The Ocean Race Europe - Leg 2 Start, Cowes

About

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 15-16 September. A Final Scoring Race in Boka Bay on 20 September will determine the overall winner.

While the UK stopover for the race is in Portsmouth (14-17 August), the start of Leg 2 will take place just across the water in Cowes. At 16:55 on Sunday 17 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 14 August as they arrive in Portsmouth, sailing past Bembridge.

Fans can track the action live on the official race website: theoceanrace.com/en/europe/2025

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.

More information: portsmouth.theoceanrace.com