News
12 AUG 2025: Leg Kiel – Portsmouth

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“The high-pressure system has expanded, creating a ridge,” explained Christian Dumard, the meteorological consultant for The Ocean Race Europe. “As the boats move south, the westerly wind is weakening.”

Jack Bouttell (Biotherm) described the past 24 hours: “After passing Denmark, we had a lot of tacks and it was really tiring. Last night the wind dropped, but we got through a little quicker than the routing predicted.”

Behind the leaders, Canada Ocean Racing – Be Water Positive is 41 miles back, with Team Amaala 64 miles behind. “Since Monday morning these have not been our ideal conditions as we’ve been close to the wind, beating and it’s hard,” said Team Amaala skipper Alan Roura. “We’ll have to get out of this transition zone, even if it’s never easy, especially with the short chop we have here.”

Christopher Pratt (Canada Ocean Racing – Be Water Positive) added: “After the tacks along Denmark, this section isn’t brutal but it’s enough to shake everyone. The upside of low speeds and calm seas is that you can take good naps after a hard-fought battle in the light airs!”

Despite the slow going, morale remains high

“We’re learning how to trim and handle the boat together, but we’re really happy with our first part of the race,” said Pratt.

“The atmosphere on board is great,” added Roura. “We’re sailing seriously while keeping a friendly and joyful spirit and enjoying doing what we love, together.”

Bouttell agreed: “Everyone gets along well, we joke and laugh. It’s really nice. We even had a beautiful sunset with dolphins yesterday.”

Looking ahead, the wind is expected to strengthen and shift to the southeast, potentially sending the fleet on a reaching leg towards the English coast.

“Depending on the models, we’ll have to choose sails carefully – some angles are more reaching, others more downwind VMG,” said Bouttell. “In about 100 miles we’ll reach the first Traffic Separation Schemes, where course options will be more limited. There’s still a lot of miles to go – and plenty can happen before the finish.”

Each of the teams involved in a collision shortly after the start of Leg One of The Ocean Race Europe have filed protests against the other.

The cases, filed by Team Holcim PRB and Allagrande MAPEI Racing following a collision shortly after the leg start in Kiel, will be heard by an International Jury that has been sanctioned and appointed by World Sailing.

The Jury consists of World Sailing qualified International Jurors (IJ) and International Umpires (IU):

Andrés Pérez, IJ & IU, ESP, Chairman
Miguel Allen, IJ & IU POR
Chris Atkins, IJ & IU, GBR
Corinne Aulnette, IJ FRA
María Toriijo, IJ & IU ESP
Sofia Truchanowicz, IJ & IU, POL

The hearing is scheduled to take place during the Cartagena stopover following leg two.

Race Director Phil Lawrence says there are a couple of reasons for the timing for the hearing:

“Firstly, the teams involved are currently focussed on repairing the damage and doing all they can to rejoin the race. Should they be successful in getting back on the water in the next days, they are unlikely to have enough time in Portsmouth to adequately prepare their case for a hearing,” he said.

“Secondly, a possible outcome of the hearing is that a team is granted redress by the Jury. When this occurs, the redress might be to award average points for the leg they missed based on previous race performance. That wouldn’t be possible in Portsmouth.”

Both teams continue to work step by step towards a return, with more news expected from each team as their repairs progress and their plans develop.