Ocean Race Europe: Roura announces seventh team for the Ocean Race Europe

Alan Roura and his team Amaala don't have much time left until the start of the Ocean Race Europe on 10 August off Kiel. But even if their entry for the European race came late, the Swiss and his team-mates have been preparing their ambitious project behind the scenes for some time. Now, with their campaign, they are expanding the fleet for the Ocean Race Europe to seven Imocas.

Ocean Race Europe: new era for Roura

Alan Roura himself happily commented on the last-minute coup for the Ocean Race Europe: "We have been working for a long time towards launching a campaign to be able to compete in the TOR Europe. It is always a significant moment for any team to win a title sponsor and to start with their full support. I am very proud to be the skipper for Team Amaala today, with whom we can convey shared values such as design and innovation, competition, teamwork and our commitment to ocean health and regeneration."

"This is the beginning of a new story, an incredible adventure, and we don't have a minute to lose." Alan Roura

Alan Roura explained the schedule: "Our boat is currently being repainted in the colours of Amaala. We are putting together our crew, preparing training sessions and organising the logistics. It's an exciting phase for us. When our racing boat rolls out of the hall for the first time and sees the light of day, a new era will begin."

It's great that Alan Roura and his team are taking part. We are delighted!" Boris Herrmann

The boat that will then roll out of the hall in Lorient is the old "Hugo Boss" from 2019, which Alan Roura steered to the finish line in 18th place as "Hublot" in the most recent Vendée Globe. The Imoca is currently receiving her new Amaala dress and will then immediately enter the already hot preparation phase for the Ocean Race Europe. "We firmly believe in this project, which strengthens our brand and gives us international visibility," said John Pagano about the new partnership with the team led by the Swiss skipper.

Travel destination as a partner for the offshore project

John Pagano is Group CEO of Red Sea Global, the developer behind Amaala. He explained the motivation behind the project: "As Red Sea Global, we have been part of the Ocean Race family since 2023, but now it's time for Amaala to fly its flag and connect an international community with the yachting lifestyle that will be an important part of this destination."

In sporting terms, Alan Roura and his crew want to strengthen this connection. Core team members in Roura's racing team are Simon Koster, known as a Class 40 sailor and strong navigator, and Elodie Mettraux, sister of the most recently successful Vendée Globe skipper Justine Mettraux from Switzerland. Further team members are currently being selected. The final composition of the team will be announced in the coming weeks.

"We want to put together an international team that combines experienced ocean racing sailors with young talent. To achieve this, we have organised two selection rounds, one on Lake Geneva and one in Lorient," said Roura about the selection process on the Ocean Race Europe course. After ten years of sailing solo, he admitted: "The format with a crew is also new to me. I'm excited by the shared experience on board and the challenge of putting together a high-performance team that harmonises well."

Swiss united for the Ocean Race Europe

For Alan Roura, Simon Koster and Elodie Mettraux, the Ocean Race Europe project marks a success for the project they officially launched in autumn 2024. Nine months ago, the trio announced the formation of a new national offshore sailing team. At the time, their goals were to take part in the Ocean Race Europe and The Ocean Race 2027. A big step in this direction now seems to have been achieved with international and national partners.

According to Roura, he knows from working closely with the Amaala team over the last few months that "this spirit of respect, co-operation and passion are values that we share". Roura knows the other skippers whose teams he is competing against in the Ocean Race Europe and says: "There is a great team spirit between the Imoca teams throughout the race and despite the intensity of the competition, we help each other a lot."

Looking at the high-performance fleet in the Ocean Race Europe, Alan Roura said: "In sporting terms, the level promises to be very high, and I see the (final) leg to the finish line in Montenegro as the one that will probably challenge us the most in terms of weather, because anything can happen." Also on board with Team Amaala is watch manufacturer Hublot, which has been supporting Alan Roura since 2022 in line with its "Push your limits" philosophy and is continuing this adventure as the team's official sponsor and timekeeper.

Ocean Race Europe: seven teams at the start

In addition to the recently announced Team Amaala (Switzerland/Saudi Arabia), six teams are already on the list of participants: Team Malizia starts with skipper Skipper Boris Herrmann under German flag. Team Paprec Arkéa with Yoann Richomme and Team Biotherm with Paul Meilhat will be sailing for France in the Ocean Race Europe off Kiel. Team Holm-PRB with skipper Rosalin Kuiper will also be sailing under the Swiss flag. Ambrogio Beccaria is leading the Italian team Allagrande Mapei Racing into the Europe Race.