From Kiel to Boka Bay, the 2025 Ocean Race Europe charts a spectacular course across Europe’s coastal waters and open seas. Having launched on August 10 from Germany, the race spans 5 offshore legs and five iconic stopovers, including Portsmouth, Cartagena, Nice, Genoa, and the grand finale in Montenegro.
This year’s fleet comprises seven IMOCA 60 foiling yachts, helmed by an elite roster of sailors that includes six previous winners of The Ocean Race—ensuring fierce competition from the very start. Notable contenders include Paul Meilhat on Biotherm, Boris Herrmann with Team Malizia, Yoann Richomme aboard Paprec Arkéa, Ambrogio Beccaria of Allagrande Mapei Racing, Rosalin Kuiper on Holcim‑PRB, and Canada Ocean Racing – Be Water Positive led by Scott Shawyer.
Leg 1 launched from Kiel to Portsmouth (approx. 850 nautical miles), where Biotherm, skippered by Meilhat, delivered a commanding performance—winning the leg and securing full bonus points at the Kiel scoring gate. Team Malizia, driven by Herrmann, executed a daring coastal strategy to overtake Paprec Arkéa, pushing them to the runners‑up spot. Meanwhile, Canada Ocean Racing and Team AMAALA rounded out the top five.
In Leg 2, the fleet embarked from Portsmouth to Cartagena, covering a grueling 1,400 nautical miles, with a technical “fly‑by” at Matosinhos‑Porto. Biotherm continued to shine—storming through the “Needles” scoring gate for extra points. Paprec Arkéa and a resilient Team Holcim‑PRB, who’d just rejoined after a collision in Leg 1, followed closely.
Offshore drama aside, the stopover in Cartagena from August 23–26 should generate a festival atmosphere—open‑air Ocean Live Park, cultural celebrations, environmental workshops, and a “Fan Day” offering public access to boats and crews.
Why It Matters
- High-stakes rivalry: With past winners like Meilhat, Herrmann, and Richomme racing side by side, expect nail-biting matchups.
- Diverse challenges: From fast transitions and scoring gates to a fly-by stopover and shifting seas—from Baltic to Mediterranean.
- Spectacle ashore: Cartagena’s turnout underscores the race’s dual appeal—sporting excellence and public engagement.
As the Ocean Race Europe advances toward its Mediterranean chapters and epic conclusion in Boka Bay, every nautical mile and point earns heightened weight. This isn’t just an offshore race—it’s Europe’s water-bound odyssey.
