Born and raised in Britanny, he is an experienced offshore sailor, known for his expertise in navigation and weather strategy. He has taken part in major ocean races such as the Transat en Double, Route du Rhum, and Transat Jacques Vabre.  He joined Team Malizia as co-skipper and navigator for the Course des Caps 2025 and soon enough, The Ocean Race 2027. For now and during The Ocean Race Europe, Julien will be busy training racing onboard the ‘Actual’ Ultim ahead of the Transat Café de l’Or 2025 in the autumn, as well as ongoing work with the Gitana Ultim Team. 

Get To Know: Julien Villion 🇫🇷

Team Malizia onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer shortly after they crossed the finish line, securing fourth place

Flore has even managed to capture a few photos of Cole setting up the battens repair from the navigational seat while recovering from her injury

After an intense Course des Caps around the British Isles, the Team Malizia crew finally had a couple of days to catch their breath. With a solid fourth place finish, a few much-needed nights of sleep, warm meals on steady ground and, for some, huge jugs of ice cream (we’re not naming names, they were well-deserved), it's time to look back at the race. Good news is that onboard reporter Flore thankfully didn’t break any bones during her fall and is now recovering well. Hear from skipper Will Harris and co-skipper Cole Brauer about how they are feeling and their debrief of the race.

Sailor’s Debrief: A Look Back At The Course Des Caps

My Ocean Challenge kids event in The Hague during The Ocean Race 2022-2023- The Hague, Netherlands

Team Malizia organises My Ocean Challenge events throughout the year, since they are hybrid and we offer several languages, there’s certainly one that you can attend from anywhere in the world!

Upcoming My Ocean Challenge Kids Events

Upcoming Kids Events

Will Harris navigating through the shifty winds along the coast of Ireland on Day 3 of the Course des Caps

Co-skipper Francesca Clapcich and Cole Brauer on Day 3, shortly after rounding the Fastnet Rock

Skipper Will Harris and co-skipper and expert navigator Julien Villion onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer

Malizia - Seaexplorer back in Boulogne-sur-Mer

Team Malizia's sailors celebrating their fourth-place finish in the Course des Caps

After six days of intense racing around the British Isles, Team Malizia crossed the finish line in Boulogne-sur-Mer to secure an impressive fourth place in the Course des Caps 2025. Battling unpredictable winds, strong currents, fierce competition, and back-to-back challenges onboard, the Malizia - Seaexplorer crew skippered by Will Harris showcased resilience, skill, and teamwork, setting the stage for an exciting crewed season ahead.

Team Malizia's crew after securing fourth place in the Course des Caps 2025

Team Malizia Secures Fourth Place After Thrilling High-Speed Finale in Course des Caps Race

Our onboard reporter Flore has been a trooper and is hanging in there

Flore Hartout capturing the waves breaking on top of the roof while co-skipper Cole Brauer sits in the cockpit chair

Skipper Will Harris and co-skipper Francesca Clapcich during their watch while sailing down the North Sea

Our onboard reporter Flore Hartout was injured yesterday morning during a sudden nosedive while filming, hurting her ribs and knee. She is stable and being cared for by the crew, who slowed down to help before resuming pace. Shortly after, they discovered three broken mainsail battens but managed a tricky repair without losing too much ground. A tough day handled with impressive teamwork.

Malizia - Seaexplorer

Rough Times Onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer In The Course des Caps

Today’s newsletter shares exciting news about a new boat that is now part of Team Malizia, explores the wonders of kelp forests in underwater worlds and highlights the importance of the Ocean in your everyday life.

My Ocean Challenge Newsletter 13 - Sailing for Science and Kelp!

Skipper Will Harris onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer at night

Malizia - Seaexplorer at sunrise after rounding the Fastner Rock

Cole Brauer onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer

Julien Villion onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer

More than 48 hours into La Course des Caps, the IMOCA fleet remains tightly packed as they begin their demanding loop around the British Isles. Team Malizia – Seaexplorer, led by Will Harris, has been battling shifting winds, light conditions and constant tactical calls in one of the most intense offshore races of the season. This morning, as the boats rounded the legendary Fastnet Rock, Race Management announced a new course route, setting the stage for faster racing towards the Orkney Islands.

SHIFTY WINDS ALONG THE IRISH COAST - DAY 3 - LA COURSE DES CAPS

Catch up on Day 2 of La Course des Caps as Malizia – Seaexplorer battles light winds, tactical transitions, and heads towards the iconic Fastnet Rock. The fleet remains tight, the pace is picking up, and the race is wide open!

