of the Ocean: A Nocturnal Odyssey”
- 23h00 – Closing of Activities
AUGUST 20
Afternoon – The arrival of the Ocean Race Europe 2025 sailing boats will be celebrated with public engagement activities and on-site entertainment.
- 10h00–19h00 – Ocean Live Park
- 10h00 – Opening of Fun Park and Street Food Area
- 12h00 – Opening of the Wine Affairs Area with tastings and wine-related experiences
- Ocean Talks: Discussions with CIIMAR researchers, The Ocean Race participants, and representatives from the Mirpuri Foundation
- Educational Games and Family Activities: Hands-on sessions and creative activities focused on ocean literacy and engaging learning experiences
- Movie Lounge: Short films and documentaries with themes in marine biology and ocean conservation
- Sailing Try-outs: Free public sailing initiation experiences and other nautical activities
- 19h30 – M80 DJ Sunset Party
- 22h30 – Official Closing of the Event
Throughout both days, along the Matosinhos beach:
- 18h00–20h00 – Learn to ride a bike, skate, play beach volleyball, chess, and beach tennis
20h00–22h00 – “Get Moving” Zumba class
To facilitate access to the event, a shuttle service will be available, connecting key locations in Matosinhos to the Cruise Terminal.
MEDIA ACTIONS
AUGUST 20
- 09h00 to 18h00 – Media and Guest Lounge: Reserved areas for interviews and invited guests.
- 09h00 to 12h00 – Live Radio Broadcast: Special morning edition of Rádio M80, broadcast live from the event venue.
- Morning and Afternoon – National Media Coverage: Broadcasts throughout the day by CNN, TVI, and V+, highlighting the event’s key moments and public participation.
AUGUST 18–21
- International Press Trip
- Press visit with journalists from Spain, France, the UK, and Italy to explore the nautical tourism offerings of the Porto and Northern Portugal region.
Learn more about The Ocean Race Europe 2025
