The Vendée Globe is not just a simple solo race around the world, it is also a great thrill for the skippers involved. After 13 days of navigation, Boris Herrmann had both a joyful and bitter experience.
The German, who left Sables-d’Olonne on Sunday November 10 and who was announced as one of the favorites, represents the Principality and its Yacht Club, via Team Malizia and its monohull sailboat, the Malizia – Seaexplorer.
A third awakening followed by a fall in the rankings
After a difficult first day where Boris Herrmann had difficulty sleeping, the German under the Monegasque flag stabilized at 18 knots and went from 28e rank on Monday November 11 in the evening – reporting damage then changing its mind – to the ninth on Tuesday 12 in the middle of the day. “I remained very calm and emotionally independent this evening in these difficult weather conditions. I am in harmony with the boat so far and I feel reasonably comfortable on board”he then declared.
The skipper remained in the top 10 before an exceptional breakthrough on the night of Thursday 14 to Friday 15 November, where Boris Herrmann found himself in third position early in the morning, before quickly falling out of the top 10 a few hours later due to ‘a weak wind area.
On Sunday November 17 at 11 a.m., the Malizia – Seaexplorer ranks 22e. But the monohull was able to turn things around thanks to the wind returning off the coast of Cape Verde, allowing the sailboats to reach speeds above 20 knots.
The southern hemisphere reached yesterday
Wednesday November 20 at the end of the day, Boris Herrmann arrives in the famous “doldrums”, a pivotal zone renowned for being a real challenge for sailors, with rapid changes in weather which require constant vigilance. “I handled the doldrums pretty well”he assures, finding the 14e position Thursday November 21.
Yesterday, Boris Herrmann gained a place (at 7 p.m.) and is positioned at 13e rank, after crossing the Equator at the start of the day, at a speed of between 14 and 16 knots. “Not as fast as some of the leaders at the front. I heard they are experiencing slightly stronger winds”comments the skipper.
“I hope the wind treats us well here in the southern hemisphere and carries us smoothly until we leave this side of the world again around mid-January 2025.”
With 141 nautical miles behind French leader Charlie Dalin, and changing weather since the start of the Vendée Globe, everything obviously remains open for the skipper under the Monegasque flag to get closer to the head of the race and improve on his fifth place obtained. during its first participation in the 2020-2021 Vendée Globe.
A few signings on the weather buoy before throwing it into the sea.
“Scientific mission accomplished.” Like many Vendée Globe skippers, Boris Herrmann is engaged in a scientific collaboration process aimed at enriching the databases in little-used marine areas. Monday, November 18, the German under the Monegasque flag deployed a meteorological buoy in the northwest of Cape Verde – with the inscriptions “There is no planet B”, “Malizia”, “Climate action now! [agir pour le climat maintenant, NDLR]” and its name – to measure crucial data for weather forecasting and climate change monitoring.
“I hope that we are once again making a useful contribution to the science and better understanding of climate change, as well as to the improvement of weather and climate models”he declares. Boris Herrmann also sails on his monohull with a laboratory on board named “Oceanpack”collecting valuable oceanographic data such as CO levels2 surface waters.
How did Boris Herrmann’s experience in the Cape Verde area contribute to his performance improvement in the race?
**Interview with Boris Herrmann, Skipper of Team Malizia during the Vendée Globe 2024**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Boris. It’s been a rollercoaster ride for you in the Vendée Globe so far. How would you describe your experience after these first few weeks at sea?
**Boris Herrmann:** Thank you for having me! It’s been an emotional journey for sure. After leaving Sables-d’Olonne, I faced some challenges, especially on the first day when I struggled to get enough sleep. But I’ve been managing well.
**Interviewer:** You were initially ranked quite low but made impressive strides up to the top positions. What was the turning point for you during this race?
**Boris Herrmann:** The moment I reached the Cape Verde area was crucial. The wind picked up, and I was able to reach speeds above 20 knots. That boost in speed allowed me to regain some positions and feel more comfortable on the water. Staying calm was essential during those tricky moments.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned navigating through the ”doldrums” — a notoriously challenging area for sailors. How did that go for you?
**Boris Herrmann:** The doldrums are indeed a test of patience and skill. I managed to navigate my way through relatively well, securing the 14th position before crossing the Equator. It wasn’t as fast as the leaders, but I was happy with my progress given the changing conditions.
**Interviewer:** As you enter the southern hemisphere, what are your expectations moving forward?
**Boris Herrmann:** I hope the winds will be favorable in the southern hemisphere. I have my sights set on closing the gap with the leaders. Everything is still wide open in this race, and I’m motivated to improve upon my fifth-place finish from the last Vendée Globe.
**Interviewer:** Best of luck, Boris! Is there anything you would like to share with your fans back home?
**Boris Herrmann:** Thank you! I appreciate all the support. Please know that every bit of encouragement helps me out here. I’m looking forward to what lies ahead in the race, and I’ll do my best to make everyone proud.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Boris, and safe sailing!
