The Ocean Race Europe 2025: A New Chapter in Sailing and Ocean Advocacy

The Ocean Race Europe is set to return in 2025, promising to be a thrilling and impactful event that brings together cutting-edge sailing technology and a strong commitment to ocean health. The race will kick off on August 10, 2025, from Kiel.Sailing.City in Germany, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey across some of Europe's most iconic waters.

Building on the Legacy of 2021

The 2025 edition of The Ocean Race Europe will be the second in the series, following its successful debut in the summer of 2021. With the theme of "Connecting Europe," the race will chart a course from the Baltic Sea, through the North Sea and English Channel, into the Atlantic Ocean, and finally, to the Mediterranean Sea. This route not only highlights Europe's diverse maritime landscapes but also underscores the event's commitment to uniting the continent through the shared challenge of ocean racing.

High-Tech Sailing at Its Finest

The 2025 race will feature the newest generation of IMOCA boats, renowned for their ability to foil above the water at breakneck speeds. These high-tech vessels are at the forefront of sailing innovation, pushing the limits of what is possible in terms of speed, efficiency, and performance. With fully crewed teams on board, each boat will carry four sailors and an onboard reporter, ensuring that the excitement and intensity of the race are captured and shared with audiences worldwide.

One of the standout features of this edition is the emphasis on sustainability. Teams will be required to generate at least 30% of their onboard energy from renewable sources, including solar, wind, and hydro. This commitment to green energy aligns with the race's broader mission to promote ocean health and sustainability.

The Race for the Ocean: Beyond Competition

The Ocean Race Europe is more than just a race; it is a "Race for the Ocean," emphasizing the urgent need to restore and protect the health of our oceans. As Race Chairman Richard Brisius explains, "This Race for the Ocean is about creating real changes in policy for the Ocean, calling for a reset in the relationship between humanity and the Ocean." The 2025 race will support educational initiatives for fans and school children, while the onboard science program will gather crucial data for researchers studying changes in our waters, from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean.

Event Highlights and Innovations

The Notice of Race for the 2025 edition outlines an event that is both competitive and conscious of its environmental impact. Key highlights include:

• Foiling IMOCA Boats: The race will feature these state-of-the-art vessels in fully crewed mode, with at least one female sailor and representation of two nationalities on each crew.
• Science and Sustainability: Specialized equipment onboard will collect water samples and other environmental data, contributing to ongoing research on ocean health. Teams must also adhere to strict sustainability guidelines, including the use of renewable energy sources.
• Gender Equality and Inclusion: Teams are required to implement gender equality, diversity, and inclusion policies, ensuring that the event promotes not only environmental sustainability but also social responsibility.
• Point Scoring System: Racing will include point-scoring legs between host cities, coastal races, and bonus points for in-leg competitions, making every moment of the race count towards the final standings.
• Ocean Live Park: At each host city, fans will be able to engage with the race through the Ocean Live Park, featuring immersive content on ocean health and sustainable practices, as well as interactions with sailors and teams.

Confirmed Teams and Host Cities

While the full lineup of teams and host cities is still being finalized, some early confirmations include:

• Teams

• Team Malizia (GER)
• Team Holcim PRB (SUI)

• Host Cities

• Kiel, Germany: Start Port
• Genova, Italy: Confirmed stopover (additional cities to be announced)

The list of participating teams and host cities will continue to grow as the race approaches, with updates expected in the coming months.

A Race to Remember

As The Ocean Race Europe 2025 approaches, excitement is building for what promises to be an unforgettable event. Combining the thrill of competitive sailing with a powerful message of environmental stewardship, this race will not only test the skills of the world's best sailors but also inspire action to protect our oceans for future generations. Whether you're a fan of sailing or passionate about ocean conservation, The Ocean Race Europe 2025 is an event you won't want to miss.