Berlin skipper Stanjek: Ocean Race demands team spirit and nerves!

Berlin skipper Stanjek: Ocean Race demands team spirit and nerves!

On August 28, 2025, the third leg of the Ocean Race Europe will run along the coasts of Europe. Seven teams are taking part in this prestigious competition, including the team of Robert Stanjek, a Berlin skipper and team boss who won the race in 2021. Stanjek described his victory at the time as “from zero to hero” and emphasized the great importance of the team for success in the tough competition at sea. The teams are currently sailing from Cartagena to Nice, a stage that should take around three days.

Stanjek follows the racing closely, but does not have the ability to constantly observe all aspects of the race. Ocean Race Europe's coastal stretch presents a particular challenge as weather conditions are often unpredictable and require constant adjustments in tactics. The sailors on board work under high pressure and follow a strict regime: around three hours “on watch” followed by 90 minutes of rest, which is often not even enough for enough sleep.

The challenge of racing

The appeal of the Ocean Race lies in the extreme challenge and life at sea. Stanjek emphasizes the need for a well-organized crew and comprehensive planning over several years. The cost of a racing campaign is an impressive 2.5 to 5 million euros annually, while boat costs vary between 5.5 and 6.5 million euros. Each team is supported by a team of meteorologists who analyze historical weather data; Ultimately, however, decisions must be made in real time.

Another significant element of the race is safety. The organizers have set up protection zones for whales, which serve to protect both the animals and the safety of the crew. Stanjek himself had in the past reconsidered his participation in future competitions after an accident during a circumnavigation of the world in 2022. He plans to spend more time with his family but is not ruling out a return to racing.

The History of the Ocean Race

The Ocean Race is considered the longest and toughest professional sporting event in the world, described as the most challenging team challenge in sailing, alongside the Olympic Games and the America's Cup. The first regatta started on September 8, 1973 with 17 yachts and already led to a tragic incident in which three sailors died. In subsequent competitions, safety rules were introduced to prevent such incidents. The regatta has developed over the years into a major event in sailing and the next conventional regatta will start in Alicante in January 2027.

This year, Stanjek and his team set sail for another challenging adventure as part of the Ocean Race Europe, which shows how seriously the sailors take their challenges and continually develop.

For further information on the exciting developments in the Ocean Race, those interested can read the reporting on rbb24, Stanjek Sailing and Wikipedia track.