Beccaria and the “Allagrande Mapei” Team set to start The Ocean Race Europe

by Allagrande Mapei Racing 9 Aug 21:49 BST 10 August 2025

Allagrande Mapei © Valentin Laufe´ron

Ambrogio Beccaria will set sail tomorrow, August 10, aboard his new IMOCA 60 "Allagrande Mapei" to compete in the second edition of The Ocean Race Europe. For the Milanese skipper, this represents a double debut: his first race at the helm of this new boat, and his first participation in this international regatta.

To tackle this demanding challenge, Beccaria relies on a seasoned and cohesive crew: Thomas Ruyant, Morgan Lagravière, Manon Peyre, and Pierre Bouras (onboard reporter), joined by Abby Ehler and Hugo Feydit, who will participate in the third and fifth legs, respectively.

Leg One: Kiel - Portsmouth

The opening leg will cover 850 nautical miles, taking the fleet from Kiel to Portsmouth, England.

"I'm truly excited about this Ocean Race Europe," says Ambrogio. "I love the idea of a race connecting various European countries. Sailing from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean — my sea, the one I grew up with — is a deeply emotional journey. And I'm especially looking forward to stopping in Genoa, the city where I trained and where my previous Class40 project was born."

"Right now, I'm torn between the stress of the start and the urge to set off. We've also had a tough run-up: the boat was in the shipyard until the last minute due to a mast accident, and we didn't have time to train. That puts us at a slight disadvantage compared to other teams, but I'm also confident, because I've seen what we're capable of. We're solid, and we'll fight all the way to the finish!"

Allagrande Mapei - photo © Lorenzo Sironi

A Special Guest On Board

For the start, the Allagrande Mapei crew will be joined by a special guest: Rachele Fogar, who will serve as the "jumper". She will board during dock-out and stay with the crew until the starting line, then jump into the water and be picked up by a support boat.

Born in 1991, model, influencer, and amateur sailor, Rachele Fogar is the daughter of Italian explorer, sailor, author, and TV presenter Ambrogio Fogar.

"I enthusiastically accepted the invitation to join Ambrogio Beccaria's boat for the first leg of The Ocean Race Europe because I believe some experiences spark something within us — a flame, a challenge, a symbol. Sailing, for me, is all of that: freedom, courage, complete immersion in nature and in our personal limits. Being on board, even just for a few moments before the start, is an honor and a privilege. Ambrogio represents a fine balance of determination, talent, and clarity. I've admired him for a long time — for his ability to combine technical expertise and humanity, and for the way he approaches the sea: with respect, boldness, and depth.

Stepping onto his boat is like entering his world, made of wind, silence, and brave decisions. The Ocean Race Europe is a collective and symbolic adventure — it speaks of Europe, sustainability, and crossing frontiers with the wind. Even a brief participation is an emotional experience. In a way, the act of jumping into the sea and watching the boat sail away is a powerful metaphor: letting go, trusting, believing in the journey — and in the one who leads it."

To Sail, But Also to Observe

During The Ocean Race Europe, the Mapei Sport Research Centre, which combines scientific research and multidisciplinary support to optimize athletic performance, will accompany Beccaria with an innovative physiological and biomechanical monitoring program designed to study the effects of ocean sailing on the human body.

A long-time partner of Ambrogio in physical preparation, medical and nutritional support, the center's team will conduct a study on how offshore racing affects anthropometric, physiological, and cognitive variables, by testing Beccaria and 7 other professional sailors a few days before the race, during a mid-race leg, and at the end of the event.

Measurements will include:

body weight and composition analysis
heart rate variability
handgrip test for maximum isometric strength of the hand and forearm
maximum isometric shoulder strength
lower-body explosive strength test (CMJ)
Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull (IMTP) test
maximal voluntary contraction of knee extensors
PVT-3 (3-minute Psychomotor Vigilance Test)
questionnaires on perceived exertion, sleep quality, and stress

"This in-depth scientific study will help advance the discipline, in line with our mission of applied research that has already led Mapei Sport to publish more than 150 scientific articles and collaborate with universities and research institutions worldwide," explains Ermanno Rampinini, Chief Operating Officer of the Varese-based center — a scientific reference point that helps athletes improve their performance through testing and training programs. - "Allagrande Mapei" Crew

Thomas Ruyant (FRA) - Co-skipper and former skipper of the boat. Coach of Ambrogio for 2025 season. Winner of the Mini Transat 2009, 2022 Route du Rhum and the Transat Jacques Vabre in 2021 and 2023.
Morgan Lagravière (FRA) - Performance lead. Vendée Globe 2016-17 participant and Transat Jacques Vabre winner in 2021 and 2023. Expert in fine tuning.
Manon Peyre (FRA) - From dinghy sailing (49er FX). Represents the new generation. Known for her precision at the helm and adaptability.
Pierre Bouras (FRA) - Onboard reporter, photographer and videomaker. Will document the journey from within.
Abby Ehler (GBR) - British sailor, four-time round-the-world racer, advocate for gender equality in sailing. On board for the 3rd leg.
Hugo Feydit (FRA) - Skilled sailor and technician, electronics specialist. Will join for the 5th leg