Ocean Race Europe: "We're not in the SailGP" - Crash drama for two teams

The Ocean Race Europe started with a double shock. After days of bliss in Kiel, the Swiss team Holcim-PRB, skippered by Rosalin Kuiper (Netherlands), and the Italian team Allagrande Mapei Racing, skippered by Ambrogio Beccaria, collided in the second minute after the start of the European race in Strande Bay.

Ocean Race Europe: rammed and perforated

In winds of around 20 knots, and even 25 knots in gusts, it seemed as if "Holcim-PRB" had "slipped" as a leeward boat. The Imoca luffed, while "Allagrande Mapei" ran aground from behind, could no longer take evasive action and collided with "Holcim-PRB". In the process, "Allagrande Mapei" rammed its deck moulding into the hull of "Holcim-PRB". Almost simultaneously, the tip of "Holcim-PRB's" foil perforated the code zero of the Italian boat, on which the mainsail was also damaged in the aftermath.

Both boats were so badly damaged that they - first the Italians and then the Swiss - had to return to the starting harbour in Kiel. The sailors were uninjured in this start drama.

We are not sailing. We're back in the harbour. I'm very, very sad." Ambrogio Beccaria

Ambrogio Beccaria said in the harbour that his team had made great efforts to reach the starting line of the Ocean Race Europe. "Now we've only managed one mile of the regatta," said the Milanese, who lives in France, in Kiel. He continued: "It's also very sad for our competitors. We are not alone in this situation..."

How severe is the consequential damage?

Ambrogio Beccaria reported on his team's next steps: "We are checking the boat. We will definitely not give up as long as there is still a chance. It won't be easy, but we'll see." Damage to the starboard outrigger and the upper shrouds of the Imoca in particular could cause problems. Ambrogio Beccaria described this as "probable".

The starting line was very short. That is very dangerous. We are not at the SailGP. We need a lot more space. The nearby spectator boats were dangerous." Ambrogio Beccaria

Holcim PRB skipper Rosalin Kuiper and her team were also faced with dreams of a strong start to the Ocean Race Europe on Sunday evening in Kiel. Like the Italian team, she did not initially go into detail about the origin and course of the crash situation.

Rosalin Kuiper said: "We had to abandon the race due to damage to the hull. This is very disappointing for our entire team, for Allagrande Mapei and also for The Ocean Race Europe." Race Director Phil Lawrence commented on the crash on Sunday evening: "As a result of the collision after the start of the first leg, Team Holcim-PRB and Allagrande Mapei Racing suspended the race and returned to the dock in Kiel to assess the damage and plan further action."

Ocean Race Europe: first protest submitted

Phil Lawrence explained: "At this stage, our understanding is that both teams are hoping to resume racing. We expect to know more about this on Monday. Regarding the incident between the two boats, a protest has been lodged by Team Holcim-PRB against Allagrande Mapei Racing. This matter will be dealt with by the International Jury at a date to be determined."

Calm and collected, Rosalin Kuiper, whose crew and the Italian team were repeatedly cheered on by the Kiel fans on site, gave a brief overview of the situation in the evening on the Blücherbrücke: "We will assess the situation, see what can happen and then make a plan. At the moment, we are focussing on getting the boat ready to start again, repairing it as quickly as possible and hopefully racing in Portsmouth..."

Kuiper encouraged herself, her crew and all her supporters, saying: "We will make it. We have a very strong team. I wish I wasn't here right now, but that's the situation. We have to repair this damage and that's what we're going to do."

Straight into the night shift at Knierim Yachtbau

"Holcim-PRB" was already travelling with a pilot towards Knierim Yachtbau at Kieler Uferstraße 100 before 7 pm. The plan is to repair the vessel as quickly as possible. The "Holcim-PRB" could then be brought to Portsmouth by the shortest water route and ideally start the second leg from the UK via Porto to Cartagena on 17 August. None of this is certain, but the opportunity is there.

The five remaining yachts continued the race at undiminished speeds. The first two bonus points went to Paul Meilhat's French "Biotherm" at the Kiel lighthouse as the fastest boat less than ten minutes after the start. The second fastest boat, "Paprec Arkéa" (France), was awarded one point.

Both are among the favourites in the Ocean Race Europe. Like "Malizia - Seaexplorer", the two French Imocas were travelling with their J2 "workhorses", which are easier to control in the gusty conditions. Boris Herrmann's Malizia team had worked their way up to third place five hours after the start on Sunday evening.

The "blatant crash" in the sports programme

The Canadian team Be Water Positive and Alan Roura's team Amaala followed on the now opened stage. In the evening there was still a little attention the tracking and the intermediate resultswhich do not yet function one hundred per cent reliably, but should do so in the near future.

The start video with the collision between Team Holcim-PRB and Allagrande Mapei: