Rivalry at Sea: Kuiper and Herrmann Compete in Ocean Race, Friendship Tested - Herrmann faces competition from Kuiper in the Ocean Race.
The Ocean Race Europe, a highly anticipated sailing event, is set to begin this Sunday near Kiel, Germany. Among the seven teams competing, Team Malizia, led by Boris Herrmann, has expressed their confidence in winning the European race.
Herrmann, a seasoned sailor, considers a finish ahead of the other teams as a "beautiful moment". The Malizia quartet for stage one from Kiel to Portsmouth shares this optimism.
The race will feature 7 Imoca racing yachts, including Holcim-PRB, skippered by Rosalin Kuiper, who, despite being a rival on the water, remains a friend in Herrmann's heart. Kuiper and her team are among the favourites for the Ocean Race Europe.
Aside from Team Malizia and Holcim-PRB, the main contenders in the 2025 Ocean Race Europe are Team Paprec Arkéa, Canada Ocean Racing – Be Water Positive, Allagrande Mapei Racing, and Biotherm.
Team Paprec Arkéa, skippered by Yoan Richomme, is a strong competitor. Richomme finished second in the 2024-2025 Vendée Globe and won the Ocean Race Europe 2021 VO65 class. The team includes experienced sailors like Pascal Bidégorry and Portuguese match racing specialist Mariana Laato.
Canada Ocean Racing – Be Water Positive, led by Scott Shawyer, aims for the Vendée Globe 2028. The team features British ocean racer Pip Hare.
Allagrande Mapei Racing, skippered by Ambrogio Beccaria, is another formidable opponent. Despite a collision with Holcim-PRB in Leg One, they are determined to continue competing strongly.
Biotherm, though not detailed in the team list, took the early lead in Leg One, indicating they are a key contender in the IMOCA fleet.
Rosalin Kuiper sees the strongest competitors as Allagrande Mapei Racing, Biotherm, and Paprec Arkéa.
The new chapter for Boris Herrmann's Imoca racing stable begins with the Ocean Race Europe, which will continue until 2030. Herrmann wants Team Malizia to be on the podium in the Ocean Race Europe.
The first stop of the Ocean Race Europe is Portsmouth, and the teams are expected to arrive after approximately 850 nautical miles, three to four days later. The race will end in Boka Bay (Montenegro) on September 20.
The required crew for the start of the Ocean Race Europe includes Herrmann, Will Harris (UK), Justine Mettraux (Switzerland), Cole Brauer (USA), and on-board reporter Flore Hartout. New crew members for the Ocean Race Europe include Francesca Clapcich (Italy/USA) and Loïs Berrehar.
Television coverage for the Ocean Race Europe is expected. The press conference for the Ocean Race Europe took place in Kiel on Thursday.
Long-term goals for Team Malizia include success in the Ocean Race around the world in 2027 and the third Vendée Globe solo race in 2028. However, this will be Team Malizia's last big race with "Malizia - Seaexplorer" before it changes hands in summer 2026.
Rosalin Kuiper, a former co-skipper of Boris Herrmann, goes into her skipper debut in a major Imoca race with confidence.
[1] Ocean Race Europe Official Website [2] Yachting World [3] Sailing Today [4] Sail-World
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment, considering the increasing concern for sustainability in major sporting events such as The Ocean Race Europe.
During the press conference for the Ocean Race Europe, sports journalists from various publications like Yachting World, Sailing Today, and Sail-World were present to discuss the upcoming event and the competing teams.
