Boris Herrmann, skipper of the Malizia team, is looking forward to taking on the demanding challenges of the South Seas. With his experience, his miles traveled and a boat designed specifically for this race, Boris Herrmann is considered a serious contender for the podium in this edition of the Vendée Globe.
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In 2001, Boris Herrmann was the youngest, and the first German, to take part in the Mini Transat, where he finished in 11th place. He races Class40, GC32, then founded the Imoca Malizia II project in 2017 with Pierre Casiraghi and the Yacht Club de Monaco, with the aim of participating in the 2020 Vendée Globe. He could have won but, a few hours before Upon arrival, he collided with a fishing boat. He will finally finish 5th. He launched into The Ocean Race a few months later with a new boat, designed by VPLP, which proved to be fast in the breeze. In two years, it will continue to progress by equipping it with a new pair of foils. He finished 2nd in the last two races of the Imoca season, making him one of the favorites for this Vendée Globe. Boris is in perfect control of his boat, which has proven to be reliable and robust. He could be the first foreigner to win the Vendée Globe. Since the last edition, he has been widely followed in his country.
« The Vendée Globe is quite simply one of the greatest challenges in sport », Declares Boris Herrmann, skipper of Team Malizia, a few days before the start of the race this Sunday, November 10. “ Solo, non-stop, without assistance and a complete world tour. Even though I have already raced and sailed around the world with our new boat Malizia – Seaexplorer, I can clearly say that the Vendée Globe remains the ultimate challenge. Seeing Cape Horn is one of the reasons to participate in the race », Comments the skipper of Team Malizia. “ It’s such a magical moment, having done the Southern Ocean and then seeing this iconic monument. This will be my sixth trip around the world and my seventh round of Cape Horn, but I never get tired of it. It’s very special and I really can’t wait to see it. »
« We quickly began building a new boat specifically optimized for the Vendée Globe. We decided that to truly understand and ensure the reliability of the boat, we would sail it around the world in The Ocean Race 2022-2023. » In addition to numerous transatlantic races over the past two and a half years, the new boat has already sailed around the world almost three times solo, double-handed and crewed. “IHe thinks this is what sets us apart from many other teams. »
He adds: “ We are in a very good position for this race. In terms of the campaign, there are solid foundations which give me confidence in the continuation of this great adventure. The future of our team does not only depend on the outcome of this race. I felt this pressure last time, but this time I hope to approach it with a lighter, more carefree attitude and truly enjoy the experience, focusing on being one with my boat. And it really is my boat. I designed it from the ground up and drove most of its details and features from day one. »
Boris Herrmann continues: “ We are the team that has covered the most miles in the first four years of preparation, and especially with the experiences in the South Seas, I now feel much more in tune with the boat. These experiences made a huge difference since last time. I think we are one of the best prepared teams. I haven't had anything to do on the boat since mid-September. It's a great feeling. »
Malizia – Seaexplorer was designed to be more comfortable and smoother in the waves. “ There really is a trade-off between being fast on flat seas or in waves. We wanted a boat that adapts to the state of the sea rather than fighting against all the waves, particularly those of the South Seas. This is one of the strong points of our campaign: being able to sail at 30 knots while being comfortable. » A performance already proven on The Ocean Race, with the victory of Team Malizia in the South Seas stage. But Boris Herrmann remains pragmatic and aware of the risks of the Vendée Globe. With unpredictable conditions and potential technical issues, even if the skipper is well prepared, nothing is guaranteed. “ The risk of disappointment is high, something could break, like a bowsprit in the first week, and suddenly we are already out of the race. But we can still finish the race », he analyzes.
Beyond pure performance, awareness through the mission A Race We Must Win – Climate Action Now! of Team Malizia is essential for Boris Herrmann. As in the previous edition, Boris Herrmann will collect a new series of data on the oceans around the world using his onboard laboratory. Measured data on CO2, temperature and salinity are used by scientists around the world to better understand the role of the ocean in climate change. They are extremely valuable for Boris Herrmann who navigates the most remote regions of the world, where almost no research ships go. It will also deploy a drifting buoy to further support weather forecasting and climate change monitoring.
Boris Herrmann had to fight against loneliness and dizziness while climbing the 29-meter mast in the middle of the ocean. In Les Sables d’Olonne, we saw him testing his slightly improved climbing equipment: “ I'm still not looking forward to climbing, it's always a hassle to climb and if there's sea conditions, it quickly becomes dangerous and very difficult. As a team, we spent a lot of energy on redundant wind equipment, which measures wind speed and direction. We now have three units at the top of the mast instead of two, and two at the back of the boat, as well as a set of tools to avoid any additional reason to climb. »
« Concerning loneliness, the first time it was really hard », he comments. “ But instead of saying to myself “it's difficult, I'm going to stay away from it”, I want to approach this challenge differently… I'm curious to see if I can overcome it while maintaining a better state of health. spirit. This is the real question of this race. And I am convinced that I will be able to do it. »
The Malizia team worked on the ergonomics of the boat, balancing comfort and weight. New features include a custom padded seat in the cockpit, a large navigation seat with adjustable backrest in the aft cabin, and a special berth that tilts with the angle of the boat and is equipped with a custom mattress. “ Conditions on board during offshore races used to be very spartan, but now competitors are also more willing to bring items that make life on board more comfortable. », explains Boris Herrmann. In addition to ergonomics, the team added touches to the boat to make its home for the next few months more cozy… ” I'll be bringing small gifts from the team, and they've also signed the roof of the caravan park next to my name, which is priceless when you're sailing solo in the most remote places in the world. »
In Sables d'Olonne, Boris Herrmann remains discreet and focused on the last moments before the start. “ I have a little time for myself on the boat every day. “I'm really happy to be in the race village now, but with so many people it can get tiring quickly. My family is currently at home in Hamburg, my wife will come on departure day and until then I am with my little dog Lilli. » In addition to various briefings, a press conference yesterday and partner events, he is spending his final days before departure exercising and checking the weather with his long-time co-skipper Will Harris. The duo is joined by sailor Cole Brauer who is currently in Les Sables d'Olonne with the Malizia team and who supervises Boris.
« The models are a little unstable, so it's difficult to predict but it looks like a start in light winds, unlike the last time when we had to face a big weather front straight away », explains the German navigator. “ It seems that we are taking longer than the usual 7 days to reach the equator. So I think the chances of beating Armel Le Cléac'h's 74-day race record are reduced. »
Just before the start, which will be broadcast live on the Vendée Globe and Team Malizia channels, as well as by numerous broadcasters around the world, Boris Herrmann will give a few interviews on land early in the morning. “ I then go down to the quay, say goodbye to the team, board the boat and enjoy the cheers of the public and the celebrations as we exit the famous Sables d'Olonne channel. I will essentially play the role of passenger until ten minutes before departure, where I will take over from Will who I fully trust to manage the dock, launching and preparing the boat with the rest of the shore team on board. This setup allows me to rest, eat, and check the weather. After our traditional high five, Will jumps last, is picked up by the chase boat and I guide us to the start line. »
