Volvo Ocean Race from Ryan Jacobson on Vimeo.

The world’s toughest ocean sailing race has made its way to Rhode Island for a 13 day pit stop. When all is said and done, the 9-12 person crews on each of the seven yachts, will have traveled nearly 40,000 miles, over the course of nearly ten months.

Newport, Rhode Island had the privilege to host the only pit stop in the United States. During the 13 days, from May 5 to May 13, over 125,000 people made their way to Fort Adams State Park to take part in the festivities.

“We are just blown away by the final visitor number,” said Brad Read, executive director of Sail Newport.

Attendees were able to meet with the skippers, sailors, and crew members. On certain days, some lucky fans were even able to take a ride on one of the yachts.

There was no shortage of things to do at the Volvo Ocean Race. Aside from the sailors and yachts, Fort Adams State Park was transformed into a sailing fans paradise. Interactive exhibits, such as the Volvo Bus, and the Volvo Park Assist Pilot Activity, were big hits. There was even a Volvo Kids Pedal activity for the younger sailing fans.

After snapping pictures of the yachts, many adults headed over to the rock climbing wall, zip line, the Heineken Docks Beer Garden, or Mt. Gay Rum Bar, as they were popular destinations on the island.

Live entertainment from stars from NBC’s The Voice, included Rhode Island’s own Sarah Potenza, and local Massachusetts native, Anita Antoinette.

The Volvo Ocean Race is currently heading across the Atlantic Ocean to their next stop, in Lisbon, Portugal. It is projected that the yachts will take ten days to arrive in Lisbon between May 23 and May 27, before reaching the finish line in late June in Gothenburg, Sweden.

For more information on the race, visit www.volveoceanrace.com