Biotherm and Holcim – PRB Battle for Lead in Thrilling Ocean Race!

Biotherm and Holcim – PRB Battle for Lead in Thrilling Ocean Race!

The thrills of sailing are alive and well as the esteemed Ocean Race Europe sails through its third leg. Just two days into this leg, competition is heating up between the teams, with Biotherm (FRA) and Holcim – PRB (SUI) fighting closely for the lead. As they navigate the waters from Cartagena, Spain to Nice, France, seven IMOCA crews are putting their skills to the ultimate test.

This leg offers more than just a race; it’s a test of strategy and teamwork. Biotherm, co-skippered by the enthusiastic Amélie Grassi, has put a commendable morning performance on the board by distance. They captured two points at the Leg 3 scoring gate at Cabo de Palos, just edging out competitors like Paprec Arkéa (FRA) to maintain their perfect scoreline. The Mediterranean breeze has challenged all teams, fluctuating between 8 to 25 knots overnight, which has provided little respite for the sailors as they continue to adapt and make constant adjustments, as noted by Team Malizia’s Cole Brauer.

The Race So Far

The Ocean Race Europe has journeyed a long way, having begun on August 10th in Kiel, Germany. After 42 days filled with rigorous competition, it has now entered the sunny Mediterranean Sea. With the race originally launched in 2001, this is only its second iteration, featuring a diverse group of competitors from six different nations, including Germany, Switzerland, France, and Canada, among others. This high-stakes event showcases 60-foot IMOCA 60 monohull yachts equipped with cutting-edge foils that slice through the waves.

The race began in the Baltic Sea and has seen participants navigate through the North Sea, English Channel, and now the Mediterranean. This year’s route includes stops in seven countries and will culminate in Boka Bay, Montenegro. The race is set to feature a total of five legs covering an impressive 4,500 miles and aims to unite iconic maritime locations while promoting sustainability in sailing.

For the sailors, the pressure is palpable. Franck Cammas, helmsman for Holcim – PRB, conveyed the challenges posed by frequent tacks in upwind conditions, resulting in an intense workload. Meanwhile, Team Paprec Arkéa sits in third place, closely followed by four additional teams all vying for a chance to surge ahead as they continue along the northern coast of Mallorca.

Challenges Ahead

As the race continues towards the French coast, crews are not only met with the physical demands of sailing but also the intricacies of managing their boat’s performance and emotional resilience. Eugenia Manzanas, who oversees media coordination for the race, highlighted the difficulties faced by teams during brief stops — from a quick three-hour stop in Matosinhos/Porto, Portugal to navigating the unpredictable weather patterns typical of the Mediterranean.

With tension rising, the sailors face more than just the competition; concerns linger about transitioning from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, where potential light winds present additional challenges. Interestingly, there’s even chatter about orcas in the vicinity of Gibraltar, which could further complicate the course. Yet amidst these obstacles, there’s something to be said for the camaraderie and collective experience shared among the competing teams.

For those keen to follow the excitement, comprehensive race coverage is available through theoceanrace.com and media partners including Warner Bros. Discovery, ensuring fans remain connected to this thrilling chapter in sailing history.