From August 29 to 31, Nice will host the only French stopover of The Ocean Race Europe. This leg marks the midpoint of the seven-week race, connecting the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean. The itinerary includes 18-meter sailboats, international crews, and a strong environmental commitment.
The Ocean Race Europe will start on August 10 from Kiel, Germany. After crossing the Baltic Sea, the Atlantic, and the Mediterranean, the fleet will arrive in Nice at the end of August. This stopover is the only one organized in France for this edition. It will mark the midpoint of the race, which will end on September 21 in the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro.
For three days, the IMOCA sailboats will be visible in the Bay of Angels. These 18.28-meter monohulls are known for their participation in the Vendée Globe. Most of the skippers in the race have already completed a solo round-the-world trip. For The Ocean Race Europe, they sail in mixed, international crews.
The race offers a demanding course. It crosses seven countries and several coastal areas, with varied weather conditions. Skippers will have to contend with currents, maritime traffic, and fatigue.
A stopover designed for the public
Nice will make this stopover accessible to everyone. The Amiral Infernet Pier will welcome the public in the Ocean Live Park. Entrance is free.
From 10 AM to 10 PM (until 7 PM on Sunday), visitors can get close to the boats and meet the crews. Activities focused on ocean preservation will be offered. A virtual reality IMOCA cockpit, educational exhibitions, food stands, and concerts are planned.
A nautical parade will take place on Saturday. The start of the new leg, scheduled for Sunday afternoon, will be broadcast on giant screens. The boats will then sail alongside Monaco.
Yoann Richomme, skipper of Paprec Arkéa, is thrilled about this stopover: “It’s great news to arrive in Nice thanks to this race. The symbolism is strong in reaching the Mediterranean, where we rarely have the chance to compete. It adds a dose of motivation!”
One race, several commitments
Beyond the sporting aspect, The Ocean Race Europe claims a role in raising awareness about the health of the oceans. Each boat carries tools for data collection.
During the race, sensors measure the water’s temperature and salinity. They also collect microplastics and environmental DNA. This data will be shared with several scientific institutes, including IFREMER, CNRS, and Météo France.
This initiative is part of the “Racing For The Ocean” program. It combines offshore racing, scientific research, and educational actions. The Ocean Race was also the only sports event partner of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference, organized in Nice last June.
Johan Salen, director of The Ocean Race, emphasizes: “This stopover in Nice is also an opportunity to shift attention for offshore racing, traditionally centered on the Atlantic coast, towards the Mediterranean. […] It’s an important mission to continue the initiated effort and to fully engage to inspire change for a healthier ocean.”
An asserted European connection
The Ocean Race Europe is part of the legacy of the Course de l’Europe, initiated in 1985. This race aimed to strengthen the bonds between European peoples.
Today, The Ocean Race revives this idea under the slogan “Connecting Europe.” The choice of its stopovers, including Portsmouth, Cartagena, Genoa, or Porto, reflects this intention.
To strengthen the link between sports and the European project, Pascal Lamy, coordinator of the Jacques Delors Institute, has been appointed special advisor for the event.
Christian Estrosi, mayor of Nice, highlights the importance of this leg: “In 2025, Nice puts the Ocean at the forefront. […] This stopover in Nice will offer the public a magnificent spectacle and participants the enchanting setting of our Bay of Angels. […] Nice thus confirms its ability to host international events and its desire to promote all initiatives aimed at sustainably preserving our oceans.”
With this stopover, Nice embeds itself in a sporting and environmental dynamic. For one weekend, the Mediterranean Sea becomes the stage for a demanding and meaningful challenge.
