Collision Triggers Disaster in The Ocean Race Europe Leg One, With Two Boats Facing Challenges Before Reaching Home
The Ocean Race Europe faced a significant disruption on August 10, 2025, when Team Holcim PRB and Allagrande MAPEI Racing collided in the opening miles of the race in Kiel. The incident occurred under challenging conditions with strong winds, causing both teams to suspend racing and return to the dock.
The collision occurred as Allagrande MAPEI Racing was overtaking Holcim PRB at full pace from astern, leading to side-by-side contact. Holcim PRB, skippered by Rosalin Kuiper, reported significant hull damage, while Ambrogio Beccaria, skipper of Allagrande MAPEI Racing, expressed disappointment on the dock. A formal protest lodged by Team Holcim PRB against Allagrande MAPEI Racing was announced by Race Director Phil Lawrence.
Despite the collision, all crew members from both teams were reported safe with no injuries. Both teams are currently dockside in Kiel, where shore crews are assessing damage and preparing for repairs. Team Holcim PRB and Allagrande MAPEI Racing aim to rejoin the race for the next stage, with Holcim PRB focusing on getting the boat repaired to return for the Portsmouth leg.
Before the collision, Biotherm and Paprec Arkéa pulled into an early lead, with Biotherm earning the first two points of the race by leading the fleet through the Kiel Lighthouse scoring gate. Paprec Arkéa took one point by following closely behind, while Canada Ocean Racing - Be Water Positive showed a strong performance in third place.
The race continues to prove intense with strong winds and a challenging course ahead, including wind farms, current zones, and the Great Belt Bridge. Further updates on the teams' conditions and race participation are expected early in the week. The matter will be handled by the International Jury at a later time.
Sports came to a sudden halt when Team Holcim PRB and Allagrande MAPEI Racing collided, leading to damage and a temporary suspension of racing. Both teams are presently in Kiel, working diligently on repairs to rejoin the Ocean Race Europe as soon as possible.
