Bad seamanship or race management?

The 60-foot IMOCA is the premier offshore boat, but they are not safe in close quarters. High speed. Bad visibility. Foils and shroud outriggers extending their beam. Marginal foiling control. It was all on display as The Ocean Race Europe 2025 began its first leg with two boats colliding moments after the start on August 10 in Kiel, Germany.

En route to Portsmouth, UK, the seven teams had a reaching start in gusty breeze when Team Holcim-PRB, ahead and to leeward, rounded up and was rammed by windward boat Allagrande Mapei Racing which likely never saw them. Bad seamanship or race management? Both teams filed protests while returning to port.

To rejoin the 5-leg race, the repairs are not insignificant.

On Allagrande Mapei, the entire starboard shroud system that supports the mast is severely damaged, the J0 (headsail) was destroyed upon impact with Holcim’s outrigger, and the mainsail has a large tear. Conversely, Allagrande Mapei’s outrigger caused excessive hull damage to Holcim.

It was a sword fight with two losers. To see the video, click here.