Starting signal of the Ocean Race Europe: sailing spectacle in Kiel today!

Starting signal of the Ocean Race Europe: sailing spectacle in Kiel today!

August 10, 2025 will go down in history as a top-class date in sailing in Kiel. The start of the Ocean Race Europe not only brings with it exciting competitions, but also impressively shows how sailing is increasingly placing women in leadership roles and on the big stages. Today at 3:50 p.m. the time has come: the seven teams from 13 nations set sail, and NDR will broadcast the opening ceremony and the start live from 1:15 p.m. Among the well-known faces is Boris Herrmann with his team Malizia.

Boris Herrmann, considered one of the leading lights in sailing, describes the upcoming race as “28 strenuous days of sailing”. He will pilot the Malizia – Seaexplorer, which will be handed over to Francesca Clapcich after this race. Next summer, Herrmann will receive a new high-tech yacht. Today the race will cover a total of 4,500 nautical miles (8,334 kilometers) through European waters and also aims to collect data on marine conservation. The focus on sustainable sailing practice is a central point at this event, as NDR reports.

Strong women at the helm

Particularly noteworthy is the participation of Rosalin Kuiper, who is the only woman in the field to pilot the Holcim PRB. This shows how sailing has developed. Women are no longer just spectators, they are taking control and leading the way. Initiatives to promote women in sailing, such as the Helga Cup in Hamburg, support this positive development. Women like Kuiper are earning a place in what is considered one of the toughest competitions in the world, and that's no coincidence - there are numerous programs that promote female involvement in the sport. Segeln100 emphasizes that the number of female sailors and their presence in leadership positions is increasing.

Back to Herrmann and his Malizia team: This consists of a diverse crew that includes more than just men. Justine Mettraux, Cole Brauer, Will Harris and Flore Hartout are part of the team. Brauer recently impressed the public as the first American woman to sail solo and non-stop around the world. Herrmann shows great respect for their achievements and sees himself in a similar mission, even if the challenges are different. Team spirit is crucial for him; he emphasizes that he would be disappointed if someone gave up their position. Yacht reports that each crew must consist of four sailors and a reporter, with at least one woman on board.

The sport of sailing is changing

The development of sailing in recent years is remarkable. Not only have women proven to be active participants, but pioneers like Tracy Edwards and Isabelle Autissier have paved the way for many. At the Olympic Games, relevant sailing disciplines have become increasingly accessible to women. This Ocean Race Europe also makes it clear how deeply rooted the changes in the sport are.

The official opening of the Ocean Race Europe took place on August 6th and the anticipation for the race is palpable. Tim Kröger, NDR's sailing expert, sees the race as an exciting challenge for the teams, with several boats considered possible overall winners. Today's kick-off is not only a starting signal for the race, but also a sign of shared progress in sailing - for women and men.