Rapid collision at the Ocean Race: Herrmann's Malizia team in great danger!

Rapid collision at the Ocean Race: Herrmann's Malizia team in great danger!

Pure excitement on the Schleswig-Holstein coast! The starting signal for the Ocean Race Europe 2025 was given in Kiel on August 10, 2025. For Boris Herrmann and his team Malizia, the spectacle began as an exciting adventure, but just two minutes after the start, events took a dramatic turn. During the race there was a serious collision between the Swiss yacht Holcim - PRB and the Italian Allagrande Mapei Racing, which caused serious damage to both boats. A boat building team from Lorient is already on the way to Kiel to carry out the necessary repair work, as time is of the essence and the second leg in Portsmouth is just around the corner.

Holcim - PRB and Allagrande Mapei Racing were steered back to port after the crash, while Boris Herrmann and his crew were in third place in the first hours of the night. Herrmann expresses skepticism about the circumstances of the accident and suspects that Mapei could have driven into Holcim at high speed. “I think it is possible that an order to tilt the keel was not carried out correctly,” said Herrmann, who also offered his support to the affected teams. The question of guilt remains open until the upcoming protest hearing, at which an international jury will clarify the circumstances.

Repairs and challenges

The most noticeable damage concerns Holcim – PRB, which has holes in the side wall. Both yachts have to be taken to a shipyard in Kiel for repairs, which will probably take several days. After the repair, the boats will be transported via the Kiel Canal to Portsmouth, where the next stage begins on August 17th. Intense weather conditions with strong winds are forecast for the first 24 hours after takeoff.

The Ocean Race Europe comprises a total of five stages covering a total distance of over 4,500 nautical miles and is estimated to attract over 100,000 spectators to the shores and in the water. Next destination: Portsmouth, which represents only the first of many challenges compared to the other stops in Spain and Italy. With the crew of Boris Herrmann, Will Harris, Cole Brauer and Justine Mettraux, Team Malizia has a strong squad, but whether that will be enough for overall victory remains to be seen.

A full program in Kiel

Kiel not only offers sailing, but also offers a colorful program that includes cultural, sporting and environmentally conscious activities. The event itself is scheduled for August 6-10 and offers numerous opportunities for spectators to enjoy the spectacle. Boris Herrmann himself described the start of the regatta as “tricky”, thanks to the tight conditions and the nearby spectator boats. A thrilling experience for everyone involved!

The end of the regatta will be celebrated on September 20th in the picturesque Boka Bay in Montenegro and all eyes will be on the teams that will fight to give their best and ultimately win. Despite the challenges, those involved hope for a smooth journey and exciting competitions during the journey across the high seas.

NDR reports that Boris Herrmann and his team did well and preparations for the next stage are already underway. Get all the important updates and follow developments across platforms World and yacht.