The Ocean Race Europe, a 4,500-nautical-mile offshore challenge featuring the world’s top sailing teams, will bring high-speed action to the Isle of Wight this month when Leg 2 begins off Cowes.
A total of 7 IMOCA foiling yachts will line up off the historic Royal Yacht Squadron startline at 16:55 on Sunday 17th August, heading west past The Needles before setting course for Cartagena, Spain via a fly-by in Portugal.
The race continues with further stops in France and Italy before concluding in Montenegro on 15th-16th September, followed by a Final Scoring Race in Boka Bay on 20th September to determine the overall winner.
Although the UK stopover is in Portsmouth from 14th-17th August, the Solent will play a central role in the spectacle, offering fans an opportunity to see the fleet at close quarters as they blast out towards open waters. Prime viewing points include Cowes Parade, Cowes Green, Gurnard, Fort Victoria Country Park and The Needles. Spectators may also spot the fleet sailing past Bembridge on 14th August as they head to Portsmouth.
The 2025 edition of The Ocean Race Europe features 7 mixed-gender, multinational teams representing 13 countries. Each crew is limited to 4 sailors and 1 onboard reporter, with at least 1 female sailor per team.
British interest is strong, with several competitors boasting close ties to Cowes and the Solent, including Abby Ehler (Allagrande Mapei Racing), Alan Roberts (Team Holcim – PRB), Brian Thompson and Pip Hare (Canada Ocean Racing – Be Water Positive), Jack Bouttell and Sam Goodchild (Biotherm), and Will Harris (Team Malizia). Notably, Roberts, Bouttell, Goodchild and Harris all trained at the former Artemis Offshore Sailing Academy in East Cowes.
Race Director Phil Lawrence, from Lymington, has said:
“Racing around Europe is a major challenge that takes the fleet across the congested waters of the North Sea, through the confines of the English Channel, out into the open waters of the Atlantic, before taking on the tricky conditions of the Mediterranean and the Adriatic seas. The crews will need to perform well across a range of conditions to get to the podium and there is every possibility that the race could well be decided on the Final Scoring Race in Boka Bay.”
Meanwhile, the Portsmouth Race Village at Gunwharf Quays will offer public events, family-friendly entertainment, VIP areas and pit lane tours between 14th-17th August. Entry is free, with further information available at portsmouth.theoceanrace.com.
