The launch video
The Ocean Race has been captivating sailing enthusiasts from all over the world for 52 years. What began in 1973 as the "Whitbread Round the World Race" and later became known as the "Volvo Ocean Race" has developed into one of the toughest and most fascinating sailing competitions in the world. German fans in particular remember the memorable victory of the "Illbruck" under skipper John Kostecki in 2002.
A story full of triumphs and tragedies
The history of the Ocean Race is characterised by dramatic moments. In 2014, the world held its breath when Team Vestas ran aground on a reef in the middle of the Indian Ocean and had to abandon the boat. In the midst of the catastrophe, the redemptive news came: all crew members were safe and sound.
The race always tells stories of extremes: Mast breaks and cries of jubilation at new records, unbridled joy and deep shock often lie close together. The crews always defy all odds and prove that they can make the seemingly impossible possible: "flying" across oceans, withstanding extreme temperatures and carrying on despite adverse conditions.
Dramatic start to the Ocean Race Europe in Kiel
The current Ocean Race Europe experienced a shock moment after an initially successful start in Kiel. Just two minutes after the starting signal, the Italian team "Allagrande Mapei" and the Swiss boat "Holcim PRB" collided in a squall. Both Imoca yachts suffered serious damage and had to return to Kiel - a bitter moment for everyone involved.
"Of course we are totally sad to be back here, also because the whole team had worked so hard to get to the start. Now we've only sailed one nautical mile. That's bitter, also for our competitors," commented skipper Ambrogio Beccaria on the situation.
During the accident, Holcim appeared to tack in a gust while Allagrande came up behind her. Holcim's windward side damaged Allagrande's genoa and mainsail. Team Holcim PRB probably sustained the greater damage with a gaping hole in the hull wall caused by Allagrande's jib and lodged a protest.
Despite the unclear situation, Holcim skipper Rosalin Kuiper was optimistic: "Even before we were back on land, a crisis team had already started work. We will also master this challenge. Our team is very strong."
Current race progress
After the two cancellations, five teams remain in The Ocean Race Europe, which runs over several stages and 4,500 nautical miles to the Mediterranean under the motto "Connecting Europe". Compared to the global Ocean Race, this is an exciting sprint.
Before the start, German professional sailor Boris Herrmann explained the particular challenges of the first leg from Kiel to Portsmouth: "It is an incredibly demanding leg, with many shallows, narrow passages, changing winds through the landscape, currents and numerous wind farms and oil platforms in the North Sea."
The "Malizia" is currently in third place behind the Biotherm and Paprec Arkea teams. All the remaining boats have already crossed the Skagerrak.
