The Ocean Race Europe 2025 will conclude in breathtaking Montenegro
by The Ocean Race 27 Sep 08:09 PDT
Tivat Pine square and the vessel, Jadran, in Montenegro © Omega Team
The Ocean Race Europe 2025 will end in Boka Bay, Montenegro, with the IMOCA fleet making its inaugural entrance into the Adriatic Sea, celebrating sport, sustainability, and collaboration across European waters.
Commencing in Kiel, Germany on 10 August 2025, The Ocean Race Europe will journey to Portsmouth in the UK, continuing into the Mediterranean Sea with stops in Cartagena, Spain and Genova, Italy, before culminating in Montenegro by mid-September.
Surrounded by Montenegro’s dramatic mountains and serene waters, Boka Bay will provide the ideal setting for the conclusion of the second edition of The Ocean Race Europe.
“We are thrilled that the Finale of The Ocean Race Europe will take place in Boka Bay, where we will warmly welcome both sailors and fans, uniting them in our love for the sea,” declared Filip Radulovic, Montenegro’s Minister of Maritime Affairs, during a launch ceremony at Porto Montenegro, Tivat on Friday.
“This event will significantly boost Montenegro’s profile as a tourist destination, and we anticipate tens of thousands of visitors to Boka Bay over the four-day period. While the economic impact will be substantial, we take the greatest pride in promoting ocean health and safety on a global platform,” added Minister Radulovic.
The Ocean Race Europe builds on the legacy of its inaugural 2021 event, showcasing the world’s top male and female offshore sailors competing on flying IMOCA boats that use cutting-edge foiling technology to achieve record-breaking speeds.
“This race melds elite-level professional sport with a strong emphasis on ocean health and sustainability,” stated Phil Lawrence, Race Director of The Ocean Race. “This will be the first instance in which any of our events races into the Adriatic Sea, and we eagerly anticipate bringing our international teams and sailors to this iconic location, concluding The Ocean Race Europe in such a spectacular environment.”
“As an Olympic sailor from Montenegro, I am delighted that our country will host such an important event as The Ocean Race Europe,” remarked Milivoj Dukic, an Olympic sailor who represented Montenegro at the Olympic Games in Paris earlier this summer. “I am excited for the event, and I know the sailing community here is equally enthusiastic about welcoming the world’s best sailors along with their fans and guests to our stunning country.”
The Ocean Race Europe will operate under the theme ‘Connecting Europe’ and will support the EU Mission’s initiative to engage citizens and local communities in efforts to protect and restore ocean health.
“We share a common goal of racing against time to preserve ocean health. The inspiring power of The Ocean Race is crucial for our Mission, and we are delighted to partner with you to mobilize many stakeholders at national, regional, and international levels. Action is essential: we must act, and act collaboratively,” expressed Elisabetta Balzi, Head of Unit, European Commission, DG Research & Innovation, Healthy Oceans & Seas, regarding The Ocean Race Europe earlier this month.
Minister Radulovic highlighted his expectation that The Ocean Race Europe will motivate citizens to gain knowledge about the sea and become advocates for ocean conservation.
“We are eager to collaborate with all stakeholders in bringing our award-winning ocean health programs, including education and scientific initiatives, to Montenegro to foster a sustainable blue economy focused on sailing and the protection and restoration of ocean health,” added Lucy Hunt, the Ocean Impact Director of The Ocean Race.
The Ocean Race Europe in 2025 marks the first of three fully-crewed events, followed by The Ocean Race Atlantic: New York to Barcelona in September 2026, and the next edition of The Ocean Race around the globe, commencing from Alicante, Spain in 2027.
