The prestigious race "The Ocean Race Europe" is taking a historic step by coming to the Adriatic Sea, and the fact that the final stage of the famous sailing competition will be held in the Bay of Kotor confirms our position on the nautical map of Europe and further strengthens Montenegro's reputation as an attractive sailing destination, said the Minister of Maritime Affairs in the Government of Montenegro, Filip Radulović, at a press conference.
“The Ocean Race Europe” combines top-notch sailing with the mission of preserving our seas and oceans, and will be crowned with a spectacular finale in the Bay of Kotor from September 15 to 21, 2025, when the unique IMOCA fleet sails into the host city of Tivat.
"Estimates indicate that around 100.000 people will visit Boka during the final, which will contribute not only to the promotion of our country, but also to its economic growth. The expected positive impact on the gross domestic product will be significant, especially in the tourism, hospitality and small business sectors," said Minister Radulović.
Director of Marketing and Host Cities, Mirko Grošner, said that the race, which is more than 4.000 nautical miles long, begins in Kiel, Germany, on August 10, passing through the legendary European seas.
The fleet will race to Portsmouth (UK), then via Matosinhos-Porto in Portugal (fly-by stage), then to Cartagena (Spain), Nice (France) and Genoa (Italy), before making a historic entry into the Adriatic with a finish in the Bay of Kotor.
"It will be a true spectacle of exciting races on top-notch offshore sailboats. These are sailboats of the highest competitive rank, which are not intended for recreation. Each sailboat will have five crew members and one reporter. The sailboats are made of carbon materials and use foiling technology that allows them to move twice as fast as the wind. These are extremely efficient and sophisticated vessels, and it is a privilege to watch the best teams in the world compete right here," Grošner explained.
In addition to speed and strategy, crews will collect key scientific data about the seas they pass through using specialized equipment, continuing The Ocean Race's award-winning scientific program to support global marine research.
They will also have special support from the Kotor Maritime Faculty, said Vice-Dean for Development and Communication Zorica Đurović.
"The Ocean Race is a race with a purpose and is of great importance to us. Its goal is to raise environmental awareness, primarily when it comes to protecting our seas and oceans. In that sense, we are particularly pleased to announce the numerous educational programs that we will implement, which will be interesting, high-quality and interactive. We are very pleased to be part of the whole story and to contribute to positioning Montenegro in a new way on the European and world map," said Đurović.
Olympic sailor Milivoj Dukić, the flag bearer for Montenegro at the 2024 Paris Olympics, said that until recently, such a race in our country was just a dream.
"There are no words to express our gratitude for the opportunity to host all the great names in sailing right here. I am confident that we will show that we can organize an event of this caliber because behind everything there is a strong and motivated team. We have an unforgettable experience ahead of us, and we will do our best to make everyone feel at home and enjoy our beautiful country," said Dukić.
As Peter Rush, communications director of The Ocean Race, said at the end, this race connects people and cultures.
"Over the coming period, up until the finals, we will collaborate with host cities and other partners to raise awareness of the importance of healthy seas and reset humanity's relationship with the ocean. Every city on this route is crucial to driving ecological, social and economic progress," concluded Ruš.
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