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Cartagena to Host The Ocean Race Europe in 2025
Historic Spanish port will welcome the foiling IMOCA fleet and promote ocean health.
The city of Cartagena has been selected as the Spanish stopover for The Ocean Race Europe, set to take place in late summer 2025. This prestigious event will feature the most innovative fleet of ocean racing IMOCA boats, accompanied by engaging shoreside activities focused on ocean preservation.
Located in the Region of Murcia in southeastern Spain, Cartagena is a port city that opens to the Mediterranean Sea through a wide bay, with its entrance sheltered by a series of historic castles and coastal batteries from the 18th and 19th centuries. Cartagena boasts a rich history that spans over 3,000 years, showcasing remarkable landmarks such as the Roman Theater, a restored monument with a capacity for 6,000 spectators, dating back to the time of Emperor Augustus.
Today, Cartagena’s scenic location along the Costa Cálida offers 250 kilometers of Mediterranean microclimate, making it a premier destination for water sports. It is renowned for its stunning natural environments ideal for sailing and scuba diving, especially in the protected marine reserves of Cabo de Palos and Islas Hormigas nearby.
Additionally, Cartagena is situated 30 kilometers from the Mar Menor coastal lagoon, which is the first ecosystem in the European Union to be granted designated rights equivalent to those of individuals or companies. This innovative measure helps address various challenges facing marine environments.
Cartagena’s coastline features extensive posidonia meadows and coral colonies that support a diverse array of plant and animal species. The port also serves as a historical site containing remnants of Roman shipwrecks and vessels lost during the Spanish Civil War.
The Port of Cartagena ranks as the fourth busiest port in Spain by cargo volume and is a leader in imports and foreign trade. It is also one of the leading ports in cruise traffic within the Spanish port system and is recognized for its sustainable practices, including high water quality and efforts at reforesting posidonia meadows.
The 2025 edition of The Ocean Race Europe will follow the theme “Connecting Europe,” starting on August 10, 2025, from Kiel, Germany, traversing through the North Sea and the English Channel, culminating in the Mediterranean after visiting multiple ports, including Genova, Italy.
Mayor Noelia Arroyo expressed her enthusiasm for Cartagena’s selection as the only Spanish stopover for this significant international event, emphasizing its potential to enhance the city’s image as a notable tourist destination in the Mediterranean.
“The sea has always played a crucial role in Cartagena’s history, shaping our identity and heritage. Hosting the most prestigious offshore racing fleet will showcase our beautiful city,” Arroyo stated.
This initiative has the strong backing of the Port Authority of Cartagena and the Region of Murcia, with President Fernando López Miras highlighting the importance of the event in promoting tourism and sporting competitions in the area.
Phil Lawrence, Race Director of The Ocean Race, underscored the event’s focus on fostering a love for sailing among youth and raising awareness about ocean health. “The Ocean Race Europe represents an extraordinary adventure where top teams harness wind power to navigate from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean. Our sailors are vital advocates for marine preservation, and we’ll work closely with Cartagena to enhance ocean literacy during the race,” he stated.
The exciting IMOCA fleet will provide an unmatched spectacle for fans, with cutting-edge boats designed for speed through hydrofoils. The race’s format promotes fierce competition among teams across relatively short legs, beginning in Kiel, Germany, on August 10, 2025.
With this announcement, Cartagena joins the ranks of other Spanish cities, becoming the third to partner with The Ocean Race, following Barcelona, which will be the finish port for The Ocean Atlantic in 2026, and Alicante, the start port of the global race since 2008. Cartagena’s selection reinforces its status as a key location for both sporting events and tourism in the region.
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Oliver Hayes, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Southampton, has a profound love for the sea that has shaped his career. Holding a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Portsmouth, Oliver is celebrated for his compelling and insightful storytelling. His work vividly captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime heritage of the United Kingdom, making him a respected figure in the sailing community. When not writing, Oliver enjoys exploring the British Isles’ diverse coastlines and participating in local regattas, always on the lookout for his next nautical adventure.
