Storms and damage in the final days near the finish of the Vendée Globe are not uncommon. Boris Herrmann, like many sailors, is contending with a fatigued boat and the toll of weeks at sea, facing challenging conditions as ETAs are pushed further back on this race.

Sam Goodchild mast camera

Storms and damage in the final days near the finish of the Vendée Globe are not uncommon. Boris Herrmann, like many sailors, is contending with a fatigued boat and the toll of weeks at sea, facing challenging conditions as ETAs are pushed further back on this grueling race.

It’s Mega Rough Out Here - Day 73 - Vendée Globe

With a damaged port foil, Boris Herrmann is now navigating the Vendée Globe with asymmetric performance and going slower than normally. As if this wasn’t enough, he will now face very challenging conditions in the coming days…

Not An Easy Week Ahead - Day 72 - Vendée Globe

Day 71 of the Vendée Globe, and it’s not getting any easier for Boris Herrmann as he faces challenging conditions with his damaged foil. Boris’ main focus is on getting home safe and sound. The broken foil presents a significant challenge, slowing him down, especially on starboard tack. He is sailing carefully, knowing he may face strong winds ahead, possibly up to 50 knots near the finish, requiring caution. For now, it’s about managing the boat and taking things day by day. Despite the setbacks, Boris’s resilience and determination to finish the race remain unwavering.

One Day At The Time - Day 71 - Vendée Globe

Many fishing practices, such as bottom trawling, do not specifically target a single species but indiscriminately catch a wide range of marine life. Here officials in the Pacific inspect illegal bycatch. 

On New Years Eve, Boris saw numerous boats sailing under asian flags off the coast of Argentina. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg: countless vessels turn off their AIS systems to go undetected. 

Squid Jiggers lure their prey to the surface with bright lights - ironically whilst often "going dark" on the AIS system. 

The Argentinian Navy watches as a vessel leaves the EEZ of Argentina and enders Mile 201. 

Earlier in the race, on New Year's Eve, Boris Herrmann was sailing along the coast of Argentina after rounding Cape Horn and leaving the Pacific behind him just days before. After nearly a month in the Southern Ocean, with no other humans in sight, and with the final sprint up the Atlantic to Les Sables d’Olonne ahead of him before being reunited with “society,” Boris was surprised to discover a different kind of civilisation on the Ocean: hundreds of fishing vessels, equipped with miles and miles of nets, lines and search systems, turning the sea into an uneven battleground between marine life and the relentless pursuit of catch.

Mile 201: Where exploitation thrives and marine life dies

Push, Push, Push

Not long now, and Boris will arrive in Les Sables d’Olonne after an extraordinary 24,000 (and a few extra!) nautical miles around the globe as part of the Vendée Globe. Throughout his journey, we’ve celebrated his highs, supported him during his lows, and spotlighted uplifting stories from the regions he sailed past. In this final stretch, the Superredaktion brings you one last week of good news  - a welcome reprieve from the usual headlines. Enjoy!

Climate Hope Week 10

No news is good news, and last night was a relatively quiet one for the fleet. With little change in the standings, most competitors are steadily making their way north, sailing their own races while pushing forward and hoping for no new unexpected challenges. Next week should bring the next wave of arrivals!

No news is good news - Day 69 - Vendée Globe

Entering the Vendée Globe is as much about mental strength as it is about sailing skill - preparing for the long, lonely journey ahead.

Setbacks, storms and struggles and still he continues. 

Of course every sailor wants to win this race but the winning mindset isn’t about being the fastest to the finish line; it’s about being strong enough to weather the storms, mentally and emotionally, no matter what the outcome.


Entering a race like the Vendée Globe isn’t just about physical prowess or sailing skills. It’s about cultivating a mindset that prepares you for the long, lonely, and grueling journey ahead. To push your limits and tackle obstacles with resilience, you need more than just a well-trained body; you need a winning mindset.

