The seven international teams competing in The Ocean Race Europe 2025 have set off from Genova, Italy on the fifth and final leg of the race, a complicated 1,600-nautical mile passage through the Mediterranean and into the Adriatic Sea on the way to Boka Bay, Montenegro.
Montenegro’s Minister of Maritime Affairs, Filip Radulović, was in Genova for the start, promising a warm welcome when the fleet arrives in Boka Bay. However, there are an estimated eight days of challenging racing ahead. As soon as the start gun fired at 1500 CEST, the four-person, mixed-gender crews faced a crucial decision: whether the first breeze would be inshore or offshore.
Prior to leaving the dock, several skippers were still weighing options regarding this early decision. Boris Herrmann, skipper of Team Malizia, described the start as ‘challenging’, holding his strategy close to his chest. He noted that the leg could hinge on whether teams head offshore or remain inshore.
Looking ahead, Herrmann mentioned the complexity of the weather along the leg 5 race course, which requires navigating through various local winds and weather effects. Starting the leg with a 12-point lead, Paul Meilhat’s Biotherm are the clear favourites for overall victory, but with 16 points still available, the competition remains fierce.
Meilhat is joined by Spanish Mini sailor Carlos Manera, who replaces Britain’s Sam Goodchild on board Biotherm. Meilhat expressed confidence in Manera’s capabilities, highlighting the importance of autonomy in a small crew.
Behind Biotherm, four teams are in a hot contest for podium positions: second-placed Paprec Arkéa, third placed Team Holcim – PRB, fourth-place Alagrande Mapei Racing, and Team Malizia. The fleet began Leg 5 in light winds, with the Leg 4 winner, Ambrogio Beccaria’s Allagrande Mapei Racing, making an impressive start.
Genova has once again proven to be an excellent host for The Ocean Race Europe. The Italian yacht is carrying The Ocean Race’s Nature’s Baton on board, presented by the Mayor of Genova, Silvia Salis, who emphasised the event’s importance for promoting the city and its values of sustainability and respect for the seas.
Richard Brisius, Race Chairman of The Ocean Race, thanked Genova for its hospitality and highlighted the shared values between the city and the race, focusing on sustainability and ocean protection. This partnership is set to continue with upcoming events promoting youth engagement and ocean health.
In terms of performance, Beccaria expressed hopes of replicating the success of Leg 4 while acknowledging the unpredictable nature of Mediterranean racing. The provisional leaderboard currently stands with Biotherm leading, followed by Paprec Arkéa and Team Holcim – PRB.
As the race progresses through various strategic decisions and weather challenges, the excitement builds for the final leg in Boka Bay.
For live updates and race tracking, visit www.theoceanrace.com.
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