Paul Meilhat’s participation in The Ocean Race Europe showcases a significant transformation in his team’s approach and confidence compared to their previous outing. In the 2022/23 around-the-world edition, his team, Biotherm, was relatively inexperienced, leading to a disappointing performance where they failed to secure a single leg victory despite Meilhat being an accomplished solo sailor. The experience has markedly shaped their preparations and mindset for this year’s race.
Reflecting on the past race, Meilhat admitted, “We didn’t go into the last Ocean Race overly confident; we were always on the back foot.” The absence of such pressure this time around has instilled a sense of calm within the team, which he acknowledges as a crucial improvement. Stress is typically detrimental to performance in high-stakes environments like offshore racing, and recognizing this has shifted their mentality. Meilhat, who is more accustomed to solitary sailing rather than managing a crew, focused on simply finishing the last race and now aims for a more competitive outcome in this iteration of The Ocean Race Europe.
The competitive landscape of The Ocean Race Europe involves several teams battling it out across Europe’s scenic coastlines, covering a total of 4,500 nautical miles divided into five offshore legs. Each stage is host to a different city and presents unique challenges as the sailors navigate, eat, live, and sleep in close quarters. The team dynamics play a pivotal role here, with Meilhat’s increasing managerial skills subtly contributing to a better team synergy.
A key element of this race is the introduction of scoring gates which reward points for early performance in each leg. The first boat through the scoring gate receives two bonus points, and the second boat garners one point. This gamification of key stages has led to a heightened strategic focus among the teams, and at the outset in Kiel, Germany, Biotherm was poised to take advantage of lighter wind conditions. Competitors like Yoann Richomme, skipper of Paprec Arkea, recognized Biotherm’s potential prematurely, stating, “Biotherm will be quick in the light conditions.”
The team’s capability was affirmed when they surged off the starting line, quickly claiming the lead and eventually winning the first leg of the competition, finishing in Portsmouth with a total of nine points, owing to both their leg victory and early gate success. This success has set the stage for their next challenge in Leg 2, which features double points, increasing the stakes significantly.
With a relaxed demeanor, Meilhat expressed satisfaction with their Leg 1 victory, emphasizing their boat’s competitive edge in lighter wind conditions. The sentiment of confidence was palpable as they prepared for the second leg to Cartagena, Spain. “There are seven boats that want to win this next leg, but we’re at an advantage with our lead,” he noted. However, he also embraced the unpredictability of the race given the length and variable conditions governing Leg 2.
Leg 2 introduces an exciting twist with a fly-by segment requiring teams to reach a designated finish line off Matoshinhos, Portugal. The innovative format allows for incremental point accumulation throughout this extended leg of the race. With vital points already secured by reaching the Portsmouth scoring gate first, Meilhat’s team demonstrated sustained momentum, a fact he celebrated on the docks in Portugal. “We have managed to get every single point that was available,” he remarked, advocating for a cautious continuation of their current strategy.
The Ocean Race Europe is a keenly followed event, and fans can stay updated via streaming platforms. A new onboard tech initiative—including the show “Onboard,” featuring real-time access to sailor experiences—aims to engage the audience further. Episodes of “Onboard” are released twice weekly, providing a detailed look into the competition’s unfolding drama and dynamics. For those keen to track the race live, The Ocean Race website features an up-to-date tracker, reinforcing the race’s accessibility and appeal to both ardent followers and casual spectators alike.
Overall, the race symbolizes not just a test of sailing prowess but also a microcosm of teamwork, strategic acumen, and the psychological fortitude required to succeed at this elite level of competition.
