The Ocean Race Europe, a 4,500-nautical mile offshore challenge featuring the world’s top sailing teams, is set to pass through the Solent this August – with Leg 2 starting in Cowes.
Navigating a multi-leg route through European waters – with stops in the UK (Portsmouth), Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy – the race concludes in Montenegro on 15th to 16th September. A Final Scoring Race in Boka Bay on 20thSeptember will determine the overall winner.
Second leg begins in Cowes
While the UK stopover for the race is in Portsmouth (14th to 17th August), the start of Leg 2 will take place just across the water in Cowes.
At 16:55 on Sunday 17th August, seven high-speed IMOCA foiling yachts will line up off the historic Royal Yacht Squadron startline, heading west past The Needles before setting course for Cartagena, Spain via a fly-by in Portugal.
Spectator highlights
The Isle of Wight offers a great opportunity to see the fleet in action as they charge out into the Solent. Prime viewing points include Cowes Parade, Cowes Green, Gurnard, Fort Victoria Country Park, and The Needles.
The boats can also be spotted on 14th August as they arrive in Portsmouth, sailing past Bembridge.
Fans can track the action live on the official race website.
A strong British representation
The race features seven mixed-gender, multinational teams representing 13 countries, each limited to four sailors and one onboard reporter – with at least one female sailor per team. Several British sailors with deep ties to Cowes and the Solent are competing, including:
- Abby Ehler (Allagrande Mapei Racing)
- Alan Roberts (Team Holcim – PRB)
- Brian Thompson & Pip Hare (Canada Ocean Racing – Be Water Positive)
- Jack Bouttell & Sam Goodchild (Biotherm)
- Will Harris (Team Malizia)
Notably, Roberts, Bouttell, Goodchild, and Harris all trained at the former East Cowes-based Artemis Offshore Sailing Academy.
Race Director Phil Lawrence, from nearby Lymington, said,
“Racing around Europe is a major challenge that takes the fleet across the congested waters of the North Sea, through the confines of the English Channel, out into the open waters of the Atlantic, before taking on the tricky conditions of the Mediterranean and the Adriatic seas,”
Phil added,
“The crews will need to perform well across a range of conditions to get to the podium and there is every possibility that the race could well be decided on the Final Scoring Race in Boka Bay.”
More than a race
The Ocean Race Europe is not just a sporting event – it contributes vital data to ocean science. Every boat is equipped with research equipment measuring temperature, salinity, CO₂, oxygen, microplastics, and eDNA. Some teams will also deploy drifting buoys to aid global meteorological efforts.
Portsmouth Race Village – 14th to 17th August
While Cowes hosts the start of Leg 2, Portsmouth is the official UK stopover.
The Race Village at Gunwharf Quays will feature public events, family-friendly entertainment, VIP areas, and pit lane tours. Entry is free.
For more info visit the website.
News shared by Jo on behalf of The Ocean Race Europe. Ed