A Winning Mindset - The Mental Edge for Vendée Globe Sailors

A Winning Mindset  - The Mental Edge for Vendée Globe Sailors

A Winning Mindset – The Mental Edge for Vendée Globe Sailors

Boris Herrmann, skipper of Malizia - Seaexplorer

The renowned rope manufacturer Gleistein and the successful German sailor Boris Herrmann, together with his Team Malizia, announce their future collaboration.

Malizia - Seaexplorer during the Défi Azimut 2023

Tying The Knot - Gleistein And Team Malizia Announce Partnership

After discovering significant damage to his port foil yesterday, Boris Herrmann successfully managed to keep the foil onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer by retracting it into the boat and securing it with a rope system. As he continues his Vendée Globe race, Boris faces another week at sea ahead of him. Let’s hope for smooth sailing in the days to come.

Bringing Her Home: That’s The Deal Now - Day 68 - Vendée Globe

This morning, Team Malizia’s skipper Boris Herrmann informed his team and race management about serious damage to the port foil of his Malizia - Seaexplorer racing yacht following a collision with an OANI (abbreviation of a French term for “unidentified object or animal” used when the skipper does not know what he collided with). 

Boris Reports Damage to Port Foil - Day 67 - Vendée Globe

With the podium of the Vendée Globe 2024-2025 now decided, Boris Herrmann continues his push toward Les Sables d’Olonne, determined to catch up with Justine Mettraux and Thomas Ruyant while skillfully navigating around the challenging sargasso seaweeds.

Keep Pushing Boris - Day 66 - Vendée Globe

Charlie Dalin winner of the Vendée Globe 2024 - 2025

While Charlie Dalin crossed the finish line last night, Boris Herrmann marked a significant milestone of his own by crossing the Equator! Boris returned to the Northern Hemisphere, ticking off one of the last milestones along the Vendée Globe race course. Sailing over the virtual line in 9th place, the German sailor stays focussed on the 3,200 nautical miles remaining and the battle to break into the top five.

Welcome Back In The Northern Hemisphere - Day 65 - Vendée Globe

After a tough and eventful week, we’re hoping for calmer seas and smoother sailing for Boris Herrmann on Malizia-Seaexplorer. Now racing in 9th place and nearing the Equator, Boris is giving it his all, staying focused and determined to close the gap with the leaders. With trade winds ahead, he’s pushing hard to climb the rankings and finish strong in the Vendée Globe. Stay tuned for the latest on his inspiring journey!

New Week, New Opportunities  - Day 64 - Vendée Globe

After an intense week of repairs, mast climbs, and even a lightning strike, the rollercoaster seems to have settled for Boris Herrmann. Our skipper has just crossed his own wake from earlier in the Vendée Globe, marking a symbolic milestone. However, the race is far from over. Boris still faces a distance equivalent to the Transat Jacques Vabre before reaching Les Sables d’Olonne. He remains determined, pushing hard to break into the top five.

The Loop Is Complete - Day 63 - Vendée Globe

Wind turbines in Uruguay.

Facing challenges head-on and not backing down. Boris climbing the mast.

As Boris Herrmann sails non-stop around the world in the Vendée Globe, we take a moment to focus on the regions he passes and share stories of hope and progress. In a world where bad news often dominates, highlighting positive change reminds us that solutions are possible and action matters. This news is is brought to you by the Superredaktion and Team Malizia - because hope fuels action, and action brings change.

Climate Hope Week 9

Checklist for the mast climb

Temporary setup to then climb and fix the J2 issue

Another problem solved: Team Malizia’s Boris Herrmann has successfully completed the repairs needed to use his J2 sail again. As his most frequently used headsail, restoring it was critical for the German skipper to stay competitive after a broken hook rendered the sail unusable. With less than 4,000 miles remaining in the round-the-world Vendée Globe race, the successful repair, amidst an already strenuous week for the solo sailor, comes as a huge relief.

Another successful mast climb for Boris Herrmann (this photo was taken on Day 57)

Back Sailing on J2 After Successful Mast Climb and Repair - Day 62 - Vendée Globe

Golden kelp, South Australia

You see me, now you see me not. Seastar populations on the decline! 

