After announcing a few months ago his entry into the IMOCA class and his ambition to participate in the Vendée Globe 2028, Ambrogio Beccaria reaches a new milestone in his project. In Lorient, the Italian skipper unveiled the visual identity of his boat, now renamed ALLAGRANDE MAPEI, as he prepares to take part in his first official race under these new colors: The Ocean Race Europe.
“ALLAGRANDE MAPEI already has excellent performance, especially downwind,” he continues. “We have three years ahead of us to improve it, test solutions, validate them… No need to rush – we’ll move step by step. The 2025 season is the perfect opportunity to get to know this new machine, understand where and how to improve. Everything will be done methodically and with care. As a trained naval engineer and with experience from Mini 6.50 and my custom-built Class40, I naturally want to put my mark on the boat – but I also know it must be done progressively.”
As an offshore racing team, Allagrande Mapei Racing has developed a deep awareness of the ocean’s environmental fragility. Living and sailing on the sea daily naturally makes them witnesses to these challenges. Their environmental strategy is built around three pillars: Science, Impact, and Awareness. For The Ocean Race Europe 2025, Ambrogio and his crew are launching their first scientific research project on microplastics, in partnership with Politecnico di Milano, which will oversee analysis and interpretation. Throughout the race (August 10 – September 15, 2025), seawater will be filtered onboard to gain better understanding of this invisible but pervasive pollution. The program unfolds in three phases:
ALLAGRANDE MAPEI will be the only boat in the fleet equipped with a Microplastic Sampler branded Ocean Race, a device capable of collecting plastic particles as small as 0.03 mm to 5 mm. These particles are trapped by special filters, stored in sterile containers, and sent to a lab for further study.
The collaboration between Mapei and Ambrogio Beccaria is founded on shared values: ambition, passion, environmental awareness, and a drive for innovation. The ALLAGRANDE MAPEI adventure strengthens Mapei’s international focus and renews its commitment to supporting talents ready to take on the most challenging environments. With ALLAGRANDE MAPEI the Milan-based company is set to sail the seas of Europe and the oceans of the world alongside Ambrogio Beccaria, continuing a story of shared success, values, and challenges. A new adventure has just begun, propelling both toward major ocean races and a more sustainable future.
After the official launch of the project in Milan on April 2, it's now time for action!