The Ocean Race Europe heads to Nice

From August 29 to 31, 2025, The Ocean Race Europe stops in Nice – the only French leg of the thrilling oceanic race between Kiel and Montenegro. A major international event that blends elite sport, environmental commitment, and scientific innovation.

The Baie des Anges will welcome the stars of this incredible adventure: the powerful 60-foot IMOCA monohulls, made famous by the Vendée Globe, return to sea – this time with mixed, international crews – for a challenge that combines competition, European collaboration and a mission to protect the oceans.

The Mediterranean takes the spotlight

After departing Kiel on August 10, the fleet will cross Europe, stopping in seven countries and iconic cities such as Portsmouth, Cartagena, Genoa and the Bay of Kotor. For the first time ever, the Mediterranean will host this spectacular regatta – and Nice will be the stage.

This segment of the race poses a significant technical challenge, with changing weather, tight coastlines, currents, marine traffic and relentless shifts pushing sailors to the limit.

An elite line-up with strong French presence

The entry list reads like a who’s who of ocean racing: ten skippers from the last Vendée Globe, six former Ocean Race champions, and names like Yoann Richomme, Paul Meilhat, Thomas Ruyant and Justine Mettraux.

France and the Mediterranean are strongly represented, with Franck Cammas (Holcim-PRB, from Aix-en-Provence), Christopher Pratt (Be Water Positive, from Marseille), and Manon Peyre (Allagrande Mapei Racing), also trained on the Marseille coast.

Nice, city of sailing and ocean advocacy

Hosting The Ocean Race Europe marks another milestone in Nice’s long list of major sporting events – from the Tour de France to the Ironman finals and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
“This regatta aligns perfectly with our city’s values,” said Mayor Christian Estrosi. “It celebrates our passion for sailing and strengthens our commitment to protecting the sea.”

This connection is also shown by the recent UN Ocean Conference, held in Nice in June, where The Ocean Race presented its sustainability initiatives.

A seaside village open to all

Throughout the stopover, visitors can explore the Ocean Live Park on Quai Amiral Infernet, open daily from 10am to 10pm (until 7pm on Sunday). Admission is free.

The programme includes onboard visits to the IMOCA yachts, interactive activities for children and adults, live music, local food, and ocean-themed exhibits. Saturday features a nautical parade, and Sunday the race restart will be shown on a giant screen — also visible from Monaco as the fleet sails past. Special attention is on Boris Herrmann (Team Malizia), member of the Monaco Yacht Club.

A race for Europe, sport and science

Inspired by the 1980s “Course de l’Europe”, The Ocean Race Europe relaunches its vision with the motto “Connecting Europe”, supported by the Jacques Delors Institute.

Alongside the sporting challenge, the race includes the “Racing for the Ocean” mission, where each boat collects scientific data on temperature, salinity, microplastics and eDNA. These findings are shared with research institutions such as CNRS, IFREMER and Météo France to monitor the health of European seas.

A legacy over 50 years strong

Since 1973, The Ocean Race has stood as one of the greatest team sailing challenges in the world. After its first European edition in 2021, the 2025 event will conclude on September 21 in Montenegro. In 2026, the Ocean Race Atlantic will depart from New York to Barcelona, ahead of the 15th edition of the round-the-world race in 2027.

A bold calendar aligned with the UN Ocean Vision 2030, where every mile sailed becomes a chance to educate, connect and protect.

The Ocean Race 2022-23 – 24 February 2023, The IMOCA fleet during the In-Port Race in Cape Town.

ℹ️ Useful Info

📍 Ocean Live Park – Quai Amiral Infernet, Nice
🗓️ August 29 to 31, 2025
🕘 Opening hours: 10am – 10pm (Sunday until 7pm)
🎟️ Free entry
🌐 www.theoceanrace.com