Mr Brisius, there were other options and applicants - why was Kiel chosen as the starting port for the second edition of the Ocean Race Europe?
More than 25 cities were interested in becoming a harbour for the Ocean Race Europe. But for us, Kiel is the sailing hub in Germany. And Germany, in turn, is such a strong stop in Europe. This race is about bringing Europe together. So starting from Germany is wonderful.
What else did Kiel score points with?
Just as important is Kiel's hundreds of years of sailing heritage. The experience, passion and professionalism of the city and the local organisers. They have a strong pedigree and know what's good. I like that. We challenge each other to make things great.
What's more, the German teams generated enormous interest in the Ocean Race during the last edition. First and foremost Boris Herrmann's Team Malizia, but also Team Guyot ...
Yes, it is extraordinary how much interest has grown. Of course, this is mainly thanks to the German sailors in the race: Boris Herrmann, his team and others. And there will be more to come. I hope we are experiencing a new era of German sea sailors. That's how it works: they are inspired and want to take part ...
Apart from Kiel, so far only Genoa is known as a port for the Ocean Race Europe. Is there a maximum number of harbours for the race?
We are aiming for a total of six or seven harbours, including Kiel. At the boat show in Genoa last September, the mayor said that they would welcome the Ocean Race Europe again.
But it is not yet clear whether Genoa will be a stopover or a port of destination?
No, that hasn't been decided yet. And I can't name any of the other candidates yet. But the aim is to visit the major European nations and one or two more countries.
When will we know the entire route with all the ports for the Ocean Race Europe, which is expected to be twice as long for the second edition as it was for the premiere in 2021?
This year. I would be surprised if it doesn't happen in the first half of the year. But I'm already sure that it will be a very nice race in the European summer!
The city of Kiel, the state of Schleswig-Holstein and other partners are investing around two million euros in their involvement as the starting harbour for the Ocean Race Europe. How much does the race itself benefit from this?
Everything is reinvested in this race, flowing into the organisation, production, transfers, media and more. Kiel can contribute with a great deal of professionalism and reliability. We also have that on the plus side.
Is every port in Ocean Race Europe 2025 automatically a port candidate for The Ocean Race starting in January 2027?
Yes, by definition. But not because they are part of the Ocean Race Europe, but because they are suitable overall.
So Kiel would also be a candidate for the next Ocean Race in 2027?
One hundred per cent. Kiel is always a candidate.
The Ocean Race Europe, like the next Ocean Race itself, will only be contested on Imocas. Why is this class, which is also synonymous with the Vendée Globe, so successful?
I think the class is well managed. In contrast to standardised classes, which usually have a technical expiry date, it is a development class. It continues to develop with technological advances. The class also had a management problem at one point and almost collapsed. But they have managed to move the class forward and maintain the value of the boats. I think that's a good sign. Because normally racing boats lose their value after a while. This is not the case with the Imocas. There is a strong used boat market.
Because the class rule is being developed smartly and integrates the older boats well?
That is one of the good features: The old boats can continue to sail. The class rules are designed accordingly.
How do you see Boris Herrmann after his first Ocean Race with Team Malizia?
What Boris has is this ability to put together a team of great people. The Ocean Race is an absolute team challenge. On the boat and on land. Boris is a leader who people obviously enjoy working with. He gives people the space to grow. That's a strong quality. He's also very passionate and super clear in his direction: he loves the sport, he loves the sea. And he's also very good on the organisational business side. He knows how to create and maintain good partnerships. That is also fundamental.
Do you see any other German teams on the horizon for the Ocean Race Europe and the Ocean Race itself?
That's a good question! After the news about Kiel, perhaps a team will step forward and want to do it. The Ocean Race Europe is a good stage to enter the Ocean Race. The barrier to entry is lower, the budgets smaller, the programme shorter and the sailing easier.
So the Ocean Race Europe offers a good platform for later Ocean Race teams to get started?
Yes, definitely. It also sits well in the Imoca race calendar. You have the Vendée Globe from November this year until February 2025, then there's six months until the Ocean Race Europe.
Which is no less challenging just because it is played with crews instead of soloists ...
Exactly. It's very intense. Like several round-Gotland races in a row. There are two or three days of extremely intense sailing per leg. I remember the premiere of the Ocean Race Europe 2021, when the crews from the first leg arrived in Cascais. Multiple circumnavigator Joca Signorini told me that it was the toughest days of sailing he had ever experienced. He was there to coach a new crew and was on deck the whole time. But he also really enjoyed it.
There are also Imoca soloists, such as Isabelle Joschke, who are not so keen on team sailing. Do you also talk to such teams about whether they might make their boat available to other teams for the Ocean Race Europe?
In theory, yes. There is talk of joint ventures. The interest is there. But of course it depends on how it works with one boat and the responsibilities. It is conceivable that two differently orientated teams could come together here to compete in their preferred events. That could work. But borrowing an Imoca for a team race is not an easy task. It's not something you can just take on. You have to know your way around, prepare and train well ...
