After completing the longest leg of The Ocean Race Europe between Portsmouth and Cartagena, the fleet now prepares for a speedy sprint through the Mediterranean.

Leg 3 of The Ocean Race Europe promises plenty of drama, with shifting conditions and bursts of strong winds set to keep fans and crews on edge. The teams are expected in Nice on Friday, where the race will be welcomed with a festive atmosphere during the only French stopover of the event.

Despite Biotherm holding a seven-point lead, the consensus among sailors is clear: nothing is decided yet.

"We’re not even at the halfway point, nothing is done,"said Biotherm skipper Paul Meilhat. Teammate Sam Goodchild agreed: “More than half the points are still in play. It’s far too early to think about defending our lead.”

The competition shares that view. “With a month of racing still ahead and three stages to go, there’s a long way before the finish,” said Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkéa). “There are still plenty of points to fight for,”added Franck Cammas (Holcim-PRB).

Tricky Mediterranean Conditions

The Cartagena stopover was marked by a ruling from the World Sailing appointed International Jury regarding the collision between Team Holcim-PRB and Allagrande Mapei Racing in Kiel. Holcim-PRB was awarded redress and will receive the average points earned across Legs 2 to 5 as its score for leg 1, from which it was forced to retire with damage.

With the decision settled, attention now turns to the first leg sailed entirely in the Mediterranean. Paprec Arkéa skipper for this stage, Corentin Horeau, explained the route: “We’ll round the Balearic Islands to starboard, then head for Corsica, pass north of Giraglia, and set course for Nice.”

That course promises highly variable conditions. “We’ll start with light airs upwind, face a few tricky transitions, and should see stronger winds toward the end,” said Horeau. Canada Ocean Racing’s Christopher Pratt added: “We’ll be under the influence of a low-pressure system tracking our route to Nice. We’ll begin upwind before the system passes, then switch to downwind, but the final stretch remains uncertain.”

The Mediterranean: Wide Open Racing

Far from being intimidated, the fleet is energized by the challenge. “When you arrive in the Med in summer, you usually expect light airs and transition zones, which can be frustrating,” said Morgan Lagravière (Allagrande Mapei Racing). “This time, though, the forecasts show stronger winds toward the end. We’re excited to see that.”

Biotherm’s Goodchild warned against complacency: “Anything can happen here, and things can change in an instant. In the last stage, Paprec Arkéa was stuck in a windless patch for six hours—something no forecast predicted.”

Pratt agreed: “The Mediterranean rewrites the script at every headland, every bay. It’s where the game is most open. Adapting to complex, uncertain conditions is what our sport is all about.”

Fresh Faces, Anticipation in Nice

All teams have made crew changes to bring new energy for this crucial stage. At Paprec Arkéa, Horeau steps up as lead skipper, joined by Yann Eliès and Gaston Morvan. Team Malizia welcomes back Boris Herrmann and Francesca Clapcich, while Scott Shawyer returns with Canada Ocean Racing.

Biotherm sees Benjamin Ferré make his debut, with Britain’s Abby Ehler joining Allagrande Mapei Racing and Carolijn Brower coming aboard Holcim-PRB. Team Amaala introduces Conrad Colman, alongside rising talents Rebecca Gmuer and Joshua Schopfer, both making their IMOCA race debuts.

Stage 3 marks the halfway point of The Ocean Race Europe, and the arrival in Nice promises to be a highlight.

“I’m proud we can showcase the scale of The Ocean Race here in France,”said Pratt. Horeau added: “Nice is one of the jewels of the French coast. We’ll all be pushing for a strong finish to enjoy these incredible surroundings.”

Source : The Ocean Race