Sailor Herrmann under suspicion following an Ocean Race accident - Following the maritime race accident, sailor Herrmann is under investigation.
News Article: Collision at The Ocean Race Europe's Kiel Start
The Ocean Race Europe experienced a dramatic start in Kiel as a collision between Team Holcim PRB and Allagrande Mapei Racing left both IMOCA 60 boats with significant damage. The incident occurred moments after the starting gun, with the fleet sailing into strong winds.
According to reports, Holcim PRB, sailing to leeward, lost control due to excessive sail pressure from a gust and a probable sheet defect, causing the boat to heel uncontrollably and luff. Allagrande Mapei Racing, approaching from windward at higher speed, was unable to avoid crashing into Holcim PRB’s hull.
The unexpected gust and control difficulties for both boats have complicated the clear assignment of blame, as sailing right-of-way rules generally give the leeward boat (Holcim PRB) the right of way, meaning the windward boat (Allagrande) must keep clear. Video evidence shows Allagrande also luffed slightly, likely due to the same gust, indicating it was also struggling to control their vessel.
No crew injuries were reported as a result of the collision, and both teams returned immediately to the dock for damage assessment and repairs. The incident has forced a temporary halt to their participation in the stage race.
Boris Herrmann, the German skipper of "Malizia - Seaexplorer," which is currently in third place among the remaining five boats, described the situation as "difficult." However, no direct statements from Herrmann about his suspicions regarding the incident were found in the search results.
The question of blame for the collision remains open until the protest hearing. Both Holcim PRB’s skipper Rosalin Kuiper and Allagrande Mapei Racing’s skipper Ambrogio Beccaria have emphasized disappointment but prioritized crew safety and determination to continue if possible.
As the teams work towards returning to the stage race, "Malizia - Seaexplorer" continues to make its way through the North Sea. The race, which began on 15th May, is expected to conclude on 29th May.
- The community policy of The Ocean Race Europe should address situations like the collision between Team Holcim PRB and Allagrande Mapei Racing, to ensure more comprehensive guidance on dealing with similar incidents in the future.
- Despite the ongoing discussion about the collision between Team Holcim PRB and Allagrande Mapei Racing in the 'crime-and-justice' section of general-news, no definitive conclusion about blame has been reached as both skippers have emphasized safety and are preparing for resuming participation.
