The Ocean Race Europe Starts After Collision of Two Yachts

• Two vessels collided at the start of the Ocean Race Europe.
• Team members remained uninjured after the incident.
• The race will continue until mid-March with several stages.

Kyiv, Germany (AP) — Two vessels collided immediately after the start of the Ocean Race Europe over the weekend and were forced to return to port for repairs.

Organizers reported that all team members remained uninjured after contact between Holcim PRB (Switzerland) and Allagrande MAPEI Racing (Italy). Video footage showed that the Mapei yacht was severely damaged as a result of the incident during the first stage of the race in Kiel. Both teams are assessing the possibility for repairs, according to the organizers' statements.

It is expected that the racing conditions will be intense, with strong winds and high speeds for the first 24 hours, as the yachts will not reach the halfway point of Denmark.

The race will continue with stages in Portsmouth (England), Matosinhos (Portugal), Cartagena (Spain), Nice (France), and Genova (Italy) before concluding in the Black Sea in mid-March.

Tags: Europe/Sport