The Ocean Race Europe launched under perfect conditions in Kiel, Germany, with brilliant sunshine and a brisk westerly breeze creating ideal fast, flat-water foiling conditions this weekend. With winds between 15-19 knots, the stage was set for an exciting start to this prestigious offshore racing event. However, the excitement quickly turned to concern as a dramatic collision occurred just minutes after the start between Switzerland’s Holcim PRB and Italy’s Allagrande MAPEI Racing, forcing both teams to immediately turn back to port.
The incident happened within moments of the race beginning, as the fleet navigated the initial stages of the inshore course. Video of the incident shows Holcim PRB losing full control of its IMOCA 60 as MAPEI, overtaking at full pace from astern was unaware. MAPEI’s outrigger can be seen piercing Holcim’s hull and causing a gaping opening above the waterline. Holcim’s windward foil appears to slice through MAPEI s masthead Code Zero before the two boats separated. No injuries to any crew members were reported.
When interviewed shortly after returning to port, Holcim PRB skipper Rosalin Kuiper emphasized that safety was the primary concern: “Everyone is safe on board. It’s the most important. So that’s the most important here.”
Kuiper expressed mixed emotions about the incident: “It is of course very disappointing what happened on the water. You don’t wanna come back after you start a race after you do such a big preparation.”
Despite the setback, she highlighted her team’s resilience: “What I know is that we have a very strong team. We’re very pragmatic, and now we’re gonna work hard. And our aim is to be on the starting line ASAP again.”
When pressed for details about the crash itself, Kuiper remained cautious: “We’re gonna assess the situation with the entire team. It’s difficult to tell you any details now.”
Beccaria described the incident with concern for all involved: “It happens that we were sailing. There was some wind, very close racing, and we have an accident with Holcim. And our outrigger get in their hull, and hopefully, no one is hurt. This is the most important for sure.”
He acknowledged the difficult position both teams now faced: “Both of the boat are here in the pontoon, so it’s a sad moment for everybody, and we will see if we will be able to continue.”
When asked about the possibility of rejoining the race, Beccaria was realistic but uncertain: “For the moment, it’s really impossible to say. And it’s also difficult to ask the team to do another effort because it was a hard month for everybody. And now we still don’t know what happens to the boat. So we will check if it’s difficult or it’s easy to go back to the sea. I don’t think it’s gonna be easy, but we will see.”
While Holcim PRB and Allagrande MAPEI Racing returned to port, the rest of the fleet continued racing. French skipper Paul Meilhat’s Biotherm claimed maximum points at the Kiel Lighthouse gate and maintained their lead as the fleet entered the North Sea. Paprec Arkéa followed closely behind, with Team Malizia, Canada’s Be Water Positive and Team AMAALA trying to keep pace with the leading group.
As the race progressed into its first 24 hours, just 40 nautical miles separated the five IMOCAs still on the race course. The initial prediction from skippers of an intense and tactical leg with numerous navigation challenges around Denmark proved accurate, with the upcoming lighter winds promising the first major tactical decisions for the competing teams.
Following the collision, both Team Holcim-PRB and Allagrande MAPEI Racing lodged formal protests. These cases will be investigated by an International Jury at a time yet to be determined. The teams have focused their immediate attention on assessing the damage to their vessels, with Holcim-PRB working at the Knierim Yachtbau shipyard and Allagrande MAPEI Racing examining their boat in the race village in Kiel.
The outcome of these investigations could have significant implications for both teams’ participation in the remainder of The Ocean Race Europe, as well as potential competitive consequences depending on the jury’s findings regarding responsibility for the incident.
—Story compiled with reporting providede by The Ocean Race Europe
