Boris Herrmann of Team Malizia Begins Vendée Globe 2024-2025 Journey Strong
by Team Malizia 10 Nov 08:29 PST
10 November 2024
Boris Herrmann of Team Malizia departs in the Vendée Globe 2024-2025 © Jean-Marie Liot / Vendée Globe
Team Malizia’s skipper, Boris Herrmann, embarked on his second Vendée Globe this Sunday at 13:02 from Les Sables d’Olonne. After navigating the iconic channel amid cheers from a fervent crowd, the fleet of 40 IMOCA boats set off in very light winds for a race that will take them around the globe and into the challenging Southern Ocean.
What a spectacular beginning – Boris Herrmann had an excellent start today in Les Sables d’Olonne as he launched Malizia – Seaexplorer for his second Vendée Globe. This German solo sailor kicked off the circumnavigation from the pin end of the line, catching a bit more breeze, with impeccable timing on Sunday, 10 November 2024, at 13:02 (local time, 12:02 UTC). Surging ahead of his 39 competitors, he quickly gained over 200 meters and led the pack for the first twenty minutes.
Dubbed the “Everest of the Seas,” the Vendée Globe is viewed as the ultimate sporting challenge. Celebrating its 10th edition, this legendary solo, non-stop, unassisted race around the globe features a record 40 IMOCA boats at the start. Of the 200 who have started the race, only 114 sailors have completed it, with Boris Herrmann making history in 2021 as the first German to participate.
“I feel fantastic and I’m eager to go,” Boris Herrmann shared in the mixed zone this morning. “I had a good sleep, although I woke up an hour early from my alarm. I spent some time cuddling with my dog Lilli, and I’m happy she can accompany me to the dock as I head to the boat shortly. I’m excited to see the team before I cast off and to be on board. We were just waiting in the crew area with a few other skippers, and I enjoyed being with them in these final moments before embarking on our global journey.”
The course spans 45,000 kilometers (24,300 nautical miles), starting and ending in Les Sables d’Olonne, France. The fleet will sail down the Atlantic, navigate around Antarctica, passing by the iconic Capes of Good Hope, Leeuwin, and Horn, before heading back north through the Atlantic, aiming for a finish between mid and late January.
With a mix of experience, nautical miles, and an IMOCA vessel specifically designed for the Vendée Globe 2024-2025, the German sailor is regarded by both the media and fellow competitors as a top contender in this year’s race. Since his impressive fifth-place finish in the last edition, winning the Southern Ocean Leg of The Ocean Race last year, and securing consecutive second-place finishes in two transatlantic races this spring, his potential for a top finish has been widely noted. However, Boris remains grounded and doesn’t let the pressure affect him, consistently pointing out the high level of competition in the fleet, where he believes 6 to 10 skippers are capable of winning or finishing on the podium. “Success for me would be racing well, maximizing the boat’s potential along with my own, and enjoying the journey. Then we’ll see what the results are.”
Pierre Casiraghi, vice-president of the Yacht Club de Monaco and co-founder of Team Malizia, joined his friend Boris Herrmann in the days leading up to the race and stayed with him along the channel. He remarked: “It’s fantastic. This is the fruit of years of hard work. Starting a second Vendée Globe signifies that we’ve established a reliable project. Everything is set. We’re pleased with Boris’ preparations and the performance of the boat. For us, Boris is one of the top contenders for a podium spot, but the Vendée Globe is an extensive race with numerous variables, making it essential to finish. I will maintain regular communication to support him throughout the journey.”
Beyond excelling on the water, raising awareness for ocean and climate protection through sailing is equally significant to Boris Herrmann and Team Malizia, alongside their seven primary partners supporting the team’s mission: A Race We Must Win – Climate Action Now! “As always, I have the OceanPack aboard. This automated lab meticulously measures ocean CO2 concentrations along with temperature and salinity. We’ve assembled one of the largest accessible datasets, available for scientists to help enhance understanding of the ocean’s influence on climate systems.” This information is vital, particularly in the Southern Ocean, as offshore races traverse some of the world’s most isolated regions, often devoid of other vessels, including research boats.
After sharing a final embrace with his wife, Birte, and bidding farewell to his team, friends, and partners, Boris Herrmann had a last conversation with HSH Prince Albert II. The Monegasque Sovereign arrived at the dock to wish the Malizia – Seaexplorer skipper fair winds and observe his departure. “This scientific and environmental initiative is crucial for ocean protection. Boris and the other participating sailors serve as ambassadors and key players in this significant endeavor,” praised HSH Prince Albert II, who visited Les Sables-d’Olonne on Friday to sign a partnership agreement with the Vendée Globe Foundation, of which he is Honorary President. Boris Herrmann will also deploy a drifter buoy, as he’s done multiple times previously, to aid in improving weather forecasting and monitoring climate change.
As Malizia – Seaexplorer moved through the iconic channel of Les Sables d’Olonne, the Team Malizia crew was awed by the hundreds of thousands of fans lining the famed harbor exit. “This is amazing; last time was during the pandemic, and this feels so different, with the tremendous support from the enthusiastic crowds,” noted Boris Herrmann.
He reflected: “As a team, we aim to continue building on the work we’ve started. Sport has a remarkable power, consistently evoking positive emotions. It unites people across nations, borders, and perspectives. Witnessing such a large crowd here and the many international followers tracking this remarkable adventure online— I genuinely value the significance of this race. Now, let’s see if we can start strong and keep pace with the fleet.”
“However, it seems we may take longer than the usual seven days to reach the Equator,” the German sailor stated. “It appears that the chances of breaking the 74-day record set by Armel Le Cléac’h are diminished, even if the race picks up with forecasted swells of three to four meters at Cape Finisterre.” Tomorrow’s decision may revolve around whether to navigate inside or outside the traffic separation zone (TTS) at Cape Finisterre. “The significant challenge there will focus on timing the sail adjustments appropriately and managing the traffic separation zone, which will be physically demanding. It’s crucial to hit the waypoints, which might require a bit more speed. This approach could lead to a notably rigorous period in a few days.”
The core challenge of the Vendée Globe lies in the mental fortitude needed to endure this race. “Eighty days to sail around the world is quite a bit,” Boris Herrmann commented. “I’ll need to break it into smaller segments to prevent feeling overwhelmed. I’ve prepared thoroughly for this. I feel in sync with the boat, both mentally and technically.”
Team Malizia’s mission, A Race We Must Win – Climate Action Now!, is only achievable due to the steadfast long-term commitment of its seven primary partners: MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hapag-Lloyd, Schütz, the Yacht Club de Monaco, EFG International, Zurich Group Germany, and Kuehne+Nagel. These partners unite to support Team Malizia, each working on their own projects aimed at innovating climate solutions.
