Summer School

Over seven weeks of competition across Europe, from Kiel to Boka Bay, every skipper – no matter their previous experience or status – has been able to draw on the Race to gain new skills and learn new methods.

It was a chance to continue progressing with an eye on future milestones, including The Ocean Race Atlantic (New York–Barcelona), which will take place next year, starting from New York 2nd September 2026.

It is not possible to race at incredible intensity for seven weeks, to be among the very best offshore sailors in the world, and not continue to learn relentlessly.

That’s the story told by all the sailors in this edition of The Ocean Race Europe.

To endure and to reach the finish line in Boka Bay, they had to adapt to every kind of sailing – from flat calms to violent storms. When the weather files didn’t align, when the racing reached peak intensity, humility was always required – something that could be felt on board each of the seven boats in the fleet.

An incredible, enriching learning experience

For the overall winner, Biotherm, beyond the pride and satisfaction, there were countless collective and individual lessons. “I learned a huge amount and grew a lot over the course of the race in terms of boat handling, navigation and strategy,” said Amélie Grassi.

Taking part in the final stage, Carlos Manera described it as “an incredible learning experience” within a “highly motivated crew”.

Like Carlos, many of the younger sailors enjoyed a fast-track training in the IMOCA class. Gaston Morvan (Paprec Arkéa) put it this way: “It was super enriching to sail with each crew member, especially as they’re all so talented and experienced.” His teammate Corentin Horeau added: “I learned so much about the boat. Now I can say I feel much more comfortable on board.”

The lessons weren’t only technical: “We’ve progressed in how we use the boat, it’s more balanced now,” said Yoann Richomme, but also human. “We learned how to communicate better, to trust each other and to stay united despite the difficulties,” explained Mariana Lobato. “This adventure taught us patience, resilience, and the importance of each person in a shared project.”

“What happened on board and on shore allowed us to grow together”

That feeling was also shared by Holcim-PRB and Allagrande Mapei Racing. Both teams made it to the finish despite their collision in Kiel, showing remarkable internal solidarity.

"Every team member and our sponsor showed unwavering support,” said Ambrogio Beccaria. “Thanks to them we kept fighting, kept our confidence and got back up again.”

His mentor on board, Thomas Ruyant, agreed: “What I take away above all is our progress. We learned so much over the stages and we discovered so much together with ‘Bogi’ (Ambrogio Beccaria)… That gives us confidence for the future.”

At Holcim-PRB, Rosalin Kuiper also reflected positively: “What happened allowed us to grow together. It's not how you want to start a race, but in the end it was really positive for the group dynamic,” she said. “We kept learning at every stage, forging a real team spirit.”

Looking ahead eagerly to The Ocean Race Atlantic

Learning has also been central to the Canada Ocean Racing – Be Water Positive project, with the long-term goal of enabling Scott Shawyer to one day compete in the Vendée Globe. “I was lucky to have such a fantastic experience with the whole team,” said Scott. “We only had the boat since June and everyone did an amazing job. It’s been a great adventure on the water and off.”

The same enthusiasm was found at Team Amaala, where Alan Roura gave young Swiss sailors a chance to gain experience in IMOCA. “It was one of the best experiences of my life,” Alan said, delighted to extend a helping hand “to a new generation.”

On every boat, the shared experience helped strengthen bonds and even “create friendships,” as Amélie Grassi put it.

That was also true on Team Malizia, which brought together seven nationalities in its crew. Skipper Boris Herrmann, who led the team, praised the race as "a fantastic event, longer and more intense than a transatlantic.” He added: “Here, every small decision can be very costly, which creates constant pressure that isn’t easy to manage – but that’s what makes it amazing!”

Boris and all the skippers contributed to fostering the unique "The Ocean Race Spirit – that special mindset usually seen only once every four years during the round-the-world edition. That same spirit that will be reignited next year with another thrilling challenge: The Ocean Race Atlantic - a race from New York to Barcelona in September 2026, sure to deliver more unforgettable moments.