Collision at the Ocean Race: Herrmann makes serious allegations!

Collision at the Ocean Race: Herrmann makes serious allegations!

Today, August 15, 2025, the start of the Ocean Race Europe is overshadowed by a not too pleasant incident. A spectacular collision occurred between the teams Holcim-PRB from Switzerland and Allagrande Mapei Racing from Italy, which not only significantly endangers the conditions of the competition, but also the future of both participants. While the sailors' mentality will focus on repairs and reorientation in the coming days, the question of guilt remains open for now.

The affected yachts are now under immense pressure as the second leg of the race begins in Portsmouth on August 17th. Boris Herrmann, skipper of the “Malizia – Seaexplorer”, has commented on the incident and brings an interesting theory into play. He suspects that a miscommand regarding the keel led to the collision after the Mapei yacht hit the Holcim PRB at high speed. Herrmann not only offers the affected teams his support, but also spare parts and help from a French shipyard.

Repairs and time pressure

Both teams had to go to a shipyard in Kiel to repair the most noticeable damage, including holes in the side of the “Holcim-PRB”. The repairs are expected to take several days and, once repaired, the boats will have to be transported via the Kiel Canal in order to arrive in Portsmouth on time. Dates are pressing because the tension in the competition is increasing and the date for the stage race in Montenegro on September 20th is getting closer.

These unexpected challenges demonstrate once again how treacherous the seas can be. Oceans make up about 71% of the Earth's surface, and conditions are often unpredictable. According to Britannica, the great oceans not only influence our climate, but are also a habitat for numerous species, a fact that shows us the importance of conscious use of these waters. Regardless of whether we are racing or in everyday life, the element of water always plays a major role in our lives.

The importance of the oceans

The ocean is more than just water, it is an essential part of our earth. It covers more than 70% of the Earth's surface and stores a staggering 97% of our planet's total water reserves. These water masses are not only crucial for the water cycle and the climate, they also influence the habitats of numerous marine animals. As Wikipedia describes, there are five main oceans, each with its own ecological and geological characteristics. What many people don't know is that the ocean also has a profound influence on human activities and their changes.

The challenge posed by the collisions is therefore not just a technical or sporting one, but also an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the relevance and challenges facing the oceans. It remains to be hoped that the Holcim-PRB and Allagrande Mapei Racing teams will quickly find their way back into the race and that the necessary lessons will be learned from this incident.