Team Holcim-PRB has unveiled its crew for the highly anticipated 2024 Ocean Race Europe, with significant milestones and ambitions on the horizon. Notably, Team Holcim-PRB is the only crew in this year’s race to feature a female skipper—Rosalin Kuiper, who takes the helm after Nicolas Lunven’s successful solo circumnavigation of the globe.

This race marks the second Ocean Race for the team’s boat, which sails under the Swiss flag and finished in an impressive 6th place in the 2024 Vendée Globe under Lunven’s command earlier this year.

Rosalin Kuiper, who has sailed in several editions of The Ocean Race, with her most recent participation being in the 2022-2023 Ocean Race with Team Malizia, is no stranger to high-level competition. “I’m incredibly proud and excited to take part in The Ocean Race Europe for the first time as skipper of Team Holcim-PRB,” says Kuiper. “This is a truly meaningful moment for me, and I’m especially grateful to be surrounded by such an amazing team. Everyone brings their own skills, experience, and personality — and that’s exactly how I see leadership onboard: making decisions together, as a team.”

© Adrien Nivet / polaRYSE

The Ocean Race Europe : a world-class crew for Holcim-PRB

At the helm of Holcim-PRB, skipper Rosalin Kuiper (NL) represents a new generation of ocean sailors. After taking part in The Ocean Race 2022-23, where she emerged as one of the standout figures of the race, Rosalin went on to support Nicolas Lunven as co-skipper of Team Holcim-PRB during his preparation for the 2024 Vendée Globe. After welcoming her first baby in December, Rosalin is now stepping into the role of skipper for Holcim-PRB. Surrounded by a team of strong, experienced sailors, she is well-positioned to harness their collective expertise, uniting the group to perform at their best and drive the team forward.

By her side, Nicolas Lunven (FR) brings invaluable expertise to the team, with his deep understanding of the boat, having sailed it solo and non-stop around the world to finish 6th in the 2024 Vendée Globe. In addition to this profound knowledge of the green and blue IMOCA his meteorological and strategic expertise are widely recognized across the international offshore racing scene.

© Adrien Nivet / polaRYSE

Carolijn Brouwer (NL/AU), a multi-talented sailor, adds the depth of her international career, combining Olympic sailing and offshore racing. An Olympic medalist, three-time participant in The Ocean Race, and one of the first women to win the race (with Dongfeng Race Team in 2017-18), she’s an essential part of Team Holcim-PRB, bringing a wealth of experience and a unique perspective that truly strengthens the crew.

Alan Roberts (GB/BR) joins Team Holcim-PRB with solid offshore credentials in both solo and crewed racing. He made his mark on the Figaro circuit, where he became one of the leading Anglo-Saxon sailors of his generation. He brings valuable experience with the latest-generation foiling IMOCA boats, having raced with Biotherm in the 2022-2023 Ocean Race and served as co-skipper of L'Occitane Sailing Team in 2023 and 2024.

Another major name in the world of sailing, Franck Cammas (FR), completes the team. A legendary offshore sailor with an outstanding track record —  including wins in the Volvo Ocean Race, Route du Rhum, Transat Jacques Vabre, and Trophée Jules Verne — he is widely recognized as a truly exceptional sailor. His deep understanding of team dynamics and relentless drive for performance excellence will be key assets to the group.

© Adrien Nivet / polaRYSE

Together, these five sailors form a high-caliber team that blends technical skill and diverse experience — a crew well-equipped to take on the challenges of The Ocean Race Europe. 

“Our strength is definitely our diversity. Each crew member is fully committed to collective success. With five legs, the race will be particularly intense. Everyone will play a key role in achieving our goal. I have total confidence in this team and in our boat. We have IMOCA specialists, sailors with strong crewed-racing experience, and international profiles. Without hesitation, I can say we’re sailing with some of the best in the world. Our ambition is clear: we’re here to win. That’s why we’ve optimized the boat and assembled the most high-performing team possible, both at sea and on land. I’m extremely proud of everything the team has accomplished,” Rosalin Kuiper

Source : Team Holcim-PRB