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On Sunday August 17, 2025, the seven crews taking part in The Ocean Race Europe set off on the second leg of their 1,400-mile journey from Portsmouth to Cartagena in a southwesterly flow of between ten and fourteen knots. The start was given from Cowes, along the famous Royal Yacht Squadron start line, marking a historic passageway used as early as 1973 by the Whitbread pioneers.
The downwind current in the Solent made for a fast start. The starting line saw Paprec Arkéa in the lead, while Biotherm who had already won the first stage, was aiming for a first intermediate objective: the bonus points gate at the Needles.
Biotherm widens the gap to the leading brand
The scoring gate at the Needles has delivered its first results. Biotherm took all the available points, confirming its tactical mastery of transition phases. The crew led by Paul Meilhat has thus consolidated its position at the top of the provisional overall ranking. Behind them, Holcim-PRB and Canada Ocean Racing also crossed the mark in the leading group, scoring valuable points for the rest of the race.
Kiel's absentees return: Holcim-PRB and Allagrande Mapei on the comeback trail
Two units absent from the first stage are back in the race: Holcim-PRB and Allagrande Mapei Racing both victims of a collision in Kiel. Emergency repairs and transit through the Kiel Canal for Holcim all bear witness to an intense technical effort. Alan Roberts, co-skipper on Holcim evokes " a real bonding moment for the crew ".
These returns modify fleet dynamics, introducing new parameters into the tactical game ahead.
A strategic transition from the Bay of Biscay to the Portuguese trade winds
The course of this second stage requires the crews to carefully manage weather transitions. After passing through the Bay of Biscay, competitors will gradually enter the Portuguese wind regime. A fly-by is planned in Matosinhosâeuros-Porto in the middle of the course. This close proximity to the coast could provide opportunities for the most inspired tacticians, before the final stretch to the Mediterranean.
Paprec Arkéa and Malizia: ambitions intact despite pressure
Paprec Arkéa led by Yoann Richomme, livened up the start with an excellent initial speed. The French skipper is expecting a demanding tactical phase as he approaches Cape Finisterre. For his part, Team Malizia skippered by Will Harris on this leg, remains on the offensive after its second-place finish in Portsmouth. The German-British crew showed themselves to be at ease in the first few miles, making the most of the tailwind conditions.
Canada Ocean Racing: learning from the leaders continues
Led by Pip Hare, the Canadian crew continues its integration into the IMOCA circuit. Their strategy remains one of contact: maintain a constant speed, observe the leaders and minimize mistakes. The passage of the Needles into the leading group marks a first encouraging milestone.
