Biotherm Triumphs in Ocean Race Europe Leg 3

The recent Ocean Race Europe Leg 3 witnessed an exhilarating showdown, culminating in Biotherm’s remarkable victory against Team Holcim-PRB amidst the dynamic challenges of the Mediterranean. From unpredictable weather shifts to intense competition, sailors had their skills put to the test throughout this leg.

Biotherm maintained its undefeated streak from the previous legs, reaching Nice just before dawn on August 29, finishing the race with Holcim-PRB trailing closely behind, just twenty-seven minutes later. With both foiling IMOCAs averaging over 20 knots, the race proved to be a nail-biter right up to the finish line.

Ambrogio Beccaria’s Allagrande Mapei followed in third place, coming in 53 minutes after the runner-up. Beccaria reflected on the rigors of the race, noting, “We didn’t make all good choices. But we are improving so much as a team. Our boat is not designed to sail in light unstable winds like here, but as soon as we have wind we are flying. We love the boat and we love the team.” This sentiment resonates with sailors who seek to conquer the waves, embracing the intricacies of sailing craftsmanship.

In fourth place was Team Paprec Arkéa, skippered by Corentin Horeau for this leg, despite suffering from a broken halyard that caused the J0 headsail to plunge into the water. Such unexpected hurdles keep sailors on their toes, reminding them of the unpredictable nature of the sea.

Challenging Mediterranean Conditions

The Mediterranean presented a multitude of challenges throughout the three-day, 680 nautical mile passage. Sailors faced unpredictable weather, grappling with low-pressure systems and sudden squalls that escalated to a staggering 70 knots. Biotherm’s victory was punctuated by the unpredictable conditions that required teams to adapt quickly.

Boris Hermann from Malizia captured these fluctuations, stating, “In the light winds it can be more work than in the strong winds. We had all conditions – from reefed and small headsails to spinnakers. We used all the sails which is not normally the case on most legs. It was all-the-time full-on action and enjoyable racing. It was so motivating to have our competition in sight all the time.” This highlights the thrill of yachting, where perseverance and readiness often determine success.

Rosalin Kuiper, the skipper of Holcim – PRB, echoed this sentiment about the unpredictable nature of the race: “It was an incredible leg. I have never experienced something like this: so many manoeuvres, all the weather models were different from what we saw on the water. We had to be super flexible and dynamic and we didn’t sleep much – the crew is exhausted.”

Ocean Race Leg 3 at a Glance

• Uncertainty over Mediterranean conditions, with long nights of light airs and frequent sail changes along the Spanish coast.

• Neck-and-neck race between Biotherm and Holcim-PRB before Biotherm regained the lead.

• Unstable forecasts prompted a race course adjustment away from Ille de Giraglia to a virtual waypoint.

• Team Amaala, trailing behind the fleet, encountered gusts surpassing 70 knots.

Leaderboard

1. Biotherm (Skipper: Paul Meilhat)

2. Team Holcim-PRB (Skipper: Rosalin Kuiper)

3. Allagrande Mapei Racing (Skipper: Ambrogio Beccaria)

4. Paprec Arkéa Team (Skipper: Corentin Horeau)

5. Team Malizia (Skipper: Boris Hermann)

6. Canada Ocean Racing – Be Water Positive (Skipper: Scott Shawyer)

7. (Still to finish) Team Amaala (Skipper: Alan Roura)

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