The Ocean Race Europe Leg 1 Day 2: Paul Meilhat in control ahead of first big tactical test
by The Ocean Race 12 Aug 01:44 AEST
11 August 2025
Paul Meilhat's Biotherm has turned pre-race promise into early dominance, leading The Ocean Race Europe into the North Sea after a clean, controlled first 24 hours.
From the moment the fleet left Kiel, Paul Meilhat's Biotherm have looked every inch the contenders they were tipped to be. A month of preparation in northern Europe has translated into sharp execution on the water, putting them at the head of the IMOCA fleet as Leg One moves from tight coastal racing into the first big tactical choices.
The French team's intent was clear within the opening miles. They were first through the Kiel Lighthouse scoring gate, banking two points and setting the tone for the first night. Since then, they have kept fellow French team Paprec Arkéa close but behind, pushing hard through a physically demanding coastal course.
"The start was super intense, and we definitely burned a lot of energy," said Paprec Arkéa skipper Yoann Richomme, who has been locked in pursuit since the starting gun fired. For Biotherm trimmer Amélie Grassi, the first night was relentless. "With the coastline so close, heavy traffic, small buoys and the wind being pretty unstable, we got very little rest. For a long time, all four of us were in the cockpit working!"
Short naps in the middle of the night were all the respite available, with constant adjustments to course and sail trim necessary to keep the boat going fast. "We got off to a great start, with good sensations right from the beginning," Amélie said. "We had a clear plan for onboard organisation and sail trim to make sure we were fast. So far, it's gone without a hitch."
That plan has carried them cleanly through the opening stage, but the character of the race is about to change. Since rounding Skagen and the northern tip of Denmark, the fleet has been short-tacking into a 15-20 knot westerly - bumpy, noisy, wet work that demands all hands on deck. The breeze is expected to peak before easing overnight, a shift that will open the door to the next phase.
For the navigators, the first 24 hours have been relatively straightforward, with narrow corridors, obvious marks, and little room for divergence. The exit into the North Sea will be different.
With more space to work and a forecast for lighter winds tomorrow morning, early decisions could make or break the leg. Do Biotherm hold a conservative line to cover the nearest threat, or gamble on a different lane and risk being passed?
If the French team is the first to commit, they will be betting on the fleet following. If they split, they face the challenge of defending against multiple threats on different tracks. Covering one boat is easy; covering four with different plans is impossible. In the predicted light air, a gain of just a few knots of breeze can turn into a decisive jump. For Paprec Arkéa and Malizia, and the rest of the chasing pack, a shift in weather like this is a chance to reset the board.
"It was pretty lively back there, so we can be happy we got away cleanly," said Malizia co-skipper Will Harris. "A problem with our furling drum at the start cost us those scoring points, which is frustrating because we'd been feeling fast all afternoon. Right now we're in third and feeling good."
Even as the front-runners eye the strategy ahead, the fleet's thoughts are with Holcim PRB and Allagrande MAPEI Racing, the two boats forced back to Kiel after a dramatic side-to-side collision just minutes into the leg. Both teams are assessing damage and planning repairs, with the stated aim of rejoining as soon as possible. "It was a blow to morale; it's tough to lose two competitors like that," Amélie said. "We all hope they'll find a way to get back in the race."
On Monday afternoon, the teams issued a joint statement:
Following the incident at the start of The Ocean Race in Kiel on 10 August, Team Holcim-PRB and Allagrande Mapei Racing continue to focus fully on assessing the damage to their boats respectively in the shipyard Knierim Yachtbau and in the race village in Kiel.
Both teams extend their sincere gratitude to all their inspiring team members, who have demonstrated resilience, excellent teamwork, and deep commitment.
Formal protests have been put forward by both Team Holcim-PRB and Allagrande MAPEI Racing. These cases will be investigated and evaluated by an International Jury at a time yet to be determined. We will continue to update you as soon as we have more news.
Most importantly, both crews are safe and unharmed. A big thank you to all other teams for offering their help to both our teams!
Currently, just 40 nautical miles separates the five IMOCAs on the race course, with Canada's Be Water Positive and Team AMAALA trying to hold on to the leading trio. The question now is whether Biotherm can hold their advantage when the confines of the Danish coast give way to the open choices of the North Sea.
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