The Ocean Race Europe 2025 Sails Into the Adriatic Sea for the First Time

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 started 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.

Leg 1 Kiel to Portsmouth

Biotherm Wins, Malizia’s Gamble Pays

The Ocean Race Europe 2025 opened in Kiel, where sailors, teams, stakeholders and fans gathered in Ocean Live Park to enjoy festivities and high-speed exhibition runs on the waters of the Kiel Canal. Large crowds lined the waterfront for the opening days, as the race returned to Kiel after a Fly-By in 2023 and the memorable finish in 2002.

From Kiel, the course to Portsmouth took the fleet through the Baltic and the North Sea, with crews facing busy shipping lanes, extensive wind farms and strong currents. The seven teams set off in a westerly breeze but soon encountered transition zones and shifting winds that promised a hard-fought contest to the English south coast.

Biotherm and Paprec Arkéa pulled ahead early, skimming the water at speed, before drama struck when Team Holcim-PRB and Allgrande MAPEI Racing collided. Both returned to Kiel for damage assessment and repairs. At the front, Biotherm reached the Kiel Lighthouse scoring gate first to take two points, with Paprec Arkéa in second for one point.

From there, Biotherm consolidated their lead. Paul Meilhat’s crew managed squalls and an added 60-mile loop off Bembridge before finishing first off the Isle of Wight, collecting maximum points and a perfect start to the race.

The fight for second was decided near Dover, where Team Malizia made a bold inshore move to overhaul Paprec Arkéa. Boris Herrmann’s crew secured second place, leaving Paprec in third. Canada Ocean Racing finished fourth and Team Amaala fifth.

After 850 miles, Biotherm leads the standings with nine points, ahead of Malizia and Paprec Arkéa on six each. The race now continues with four remaining legs, covering 3,650 miles around Europe.