The opening leg of The Ocean Race Europe ended with a commanding win for Biotherm, skippered by Paul Meilhat. Setting off from Kiel, Germany, on Sunday 10 August, the team crossed the finish line in Portsmouth, England, on Thursday 14 August at 11:48 local time, completing the course in 3 days, 19 hours, 58 minutes and 30 seconds.
They were followed on the podium by Team Malizia, led by Boris Herrmann, who finished in 3 days, 21 hours, 54 minutes and 50 seconds, and Paprec Arkéa, skippered by Yoann Richomme, with a time of 3 days, 22 hours, 02 minutes and 14 seconds. The gap between second and third place was just over five minutes, underlining the intensity of the competition.
Weather conditions played a decisive role in the leg. Moderate north-westerly winds at the start intensified across the North Sea, forcing frequent sail changes and rewarding crews with sharp tactical awareness. In the English Channel, the breeze became more variable, alternating between lulls and sudden gusts that opened windows for position changes. The final approach to Portsmouth took place under partly clear skies but with an opposing tide, making every minute of lead count.
In fourth place came Canada Ocean Racing Be Water Positive, led by Scott Shawyer, who completed the leg after a consistent performance through the Channel and down to the Solent. The Canadian entry showed resilience in variable conditions and will be looking to improve their standing in the next stage.
Team Amaala crossed the line in fifth place, securing valuable points and proving their ability to stay in touch with the leading pack despite challenging conditions.
Not all crews made it to Portsmouth. The Swiss entry and the Italian IMOCA 60 “Allagrande Mapei” were forced to retire after a collision early in the leg. Although the damage was significant enough to end their Kiel–Portsmouth race, both crews avoided injury, and discussions are underway to repair the boats in time for the second stage from Portsmouth to Cartagena, scheduled for 17 August at 16:55.
“It’s a mix of disappointment and pride,” said Ambrogio Beccaria, 33, making his debut as skipper of Allagrande Mapei. “Of course, it’s disappointing to have to withdraw so early. But I’m very proud of the way the team reacted, immediately getting to work with incredible energy. We are relieved that no one was hurt, either on our boat or our rivals’. Now our goal is clear: do everything we can to be on the starting line for the next stage. But we remain cautious: we must wait for inspection results to know if we can continue or if our race ends here.”
In terms of points, Biotherm collected a total of 9 (2 from the Kiel Scoring Gate and 7 for the stage victory), Team Malizia earned 6, and Paprec Arkéa took 5, setting the provisional overall standings.
After an intense opening stage, attention now turns to the second leg, which will take the fleet to Matosinhos, Portugal. This section will bring fresh challenges, including the passage through the Bay of Biscay and down the Iberian Atlantic coast, where weather conditions can be unpredictable and strategically demanding.
For the public, it will be a rare opportunity to witness IMOCA and VO65 yachts in action up close, enjoying the blend of seafaring tradition and world-class competition. Biotherm will look to defend their lead, while Team Malizia, Paprec Arkéa, Be Water Positive and Team Amaala aim to close the gap in what promises to be a thrilling leg right to the finish.
