The Ocean Race Europe 2025: The summer of racing
by The Ocean Race 22 Sep 2025 05:30 AEST
21 September 2025
Coastal Race of The Ocean Race Europe in Boka Bay, Montenegro on September 20 © Vincent Curutchet / The Ocean Race Europe 2025
This Saturday, after a fiercely contested final race, the second edition of The Ocean Race Europe came to a close. It was a seven-week adventure from Germany to Montenegro, full of twists and turns, resilience, and raw emotion.
Biotherm (1st) delivered a masterclass, Paprec Arkéa (2nd) a lesson in consistency, Holcim-PRB (3rd) and Allagrande Mapei Racing (5th) a story of resilience. But above all, friendships were forged and lasting memories created, with seven teams and nearly 50 sailors, Racing for the Ocean.
The sailors could have claimed as their own the words of Hans Christian Andersen: "To travel is to live"; or Charles Lindbergh: "Adventure is in every breath of wind."
For the sailors and teams in The Ocean Race Europe have experienced a true adventure, a seven week odyssey around Europe, from the Baltic to the Adriatic, packed with unforgettable moments and emotions.
Even before the start, there was the excitement of discovery to come: new seas, new routes, new places, new atmospheres. The sailors spoke of the pleasure of "going to destinations we don't often visit" (Yoann Richomme), the joy of "changing routines" (Alan Roura) and the thrill of "racing in the Adriatic" (Paul Meilhat).
This unique European tour, a successor to the Course de l'Europe launched by Jacques Delors, carried deep meaning. For Ambrogio Beccaria, "Linking these countries together is a powerful symbol, even more so today. Offshore racing has the strength to connect nations and bring people closer together."
Holcim-PRB and Allagrande Mapei Racing: A story of resilience
Across the summer, the seven teams delivered a gripping drama with plenty of plot twists. The start in Kiel set the tone when Holcim-PRB and Allagrande Mapei Racing collided in the opening minutes. What followed was an incredible race against time as both teams fought to return to competition just a week later in Portsmouth. Out of adversity, new bonds were formed.
"We showed great cohesion and grew together," said Rosalin Kuiper, while Ambrogio Beccaria highlighted "the incredible support of the whole team and our partners" during that difficult moment.
Both skippers joked that it felt "like we left months ago" (Rosalin) or "as if the race lasted five years" (Ambrogio). Their comeback was an achievement in itself, but they went further, proving highly competitive. Allagrande Mapei Racing won the race into their home waters in Genova, while Holcim-PRB finished second in two legs, finishing in Cartagena and Boka Bay. Both teams pushed beyond their limits, showing that rediscovering confidence can be as valuable as victory itself.
Biotherm: Days of glory
In front of the huge crowds in Kiel, with a vocal passion for offshore racing, the first signs of Biotherm's dominance appeared. Paul Meilhat's team led through the first scoring gate there — the first of five out of six they would go on to win. With five leg victories and consistently sharp sailing, Biotherm delivered a flawless performance.
"Phenomenal" (Thomas Ruyant), "a cut above," "a magnificent race" (Boris Herrmann), "a masterclass" (Corentin Horeau) — their rivals were quick to praise them.
This success was the result of three years of work, building a tight-knit group on land and at sea after finishing third in The Ocean Race 2022-23. It was powered by a strong collective spirit instilled by Paul Meilhat. Within the team, the words resonate: "You're trusted straight away, so you trust in return" (Benjamin Ferré), and "We are becoming great friends" (Amélie Grassi). The sense of camaraderie was as valuable as the trophies.
A constant battle
On board, crews had to stick together, working as one with teammates and boats to endure the challenge. From the young Swiss sailors with Team Amaala, to the squad assembled in just weeks around Scott Shawyer (Canada Ocean Racing - Be Water Positive), to Team Malizia's international mix of seven nationalities, and the powerful Paprec Arkéa line-up, every team pushed to the limit.
The long summer days felt far away offshore, where shifting winds tested nerves, the Mediterranean defied forecasts, and skippers endured everything from calms to choppy seas, lightning storms, and squalls.
Yet there was also wonder. The sailors passed under the Great Belt Bridge in Denmark, around the Needles off the Isle of Wight at sunset, woke one morning off Ouessant and another near Corsica. They sped downwind through the Strait of Gibraltar and finished under the dramatic cliffs of Boka Bay. It was Europe in all its glory - Europe from the water, captured by the OBRs' drones - an epic backdrop for a story that will live long in memory and in hearts.
A Prime Minister says goodbye
The Prime Minister of Montenegro, Milojko Spajic, attended the closing ceremony and presented The Ocean Race trophy to the winner.
"We have shown that Montenegro belongs among the most developed countries of the European Union, and through this event we were part of a selected group alongside Germany, England, France, Portugal, Spain, and Italy. We are delighted to have hosted the final act of this year's edition of one of the most prestigious sailing races, held under the motto 'Uniting Europe'! Our country has confirmed that, beyond its natural beauty, it also has the knowledge and capability to host a top-level event followed worldwide. The Government of Montenegro supported this event expecting multiple benefits, especially for our tourism sector. The large number of tourists who visited our country during the regatta confirms that we are on the right path toward achieving our strategic goal - extending the tourist season," said Prime Minister Spajic.
Next steps:
The Ocean Race Atlantic, connecting New York to Barcelona in September 2026, is the next race on The Ocean Race calendar ahead of the around the world race starting from Alicante, Spain in January 2027.
The Ocean Race Europe overall leaderboard:
1. Biotherm - 55 points
2. Paprec Arkéa - 40 points
3. Team Holcim-PRB - 38.5 points
4. Team Malizia - 27 points
5. Allagrande Mapei Racing - 26 points
6. Be Water Positive - 18 points
7. Team Amaala - 9 points