The inaugural Portimão Global Ocean Race will start from Portimão, Portugal on 12 October 2008. Starting the race in Europe will make it easier for European-based competitors to compete, and it will also avoid potential problems with hurricanes if the event was to start from the east coast of the United States.

Leg 1 (Start 12 October 2008) - The first leg is a tradewind run south from Portugal skirting the Azores High until reaching the doldrums which are typically found at around 11 degrees N. Competitors will plan their strategy on where best to cross this difficult region based on the weather south of the equator and with an eye toward the first point gate, the island of Fernando de Noronha located at 3 54'S and 32 2'W. The gate will bring the fleet to the western side of the South Atlantic High allowing the competitors to run the fine line between cutting the corner and heading for Cape Town or staying in more breeze but sailing more distance. Once south of the High the skippers will get their first brief taste of the Southern Ocean as they head into South Africa in steady westerlies.

Cape Town, South Africa (Arrive approx 22 November after 41 days at sea) - The first stopover will be Cape Town, a stunning city that has hosted almost all around-the-world races since their very inception. Conveniently located at the foot of Africa, Cape Town has ample facilities for both boat and sponsor and will allow competitors to regroup before the first Southern Ocean leg to New Zealand.

Leg 2 (Start 7 December 2008) - The first Southern Ocean leg will take the competitors immediately into the deep south. The great circle course from Cape Point to the point gate at Eclipse Island dips below 50S. The point gate will keep the fleet from going too far south and should skippers need to stop for repairs, Albany, a deep water port in southern Australia is very close to Eclipse Island. Once around the island the fleet will head for Wellington either through the Cook Strait, or around Tasmania depending on the weather. 

Wellington, New Zealand (Arrive approx 18 January after 42 days at sea) - Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is  located in the Cook Strait at the foot of the North Island and is an ideal city for a mid-Southern Ocean stopover. The city is not so big that the event gets swallowed up, yet it is large enough and dynamic enough to host an international yacht race. It also has ample facilities to repair and prepare for the Cape Horn leg.

Leg 3 (Start 8 February 2009) - The second Southern Ocean leg takes the fleet around Cape Horn, a tiny island at the tip of South America that has captured the imagination of sailors for centuries. The Horn will also be a point gate for the leg. Once around the infamous Cape it's a tricky sail up the east coast of Argentina to Ilhabela, Brazil.

Ilhabela, Brazil (Arrive appprox 17 March after 40 days at sea) - Located off the coast of Brazil near the port city of Santos, Ilhabela is a stunning island, home the rich and famous, and a perfect sanctuary for the fleet after a gruelling leg from New Zealand. With 85% of the island set aside as a rain forest ecological reserve, the miles of tropical beaches and lush mountains will be a welcome respite for the sailors as they prepare for the final two legs of the race.

Leg 4 (Start 5 April 2009) -The leg from Brazil to the United States is a tactical minefield that includes trade winds, a second equator and doldrum crossing and careful negotiation of the bulge of Brazil where currents and variable winds can provide some challenging sailing. Once clear of the equatorial region it's a straight shot to the scenic seaside town of Charleston, South Carolina located on the east coast of the United States.

Charleston, United States (Arrive approx 6 May after 30 days at sea) - The penultimate stopover in the US will coincide with the Charleston Maritime Festival in May 2009. The stopover will be managed by the Executive Director of the South Carolina Maritime Heritage Foundation who also happens to be a top solo sailor. Brad Van Liew won the Class 2 of the last Around Alone aboard Tommy Hilfiger Freedom America. Along with his wife Meaghan they will manage the Portimão Global Ocean Race's visit to the United States and promise a spectacular stay in Charleston.

Leg 5 (Start 31 May 2009) - The shortest leg of the race is a transatlantic sprint back to Portimão passing through the point gate located off Pico, the highest point in Portugal that is also one of the spectacular Azores Islands.

Portimao, Portugal - Finish (Arrive approx 21 June after 21 days at sea)