Two boats have returned to Kiel after a collision moments after the start of Leg One of The Ocean Race Europe on Sunday (10 August).
Both Holcim PRB and Allagrande MAPEI Racing are back at the dock in Kiel with their shore teams working hard to assess the damage and plan repairs.
All crew are reported safe after side-to-side contact at high speed between Team Holcim PRB and Allagrande MAPEI Racing.
“I don’t have any answer. I’m sad to be back here now,” said Ambrogio Beccaria, skipper of Allagrande MAPEI Racing. “Especially because the team made a huge effort to be here and we only did one mile of the race. It’s super sad for our competitor also. We are not alone in this story… We are checking the boat. For sure we will noit drop out until there is no chance. It doesn’t seem easy but we will see.”
After safely returning with her team and boat to port in Kiel, Team Holcim PRB skipper Rosalin Kuiper said: “We had to [suspend racing] because of damage to our hull. It is very disappointing for our entire team, and for Allagrande MAPEI and for The Ocean Race as well. We are going to assess the situation, see what can happen and make a plan from there.
“At the moment we are focussed to get the boat ready, repair the boat ASAP and be on the starting line, hopefully, in Portsmouth… We will overcome this. We have a very strong team. I wish I wasn’t here now but that’s the situation. We have to repair this damage and that is what we are going to do.”
Phil Lawrence, race director for The Ocean Race Europe said: “Following a collision after the start of leg one, Team Holcim PRB and Allagrande MAPEI Racing suspended racing and returned to the dock in Kiel to assess damage and plan next steps.
“At this stage we understand both teams are hoping to rejoin the race and we should know more about this on Monday.
“As for the incident between the two boats, a formal protest has been filed by Team Holcim PRB against Allagrande MAPEI Racing and this matter will be handled by the International Jury at a time to be determined.”
Right from the start, Biotherm and Paprec Arkéa managed to pull slightly ahead. The images are striking — the boats are skimming the surface of the water, and the intensity of the battle is there for all to see. Just a few moments later the collision between Team Holcim-PRB and Allgrande MAPEI Racing occurred.
Biotherm, skippered by Paul Meilhat, skims the surface during The Ocean Race Europe 2025 start in Kiel, Germany on Sunday 10 August | Credit: Lloyd Images/The Ocean Race Europe 2025
While those two teams returned to Kiel to assess damage and begin repairs, Biotherm drew first blood to lead the IMOCA fleet to the Kiel Lighthouse scoring gate, securing the first two points of the race, with Paprec Arkéa close behind and claiming a single point.
Also noteworthy was the strong start by Canada Ocean Racing – Be Water Positive (3rd) at the scoring gate ahead of Team Malizia (4th) and Team Amaala (5th).
Now, all bows are pointed north. Ahead lie wind farms, currents, wind shadows and the passage under Denmark’s Great Belt Bridge. One thing is certain: The Ocean Race Europe has only just begun.
Earlier, the teams took part in an inspiring edition of The Sailor’s Parade, walking through an enthusiastic crowd in Ocean Live Park before shifting to the pontoon for final interviews before departure.
Conditions are expected to be intense for the first 24 hours of the race with strong winds and fast boat speed until reaching the north of Denmark before easing.
Find out how to catch all the action live via The Ocean Race website.
