Biotherm has emerged victorious in the final leg of The Ocean Race Europe 2025, sailing into Boka Bay, Montenegro. This win solidifies their dominant overall performance in the challenging five-week, 4,500-nautical mile race around Europe, marking a spectacular conclusion to the competition.
Key Takeaways
- Biotherm secured a commanding overall victory in The Ocean Race Europe 2025.
- The team won the fifth and final leg from Genova, Italy, to Boka Bay, Montenegro.
- Biotherm’s consistent performance, including wins in the first three legs, led to an unassailable points lead.
- The final leg was marked by varied conditions, from light winds to thunderstorms and high-speed foiling.
A Dominant Performance
Paul Meilhat’s French-flagged IMOCA, Biotherm, crossed the finish line in Boka Bay after a demanding 1,600-nautical mile leg. Their time of seven days, eight hours, 33 minutes, and 13 seconds earned them crucial points, cementing their championship title. With victories in the first three legs and strong showings throughout, Biotherm amassed an unassailable 48 points, leaving no room for rivals to catch up.
The Challenging Final Leg
The fleet departed Genova under challenging conditions, navigating down the western sides of Corsica and Sardinia, and south of Sicily before turning north into the Adriatic Sea. The leg tested the crews with initial slow progress due to light winds, followed by intense thunderstorms, torrential rain, and spectacular lightning. Despite these hurdles, the sailors also experienced exhilarating high-speed foiling, reaching speeds up to 34 knots.
Tactical Battles and Close Finishes
Biotherm demonstrated smart tactical play, particularly in the predominantly upwind conditions after passing Sicily. While Yoann Richomme’s Paprec Arkéa attempted a risky eastern route along the Albanian coast in the final 24 hours, Biotherm maintained their strategy, securing the leg win. Behind them, Team Holcim – PRB staged a remarkable comeback, moving into second place overall, closely followed by Team Malizia in third. Allagrande Mapei and Paprec Arkéa rounded out the top five finishers for the leg, with close points separating them in the overall standings heading into the final coastal race.
Team Reflections
Skipper Paul Meilhat expressed his elation, crediting the victory to his crew and the dedicated shore team. He highlighted the team’s extensive learning from the previous round-the-world race and their singular focus on The Ocean Race Europe 2025. Co-skipper Amélie Grassi shared her pride in the team’s achievement, particularly in winning the final leg, and acknowledged the significant responsibility she took on as navigator for this leg.
Looking Ahead
With Biotherm’s overall victory secured, the focus shifts to the final coastal race to determine the remaining podium positions. The close competition between Paprec Arkéa and Team Holcim – PRB, separated by only half a point, promises an exciting conclusion to the event.
### Sources
- Biotherm win final leg into Montenegro and seal dominant overall victory in The Ocean Race Europe 2025, The Ocean Race.
- The fleet pushes north towards Boka Bay, Montenegro with everything still to play for, The Ocean Race.
- The Ocean Race Europe 2025 is heading towards its Finale in Boka Bay, Montenegro, Sail-World.com.
