The Ocean Race Europe 2025: Five stages full of thrills!

The Ocean Race Europe 2025: Five stages full of thrills!

The starting signal for the second edition of the Ocean Race Europe will be given in Kiel on August 10, 2025. After an exciting debut four years ago, the European Regatta will once again attract a number of impressive teams and talented sailors. Among the participants is the German sailor Boris Herrmann, who is competing with his team Malizia.

A total of seven teams compete in this demanding regatta, which covers a total distance of 4,500 nautical miles, i.e. around 8,334 kilometers. The first two stages, starting with the route from Kiel to Portsmouth, expect high speeds and lots of seasickness. The first leg is estimated to last around four to five days, with a stage starting on August 10th.

The stages at a glance

• Kiel – Portsmouth: 850 Seemeilen, Start am 10.8.
• Portsmouth – Cartagena: 1.400 Seemeilen, Start am 17.8. um 17:55 Uhr MESZ
• Cartagena – Nizza: 650 Seemeilen, Start am 26.8.
• Nizza – Genua: 600 Seemeilen, Start am 31.8.
• Genua – Boka Bay: 1.000 Seemeilen, Start am 7.9.

The second stage, from Portsmouth to Cartagena, is particularly crucial as it carries double points. There are also bonus points for the first two teams to cross certain markers during the stages. A final short race will then take place in the picturesque Boka Bay on September 20th.

Boris Herrmann: Feeling of home and ambitions

Boris Herrmann is not only an experienced sailor, but also a real local hero. He not only studied in Kiel, but also feels a strong connection to the city and its fans. “The interest from spectators here in Kiel is simply great,” says Herrmann, noting that enthusiasm for sailing is growing in Germany, especially after a disappointing twelfth place at the last Vendée Globe. His goal? “I want to finish on the podium and set an example with my team,” said the ambitious skipper.

Teams in the Ocean Race Europe consist of four sailors and an on-board reporter and must include at least one woman and two nationalities. Herrmann's crew is international and consists, among others, of co-skipper Will Harris and sailors Cole Brauer and Justine Mettraux. Francesca Clapcich will take command of the Malizia – Seaexplorer after this regatta. Herrmann emphasizes that team spirit is extremely important both on land and on the water.

Technology and sustainability in focus

An innovative feature of this regatta is the technical requirements: the boats must be equipped with foils that lift them out of the water at certain speeds. Participants are also required to generate 30% of their energy from renewable sources. This underlines the growing awareness of environmental protection in sport. Herrmann himself plans to continue taking part in competitions in the future and already has a new boat in the starting blocks.

The exciting story of the Ocean Race, which was first held in Portsmouth in 1973, is characterized by friendship, competition and tragic incidents. The regatta has become one of the toughest and most prestigious in sailing over the years. The coming weeks will show whether Herrmann and his team can live up to their ambitions.

For everyone interested in this exciting event, NDR will broadcast live from Kiel, so that not an exciting minute of the regatta is missed. The Ocean Race Europe 2025 promises pure excitement!

For more information about this great event, visit NDR, yacht and Wikipedia.