The Ocean Race Europe starts in dramatic fashion as shock collision sends two boats back to Kiel for repairs

There was high drama at the start of The Ocean Race Europe on Sunday as two boats collided in spectacular fashion. All crew were reported safe after Team Holcim PRB and Allagrande MAPEI Racing collided at high speed, which sent both boats back to Kiel for assessment and repairs.

Watch as crash on board Allagrande Mapei during Ocean Race Europe

Video credit: TNT Sports

Two boats are returning to Kiel after a collision moments after the start of Leg One of The Ocean Race Europe.

Both Holcim PRB and Allagrande MAPEI Racing are returning to the dock in Kiel to assess the damage.

All crew are reported safe after what appeared to be contact between the Holcim PRB foil and the Allagrande MAPEI sail, and the Allagrande MAPEI foil hitting the Holcim PRB boat.

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"I don’t have any answer. I’m sad to be back here now," said Ambrogio Beccaria, the skipper of Allagrande MAPEI Racing. "Especially because the team made a huge effort to be here and we only did one mile of the reace.

"It’s super sad for our competitor also. We are not alone in this story… We are checking the boat. For sure we will not drop out until there is no chance. It doesn’t seem easy, but we will see."

After safely returning her team and boat to port, Team Holcim PRB skipper Rosalin Kuiper said: "We had to retire from the race because of damage to our hull.

"It is very disappointing for our entire team, and for Allagrande MAPEI and for The Ocean Race as well.

"We are going to assess the situation, see what can happen and make a plan from there. At the moment we are focussed to get the boat ready, repair the boat ASAP and be on the starting line, hopefully, in Portsmouth.

"We will overcome this. We have a very strong team. I wish I wasn’t here now but that’s the situation. We have to repair this damage and that is what we are going to do."

Richomme previews 'tricky' and 'very intense' opening Ocean Race leg

Video credit: TNT Sports

While those teams returned to Kiel to assess damage and begin repairs, Biotherm drew first blood to lead the IMOCA fleet to the Kiel Lighthouse scoring gate, securing the first two points of the race, with Paprec Arkea close behind and claiming a single point.

Skippers had predicted an intense and tactical leg with lots of marine traffic and landmarks to navigate around Denmark.

Earlier, the teams took part in an inspiring edition of The Sailor's Parade, walking through an enthusiastic crowd in Ocean Live Park before shifting to the pontoon for final interviews before departure.

Conditions are expected to be intense for the first 24 hours of the race with strong winds and fast boat speed until reaching the north of Denmark before easing.

Skipper Beccaria ready for ‘first step of a long journey’ with Allagrande Mapei Racing

Video credit: TNT Sports

How to follow The Ocean Race Europe

The new Onboard update show

With more onboard technology and access to the sailors than ever before, a brand-new show called Onboard has launched with the season preview now available to stream on discovery+.

New episodes will air at 19:00 UK time every Tuesday and Friday on TNT Sports and will be available to stream on Discovery+.

Final race in Boka Bay, Montenegro

On September 20, The Ocean Race Europe fleet will take part in a short coastal race in Boka Bay, Montenegro - the final points-scoring opportunity for the teams.

The final race will be broadcast live on TNT Sports, discovery+, and throughout Europe on Eurosport and HBO Max on 20th September with dock-out at 11:30 BST (UK time) 1230 CEST (rest of Europe, excluding Portugal) and the live race at 13:00-14:30 BST (UK time) 1400-1530 CEST (rest of Europe, excluding Portugal)*.

(*timings subject to change)

The official tracker

The brand new official Ocean Race Europe tracker allowing viewers to track the fleet in real time is available on The Ocean Race website.

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