Biotherm Crowned in Boka Bay

As they had done so many times over the six weeks of racing, Biotherm rose above the chaos to secure the win, confirming themselves as the benchmark of this year’s European tour. Paprec Arkéa crossed second to lock up runner-up overall, while Team Holcim-PRB, led by Rosalin Kuiper, completed both the day’s podium and the season’s top three.

Behind them, the fight raged on. Team Malizia edged out Allagrande Mapei Racing for fourth overall, thanks in part to a standout coastal performance from Canada Ocean Racing – Be Water Positive, who stunned many with a gritty fifth-place finish in Boka Bay.

A Scenic Showdown in Montenegro

The stage could not have been more spectacular. Boka Bay, a fjord-like harbour framed by steep cliffs and dotted with centuries-old stone towns, delivered a postcard-perfect setting for the finale. Seven IMOCA yachts lined up under blue skies and slightly stronger-than-forecast winds — around 10 knots — for the last dance of The Ocean Race Europe.

The atmosphere ashore was electric. Locals and visiting fans packed the waterfront as the fleet weaved tight mark roundings, foils slicing the water with precision. From the first moment, it was clear this would be no gentle parade.

Paprec Arkéa Fires First

At the gun, Yoann Richomme’s Paprec Arkéa made the most aggressive move, seizing control at the opening marks. With Mariana Lobato working the bow and the team drilling crisp manoeuvres, the French crew looked sharp and confident. For a moment, it seemed they might snatch both the coastal race win and second overall.

Behind them, Holcim-PRB faltered with an early messy manoeuvre, giving Biotherm space to stalk the leaders. Further back, Allagrande Mapei Racing and Team Malizia were locked in their own duel, every sail change critical in the marginal conditions.

Biotherm Strikes Back

The turning point came on the second lap. Biotherm, cool under pressure, closed in on Paprec Arkéa and pulled an audacious inside move at the mark. With the precision of a champion team, Meilhat’s crew seized the lead and never looked back.

Onboard, the celebration was visible as they powered toward the finish. Paul Meilhat, Amélie Grassi, Benjamin Ferré, and Carlos Manera embraced as they crossed the line — fists pumping, victory sealed. Four wins out of five legs, four scoring gates taken, and now the final flourish in Montenegro. Their points haul (55) crowned them undisputed champions of The Ocean Race Europe.

“We’re so happy,” grinned Meilhat. “For two months we’ve lived together with this goal in mind. To finish like this, with another win, it’s pure happiness. Every race, every leg, this team has been incredible.”

Paprec Arkéa and Holcim-PRB Round the Podium

Seconds later, Paprec Arkéa crossed in relief and satisfaction. Their consistency all season was rewarded with second place overall (40 points). “That was a really great race,” said skipper Yoann Richomme. “We didn’t expect such a strong start, but the foils worked beautifully. To finish behind Biotherm – that’s no shame at all. They’ve been almost impolite in their dominance!”

Crewmate Corentin Horeau added: “From the start we knew Holcim would be close, so we had to stay sharp. We executed cleanly and stuck to our game plan.”

For Rosalin Kuiper and Team Holcim-PRB, the third-place finish overall (38.5 points) capped a rollercoaster campaign that began with a damaging collision in Kiel. “Of course, we wanted more,” Kuiper admitted. “But looking back, I’m so proud of how far this team has come. We fought for every point, and we learned so much.”

Malizia, Mapei and Canada in the Mix

Team Malizia, led by Boris Herrmann, finished fourth overall with 37 points — edging out Allagrande Mapei Racing, who had to settle for fifth (26 points).

But the story of the day belonged to Canada Ocean Racing – Be Water Positive. Scott Shawyer’s team delivered a gutsy fifth-place finish in Boka Bay, punching above their weight in a fleet stacked with IMOCA heavyweights. Their performance pushed Mapei down the order and earned respect across the dock.

At the tail end, Team Amaala crossed seventh, their campaign full of valuable lessons despite modest results.

A Fitting End – And A Glimpse Ahead

As the sun dipped behind the Montenegrin hills, every sailor in the fleet could reflect on a campaign of fierce competition, new rivalries, and unforgettable moments. From Kiel to Nice, from Sardinia to Montenegro, The Ocean Race Europe once again proved itself one of offshore sailing’s most dynamic battlegrounds.

But the story doesn’t end here. The next chapter arrives in 2026 with The Ocean Race Atlantic — a transatlantic sprint like no other, connecting New York to Barcelona. A fresh challenge awaits, with the same promise: spectacular racing, dramatic stories, and the world’s fastest ocean-going yachts pushing human limits.

Final Results: The Ocean Race Europe 2025

Boka Bay Coastal Race:

Biotherm

Paprec Arkéa

Team Holcim-PRB

Team Malizia

Be Water Positive

Allagrande Mapei Racing

Team Amaala

Overall Standings (Provisional):

Biotherm – 55 pts

Paprec Arkéa – 40 pts

Team Holcim-PRB – 38.5 pts

Team Malizia – 37 pts

Allagrande Mapei Racing – 26 pts

Be Water Positive – 18 pts

Team Amaala – 9 pts