Newport Nabs Volvo Ocean Race Host Bid from Baltimore

It appears that the 2015 Volvo Ocean Race will make a stop in Newport after all.

The Baltimore Sun reported that for a short period of time, Baltimore expected to host the only U.S. stopover for the race. Race organizers reportedly sent a letter congratulating Baltimore on being the host city, and then days later, unexpectedly gave the hosting bid to Newport.

The switch occurred due to a failed request from Volvo officials to move the Preakness Stakes, which is scheduled for the week of May 11, 2015, the article goes on the say.

Read the full story here.

The race could bring considerable economic impact for Newport as well as Rhode Island.

According to RIEDC, a recent report showed the America’s Cup World Series races at Fort Adams last summer brought in $38.2 million for Rhode Island businesses, 345 jobs with an income of $12 million and $2.5 million in general state tax revenue.

The event also attracted 65,000 visitors to the fort.

Follow Middletown Patch on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for our daily newsletter