The second edition of the regatta featuring powerful IMOCA fleet will start on August 10 in Kiel and finish in the Bay of Kotor
In the country where sailing combines science, technology and elegance, The Ocean Race Europe 2025 brings a new dimension of sea competition and sails into the Adriatic Sea for the first time. On a route longer than 4,000 nautical miles, through the most renowned European waters, this event positions the Adriatic among the key points on the global nautical map.
The central stars of the race are the impressive 60 feet-long IMOCA yachts, whose design boasts both engineering precision and vision of the future. It is a class that allows construction freedom within the predefined parameters, enabling experiments with body and sail shapes, while masts and static equipment are unique for all.
What makes the IMOCA class stunningly powerful are the canting keels and the foiling technology for ‘flying’ above the water, reducing resistance and achieving amazing speeds. Under optimal conditions, these yachts can sail for more than 600 nautical miles in 24 hours.
Each yacht is managed by a four-member crew, including women and members of various nationalities, promoting the spirit of equality and international cooperation. In addition to managing yachts that literally fly on the sea surface, teams also participate in collecting valuable scientific data about sea health and climate change, using specialised on-board equipment. Through this segment, The Ocean Race Europe 2025 represents both a sports challenge and a scientific sea expedition.
Oceans and seas cover nearly 70% of our planet, producing more than a half of the world’s oxygen and feeding billions of people. They are also a crucial ally in the battle against climate change, absorbing extra heat and a significant rate of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Yet, despite that role, they are still on a margin of attention in regard to the protection from pollution and excessive exploitation.
Through the Relay4Nature initiative, in a partnership with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, The Ocean Race Europe 2025 calls for stronger care about sea ecosystems, giving voice to nature in discussions that shape sustainable future.
The race starts in the German city of Kiel on August 10 and sails by Portsmouth (United Kingdom), Matosinhos near Porto (Portugal), Cartagena (Spain), Nice (France) and Genoa (Italy), before entering the Adriatic Sea for the first time. This entry marks a milestone, as this race has never reached this part of the Mediterranean before. The final phase will take place in Boka Bay, where the beautiful city of Tivat and Porto Montenegro will host the fleet.
Each station of the race on the land turns into the Ocean Live Park, a pop-up city gathering sailing lovers, those who want to learn more about it and enthusiasts. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet crew members, tour the yachts and participate in educational and interactive programs promoting sea preservation and sustainable practices.
Under the banner of ‘Connecting Europe’, the second edition of The Ocean Race Europe 2025 is a dynamic platform for raising awareness about the importance of healthy seas, connections among communities and shared future. The host cities on the route, from the Baltic to the Mediterranean, become centres of innovation and responsible action.
Therefore, the arrival of the IMOCA fleet to the Adriatic has symbolic significance: it is a combination of tradition and advanced technology, a moment where wind, water and man reunite. And while sailing through the Adriatic Sea, this race will leave a mark not only on the map, but also in every gaze at the horizon.
Photos Ocean Race Europe
