Status: 10.08.2025 10:10 p.m.
The Ocean Race Europe started with a drama only minutes after the start in Kiel. Holcim – PrB and the Italian team Allagrand Mapei Racing collided. Boris Herrmann’s team Malizia was last at the start, but quickly picked up speed.
Both the Swiss boat of skipper Rosalin Kuiper, which is badly damaged on the fuselage and Allagrand Mapei Racing from Skipper Ambrogio Beccaria, returned to Kiel Hafen under motor. The organizers said that all crew members are well, but the frustration sits deep.
Disappointment with Kuiper and Beccaria
“I wish I wasn’t here now, but that’s the situation. This is very disappointing for our entire team, for Allagrand Mapei and also for The Ocean Race,” said Kuiper. The Italian Beccaria was also “sad after the involuntary return. Especially because the team made great efforts to be here.”
The yacht had only reached the last minute in Kiel on Thursday because it had to be repaired in Lorient shortly before after damage from a previous regatta.
NDR sail expert Kröger: “Lost control”
At Holcim, holes in the side wall were visible where an interpreter of the mast had pushed into them like a dagger. At the Italian racing yacht, both the front gel and the large sail of the Holcim-Foil have been torn down and torn down.
“It was a truly dramatic start. It looks like Holcim lost control of the boat. The keel was not completely fully worked to LUV, the sails that were chosen were perhaps a bit too big for the wind,” said NDR sailing expert Tim Kröger. “Holcim has lost control, has been turned into the wind and Allagrand Mapei came nailed from behind and drove into it.”
Holcim – PrB is protesting against Mapei
What about the question of guilt? “As it is at the moment, Allagrand Mapei would have been subject to evasive. But they probably couldn’t react so quickly and didn’t see it,” said the Admiral’s Cup winner from Hamburg. A protest committee must clarify the question of guilt.
Video:
NDR sail expert Tim Kröger about the start of the start of the Ocean Race (2 min)
“This matter will be treated by the international jury at a time to be determined,” said race director Phil Lawrence on Sunday evening. Holcim – PRB had taken a protest.
Tens of thousands when interpreting in Kiel
Previously, the seven boats were enthusiastically adopted by tens of thousands of fans in Ocean Live Park. And the conditions with a blue sky, smooth lake and wind strengths of 15 to 18 knots were also perfect.
“It was quite incredible all week. Kiel showed his best side,” said Boris Herrmann, before he went on board the fans on board the Malizia – Seaexplorer. For the six -time circumnavigator from Hamburg, it is the last regatta with his boat before it takes over the new owner Francesca Clapcich, which is part of the Malizia team at Ocean Race Europe.
Malizia only last, but then catch up
After the start, the boats quickly got into the foil – Herrmann with the Malizia, who was the last IMoca crossed the finish line, but then quickly picked up and catch up. The native Oldenburger usually relies on a rather defensive strategy at the start. “One of the greatest dangers is a collision on the starting line,” he said in advance.
“Boris is known for his rather defensive type of sailing. He also has the goal of arriving at every regatta. He does that too. Yes, he started a bit of behavior, but he has certainly got away and may have done everything right.”
Susann Beucke
The five remaining yachts continued the race after the crash at undiminished speeds. The first two bonus points received the fastest boat less than ten minutes after the start of Paul Meilhats French Biotherm at the first scoring goal at the Kiel lighthouse. As the second fastest boot Paprec Arkéa, a counter also received a counter from France. Herrmann’s team Malizia was in fourth place one hour after the start.
Return to the race in Portsmouth?
For Kuiper, in 2023 at the Ocean Race around the world co-skipper in the Malizia team, as well as Beccaria was already history at the time. It is unclear whether Holcim – PRB and Mapei can intervene again from the second section after the bitterly two minutes after the start. The damage is massive, time is scarce. Bitter for the Dutchman at her premiere as a skipper in a large IMOCA race. She is also the only skipper among the seven participants.
“At the moment we are focusing on making the boat ready, repairing it as quickly as possible and hopefully starting in Portsmouth,” said the 30-year-old and gave himself combative: “We will do it. We have a very strong team.” Holcim was shortly after arriving in Kiel on the way to the shipyard.
Even Beccaria emphasized: “We will definitely not give up as long as there is still a chance. We check the boat. It doesn’t seem to be easy, but we’ll see.” The Malizia team offered both support.
“For the teams it is now a race with time. The start of the second stage is already in a week. The boats have to be repaired and brought there, they are now really accelerating on land,” said the Olympic second Susann Beucke. Basically, nothing has yet been decided: “There are still so many points, everything can still happen.”
Arrival in Portsmouth Wednesday or Thursday
The first stage leads the fleet over 850 nautical miles to Portsmouth (England). For the first 24 hours, intensive conditions are predicted with strong wind and high boat speed. The yachts are expected on Wednesday evening or Thursday evening at the finish of the first of a total of five stages. The winner then gets seven points. The goal is Boka Bay in Montenegro in six weeks.
Herrmann, who will pause on the second stage, relies on Co-Skipper Will Harris, Cole Brauer and Justine Mettraux on board. Presiner reporter is flore Hartout. “I accompany me about all doubts,” said the Hamburger.
