Some skippers get annoyed by it. The organizers too! Boris Herrmann is not complying with any of the numerous obligations imposed on the solo sailors engaged in the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe. This was already the case four years ago when the German skipper missed the official photo. He and Welshman Alex Thomson had not paid the fine of 10,000 euros provided for in the notice of race, citing the difficulty of traveling in the midst of a health crisis.
In the 2024-2025 notice of race, a fine of 10,000 euros is provided for in the event of absence at the press conference, 10,000 for absence at the official inauguration of the village, 5,000 euros for absence at the photo official and finally 5,000 euros for absence at the official lunch with the President of SAEM Vendée. Potentially a slate of 30,000 euros for the German sailor.
Covid-19 has passed overboard but the skipper of Malizia is conspicuous by his absence. He did not ferry his boat from Lorient to Les Sables d'Olonne three weeks ago, leaving his replacement Will Harris to take care of it. No one has seen him on the sandy pontoons since the arrival of the 40 Imoca. According to our information, Herrmann justified his absence to the organizers for medical reasons: he suffers from a back problem and preferred to rest in his country, far from the crowds and media requests.
A notable absence which gave credence to a possible package. This is not the case, Herrmann did arrive this weekend in Les Sables d'Olonne: he even made his appearance in the village but not during opening hours to the public. For its part, its press service assures that there will be a press point but by videoconference “in order to allow foreign media to follow it”. He also assures us that “Boris Herrmann will be at the start on Sunday November 10”.
