First there was the anticipation of the Ocean Race Europe in Kiel, then came the crash shock, a hole in the hull and the repair marathon at Knierim Yachtbau. In her race blog at YACHT online, "Holcim-PRB" skipper Rosalin Kuiper reports on her happy memories of the Kiel start summit for the Ocean Race Europe, the dark moments after the start, many helping hands in Kiel and the race against time to Portsmouth.
From Rosalin Kuiper
I have very fond memories of the time in Kiel before the start of the Ocean Race Europe. The many people and the whole community in the Race Village, all the people who cheered and came to say hello. And to say that they just think the race and the team are great. I found it really uplifting and very cool, I have warm memories of Kiel because all the people made it so vibrant.
I can't comment on the collision after the start before the protest hearing. But if someone had told me before the start that something like that would happen, I wouldn't have believed it. Honestly, I wouldn't have believed it. And sometimes I still can't believe it. During the four days at Knierim Yachtbau in Kiel, I sometimes had to pinch myself and ask: Is this really happening?
Most looking forward to the start day
After such intensive preparation, after such a long build-up, after all the training, after a year and a half dedicated to this race, this start was such a big block in the diary, a milestone. I was looking forward to it the most. When people asked me beforehand what I was looking forward to most about the Ocean Race Europe, I said: the start day!
And then this happened! Unbelievable!" Rosalin Kuiper
We have after the collision reacted super well and professionally to the accident. It was very clear on board who was doing what. Communication was very clear within the entire crew. We furled the sails, we made sure that the boat was leaning to starboard so that no water got in on the port side. Then, bang, we took the mainsail down and returned to the harbour.
In the meantime, we had of course already informed the Shore crew. I spoke to our team manager Seb Col on the phone to prepare everything for the return to the dock. It was crazy, but when something like that happens, you realise how important the Shore crew is. You know that in principle, of course, but in a situation like this you see them in action in all areas.
No "nine to five" job in the Ocean Race Europe
The next morning, we started to build the mould (editor's note: for the piece of hull that was broken off and had to be rebuilt). The designers, Knierim Yachtbau and our crew helped us during the night. We put everything together. The drawings were all sent in the morning to build the necessary mould, which we had 24 hours after the crash. Then we started to build the new piece of hull.
This was a huge achievement, proving that you can achieve incredible things when all minds are thinking in the same direction. We also replaced the D0 and D2, important parts that support the mast and which were also damaged in the collision.
We don't have a "nine to five" job. That is one of the outstanding features of our industry. And that also applies to Knierim Yachtbau. So many people have helped us day and night. I think that's how you can push boundaries. It's a feeling that gives me goose bumps. And energy and a fire inside me. Everyone wants to see you racing again. That's also the special thing about offshore sailing: It's tough, but in the end there's so much respect and solidarity between the teams. That's so cool!
No egos, just hard work
I have seen people grow in all areas. They took on responsibility, they fought. That was evident throughout the team. I'm very impressed by that. I'm also very impressed by our Boat Captain Charles and our Technical Director Rebecca. She wasn't there in Kiel. But it was impressive. I was amazed at how they managed it.
The great cooperation, the compliments we also received from Knierim Yachtbau, who said, wow, there are no egos in the team, they just work hard. Nobody is there to take themselves seriously. The structure was flat. That's the biggest compliment we can get as a team. I'm very proud of that.
Some people have asked me whether I ever doubted that we would manage to repair the car in time. Of course, the thought did cross my mind shortly after the accident. I looked through this big hole from inside the boat. Water was coming in and I just thought, oh dear! We would have to see if it could be repaired. But that thought didn't get the upper hand.
"Total trust" in the technical team
I have total confidence in our technical team. I have nothing to worry about. They will always do everything in their power. When you have that feeling of the best people in your team, no doubt about it, that gives me by far the most motivation. People who are ready and can do it.
So I was able to concentrate on other things, on the big picture. I knew that this repair would be managed. Of course you're involved, but it was fully in their hands. So we could also focus on the next stage, even though we didn't know if we could really do it." Rosalin Kuiper
This accident, overcoming it and the comeback will create one hundred per cent new opportunities." Rosalin Kuiper
When I see how much the team has grown, how much we've come together these days - like a new level. We will benefit from this. Also how we work together as a team. We have become stronger. Of course, I don't want to say that it's a good thing that this has happened. But what it has done for our team and our cohesion is really good.
Ocean Race Europe: First place remains in sight
What can we achieve from now on? Of course, that also depends on the results of the hearing that will take place in Cartagena. But I can say that we will still be fighting at the highest level. We are here for the competition. That is the goal of the project. That's what we're going to do in the next stages. We will fight again and again for first place.
To the winners of the first leg: you did a really good job. Their success is not super surprising, even though a lot can always happen on the water. You have done very, very well. They have a very good boat and an excellent crew. They made it happen - well done! It's very nice to win the first leg.
Now we've also been in Portsmouth since Saturday. And I'm happy that Allagrande Mapei Racing has also made it. We arrived shortly before the start of the second stage. That feels incredible. I'm so happy to be here with the team who travelled all night to the UK to make sure the boat was ready today. This is real teamwork!
A race at sea - and on land
There is so much effort behind the scenes that you can't see from the outside, but which makes all the difference when we are on the water. That's what makes The Ocean Race Europe so extreme: it's a race at sea, but also on land. And we have shown that we can handle it. This campaign has been a rollercoaster ride so far, but one thing is clear: we are stronger than ever. And ready for what's to come.
Tatjana Pokorny
Sports reporter
