The Coastal Race: Why The Ocean Race Europe's final showdown in Boka Bay, Montenegro matters

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The Ocean Race Europe teams have been racing and competing against each other non-stop for seven weeks. Although the winners have already been decided, the podium has yet to be finalised. The final race - The Coastal Race in Boka Bay, Montenegro - will be shown live on Saturday, September 20, exclusively on TNT Sports and discovery+.

'Feeling charged': Fighting talk ahead of Saturday's race as the battle for the podium continues

Video credit: TNT Sports

The Coastal Race in Boka Bay is the final scoring race – a short sprint off the stunning shores of Tivat and Boka Bay in Montenegro.

While Biotherm has already secured overall victory, a duel is on the cards between Paprec Arkea and Holcim-PRB for second place, as well as between Allagrande Mapei Racing and Team Malizia for fourth. Are we ready for one last adrenaline rush?

Montenegro offers the perfect backdrop for some well-earned relaxation – sunshine, spectacular scenery and a slower pace of life. But for the crews, there is no easing off just yet.

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Pro-am speed runs have been running since yesterday, and all eyes are now on Saturday’s Coastal Race, where crucial points will be up for grabs (7 for the winner, 6 for second place, and so on – the same as for a leg finish).

Paprec Arkea vs Holcim-PRB – a battle for the podium

This is not just about the stunning Boka Bay backdrop – there’s plenty of sporting drama to follow with several intense "races within the race".

Biotherm has dominated The Ocean Race Europe, winning four out of five legs and showing remarkable consistency since the start. But behind them, the fight for the podium is still wide open. Just half a point separates Paprec Arkea (2nd, 34 pts) and Holcim-PRB (3rd, 33.5 pts).

"We have no choice – we have to beat them," smiles Yoann Richomme. (Paprec Arkea). "First we’ll focus on sailing a good race, then do everything we can to finish ahead."

"Our team spirit is incredible – we’ve fought so hard and given everything," adds Rosalin Kuiper (Holcim-PRB). "We’ll be in the same mindset on Saturday, fully focused on the goal."

Paprec Arkea has held second place consistently since the start, while Holcim-PRB has shown impressive fightbacks – even clawing back 150 miles on the last leg to take second place at the finish. Expect fierce action in this head-to-head battle.

Team Malizia vs Allagrande Mapei Racing – the fight for fourth

Another showdown to watch is for fourth place overall. Allagrande Mapei Racing (4th, 24 pts) has just a single point lead over Team Malizia (23 pts).

"This race is super important – I can’t let Ambrogio [Beccaria] beat us!" laughs fellow Italian Francesca Clapcich.

Allagrande Mapei Racing pulled off a remarkable comeback after their earlier collision and even claimed the leg win into Beccaria's home port in Genova. Team Malizia has been consistent too, with a strong third-place finish into Boka Bay. This will be a close-fought duel right to the finish.

And do not forget Canada Ocean Racing – Be Water Positive (6th) and Team Amaala (7th), who will also be pushing hard. On top of the sporting stakes, the conditions could play a major role – as always in the Mediterranean, nothing is guaranteed.

"We’ve seen here that the wind can change strength and direction constantly," says Richomme. "We’ll need to keep switching sails and making adjustments – it’s going to be demanding!"

The perfect recipe for one last spectacular showdown, thrilling fans on site and watching around the world.

How to follow the final race in Boka Bay

On September 20, The Ocean Race Europe fleet will take part in a short coastal race in Boka Bay, Montenegro - the final points-scoring opportunity for the teams. This will be streamed live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Coverage times:

Dock-out: 11:00 - 12:00 UK time
Live race: 13:00 - 14:30 UK time

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