Purple Sea Urchins decimating kelp forests

As our skipper Boris Herrmann sails along the southern tip of South America and must try to resist the urge of sailing to land for a little break from the relentless Ocean, we want to highlight a fascinating ecosystem growing beneath the surface: kelp.

Why Kelp Is In Need Of Help

The Vendée Globe may be infamous for being a solo race, but sailors actually rely on their team to make it to the finish line

From left to right: Stuart Mclachlan, Pifou Dargnies, and Will Harris all stayed onboard with Boris until shortly before the start of the Vendée Globe, and are all also his first point of contact if he faces a technical issue at sea during the race

A smiling Boris Herrmann at the top of his mast after a successful arbalète repair in large parts thanks to the coordinated effort of his shore team to find a practical solution

Team Malizia is a well-oiled crew that has put a tremendous amount of work in preparing the boat and brings together a collective expertise to support Boris, within the rules of the race, when he is at sea

Each Malizian contributes their unique expertise to ensure Boris can race with confidence and tell his story, proving that even in a challenge designed for one, success is truly a team effort

The Vendée Globe may be infamous for being a solo race, but sailors actually rely on their team to make it to the finish line. When a skipper faces a technical challenge in the middle of the Ocean, it triggers a coordinated response from the shore crew, whose teamwork becomes crucial in overcoming these obstacles. Take a closer look behind the scenes at how Team Malizia manages these high-stakes situations and works together to support their skipper Boris Herrmann throughout the race.

When Boris Herrmann reports a technical issue to his team during a race, it triggers an immediate response from the shore crew

Houston, We Have A Problem - The Power Of Teamwork In The Vendée Globe

Boris Herrmann reports damage of the hook of his J2, limiting the use of his most headsail

he J2 is intact and on deck until Boris Herrmann can repair and hoist it again

This week has truly been a roller coaster. This morning, Boris Herrmann, currently racing in 6th position in the Vendée Globe, reported to his team that the J2 hook has broken. While both Boris and the boat are safe, this setback means more repairs and the loss of valuable miles. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for a swift and successful repair!

Boris J2 Hook Has Broken - Day 61 - Vendée Globe

Despite a tough week of intense challenges, Boris Herrmann stays positive and focused on securing a coveted spot in the top 5 of the Vendée Globe. As the battle unfolds on the water, it’s not always easy to make sense of the race tracker from afar. Thankfully, Will Harris provided a detailed weather explanation to help us understand the situation. With so many strategic options visible on the tracker, his insights couldn’t have come at a better time!

Persevering Through Every Challenge - Day 60 - Vendée Globe

Mission accomplished!

Yesterday, whilst racing in 6th position, Boris Herrmann experienced one of the most intense days of his life. “I’ve never seen anything like this in my entire life, in so many years of sailing,” he said. Relentless thunderstorms, torrential rain, and a lightning strike that damaged key systems onboard Malizia-Seaexplorer tested his resilience. Despite the chaos, Boris successfully navigated through the storm, restored some of the essential systems, and kept pushing forward in the race.

Yes, Lightning Can Strike Twice - Day 59 - Vendée Globe

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Boris Herrmann

We compete on the highest level in the toughest races, inspire action & create awareness and highlight solutions to the climate crisis.

As Boris sails around the globe, we’re reminded of how vast and connected the community of sailors, Ocean lovers and climate action enthusiasts truly is. Every day, we’re inspired by hundreds of messages from supporters across the world - each one a testament to the global impact of this journey. 

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My Ocean Challenge event in Monaco, in front of the Yacht Club de Monaco

YACHT CLUB DE MONACO

EFG International

Boris as the patron of the Planet Hero Award 2022

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Hapag Lloyd 175 year anniversary

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My Ocean Challenge Event at the Musée Océanographique de Monaco with Boris Herrmann, Pierre Casiraghi & Léa Olivier.

Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation