The Ocean Race Europe begins in Kiel

Though the full route is not finalized, the second edition of The Ocean Race Europe will start from the notable German sailing venue of Kiel on August 10, 2025. The first race was held in 2021 as a bridge event before The Ocean Race 2022-23.

Previously, Kiel was the finish port of the Volvo Ocean Race 2001-02 and the German city hosted a hugely successful Fly-By on the penultimate leg of The Ocean Race 2022-23.

The course is expected to sail across the North Sea and the Atlantic, through the Strait of Gibraltar, and finish in the Mediterranean, with up to five stops along the way (in addition to the start and finish ports). The inaugural edition had three legs from France to Italy.

Intended to provide activity in advance of the 2026-27 edition of the round-the-world Race, The Ocean Race Europe will take place in the newest generation of high-tech IMOCA boats, with the event occurring over a six-week period.

But beyond the competition, Race Chairman Richard Brisius seeks for The Ocean Race Europe to also reinforce how the restoration of ocean health is key to life on our planet.

“This is also about creating real changes in policy for the Ocean, calling for a reset in the relationship between humanity and the Ocean,” said Brisius.

“Initiatives around The Ocean Race Europe will support learning initiatives for race fans and school children while our on-board science program will collect data from the race boats for experts to analyze as they continue to learn about the changes taking place in our waters, from the Baltic Sea in northern Europe to the Mediterranean in the South.”