Tough start for Ambrogio Beccaria and the Allagrande Mapei Racing team
A starting-line incident for Ambrogio Beccaria and the Allagrande Mapei crew marked the opening leg of The Ocean Race Europe (TORE). Barely two minutes after the starting gun, the IMOCA Allagrande Mapei and Holcim-PRB collided. No injuries were reported, but both boats had to return immediately to port to assess the damage.
Although forced to abandon this first leg (Kiel–Portsmouth), the team is exploring every possibility of being on the start line for Leg 2 (Portsmouth–Cartagena), scheduled for 17 August at 16:55.
“It’s a mix of disappointment and pride,” said 33-year-old Ambrogio Beccaria, taking the helm for the first time as skipper of the IMOCA 60 “Allagrande Mapei.” “Disappointment, of course, at having to consider withdrawing so early. But also a great deal of pride in the way the whole team reacted, getting straight to work with incredible energy. We are all relieved that there were no injuries, either on board or among our competitors. Now our goal is clear: do everything possible to be on the start line for the next leg. But we remain cautious: we still have to wait for the inspection results to know if we can continue or if our race ends here.”
Exemplary maritime solidarity
True to the legendary spirit of the sea, support came quickly. The Allagrande Mapei team received help from all other crews as well as The Ocean Race organisation. Once the initial shock passed, everyone resumed their roles. With the support of TR Racing, the team organised itself: Ambrogio Beccaria focused on sporting aspects, Thomas Ruyant studied various scenarios to reach Portsmouth in time for the start of Leg 2, Morgan Lagravière and Manon Peyre assisted the technical team with sail repairs, while the rest of the shore crew worked on structural repairs. At the same time, the logistics unit sprang into action to bring in the necessary repair equipment.
Repairs underway
There is significant damage on board. The entire starboard rigging system supporting the mast is severely damaged. This can be replaced thanks to the solidarity of the “Paprec Arkéa” team, who are providing the D0 outrigger stay.
We can also replace the outrigger itself, made available by TR Racing’s other boat, “Advens 1,” thanks to the generosity of founder-president Alexandre Fayeulle. These highly sophisticated carbon parts left Lorient this morning and are expected to arrive in Kiel tomorrow afternoon.
The D0 outrigger stay chainplate, however, requires further inspection to assess damage. This is a critical point on the boat, subject to loads of more than 30 tonnes; the structural integrity of this area is essential for the mast and boat’s safety. Damage assessments are evolving hour by hour thanks to ultrasound analysis, inspections, and examinations carried out with the boat’s designer, Antoine Koch.
The sails hoisted at the time of impact are both damaged: the J0 (headsail) exploded upon contact with Holcim’s outrigger and cannot be repaired, so it must be replaced; the mainsail, which had a large tear, has already been repaired by the team in record time.
Official protests have been lodged by both Allagrande Mapei Racing and Holcim-PRB. These cases will be examined and assessed by an international jury at a date yet to be determined. We will keep you informed as soon as we have more news.