THE ISLES OF SCILLY - DAY 2 - LA COURSE DES CAPS

THE ISLES OF SCILLY - DAY 1 - LA COURSE DES CAPS

Sunset onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer crossing Macif

Sail repairs onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer

The adventure has officially begun aboard Malizia - Seaexplorer as the team heads into their first evening offshore during La Course des Caps. Calm seas, light winds, tight battles with rival boats, and even a mid-race sail repair, our OBR Flore takes you behind the scenes of life onboard. Dive into the race action and discover what it’s really like out there.

A Tricky Start - Day 1 - La Course des Caps

Team Malizia's crew for the Course des Caps

Malizia - Seaexplorer after dock-off in the channel of Boulogne-sur-Mer

Skipper Will Harris (left) and co-skipper and expert navigator Julien Villion (right)

Co-skipper Francesca Clapcich onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer at the start of the Course des Caps

Skipper Will Harris is leading the Team Malizia crew on home waters

Co-skipper Cole Brauer shortly after dock-off in Boulogne-sur-Mer

Onboard reporter Flore Hartout will bring fans close to the action onboard during the race

Team Malizia set sail today from Boulogne-sur-Mer, kicking off the inaugural Course des Caps race in light winds and challenging conditions with a solid start. Led by skipper Will Harris, the crew aboard Malizia - Seaexplorer now faces a demanding 2,000-nautical-mile course around the British Isles, marked by tactical complexity, unpredictable weather, and fierce competition.

Onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer at the start of the Course des Caps race

Team Malizia Off To A Strong Start In Challenging Course Des Caps Race

Team Malizia Off To A Strong Start In Challenging Course Des Caps Race Around The British Isles

Nice, France, welcomed the United Nations Ocean Conference from 9 to 13 June 2025

Boris Herrmann speaking at the One Ocean Science Congress press conference

Boris Herrmann signing the One Ocean Science Congress manifesto

Dr Lea Olivier presented a scientific poster at La Baleine, Nice, showcasing her research with the CO2 data collected by Team Malizia during The Ocean Race 2022-2023

Malizia Explorer christening

Malizia Explorer in front of the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

Carsten Schneider, the German Minister for the Environment and Boris onboard Malizia Explorer during the Ocean Wonders Parade

Team photo on stage after the Malizia Explorer presentation by Boris and Lea at La Baleine, Nice

The Presence at Sea speakers from left to right: Emmanuelle Périé-Bardout, Boris Herrmann, Farah Obaidullah, Antje Boetius, and Ingo Narberhaus

Malizia Explorer

Presence at Sea event hosted by Team Malizia at La Baleine during UNOC

Pilot whales in the Mediterranean

Selfie time with "Her Deepness", Dr Sylvia Earle and Team Malizia

This early June, Team Malizia dropped anchor in the south of France not for a race, but for something even more critical: the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3). Throughout the week, our team engaged in key moments from taking part in a science congress and christening our new sailing research vessel, to speaking at high-level events and connecting with scientists and advocates. Every encounter, every conversation, reaffirmed why we do what we do and why urgent, collective action is more important than ever.

UNOC, Nice, France

Team Malizia in Nice: Sailing Science and Action into the Heart of the United Nations Ocean Conference

The Course des Caps promises to be an intense race around the British Isles

Skipper Will Harris (left) and co-skippers Francesca Clapcich (center) and Julien Villion (right) are part of the Team Malizia crew for the Course des Caps 2025

Will Harris will skipper the Malizia crew during the Course des Caps 2025

The Course des Caps 2025 route

Co-skipper Cole Brauer (left) and skipper Will Harris onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer

On Sunday 29 June, Team Malizia set sail for the season’s first race aboard Malizia - Seaexplorer. The Course des Caps is a brand-new IMOCA event, a 2,000-mile crewed challenge circumnavigating the British Isles, starting and finishing in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France. Will Harris skippers the Malizia crew in his home waters, facing off against 10 rival teams. With the boat refitted and a challenging race course, this event promises to be an ideal kickoff to Team Malizia’s crewed racing season.

Will Harris onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer

The Course des Caps: What to Know and How to Watch The Start

Racing on Home Waters: British Skipper Will Harris Leads Team Malizia Crew Into The Course des Caps

2100 children from across Germany joined in person and virtually

Ocean educator Birte Lorenzen-Herrmann

Executive director at UNICEF, Christian Schneider

Children taking part in the collaborative artwork in front of the Deichtorhallen

Artwork from above

More than 2100 children across Germany joined a live, interactive climate education event today, hosted by Team Malizia’s My Ocean Challenge, UNICEF Germany and the Deichtorhallen Hamburg. The hybrid event combined science, sailing, and art to explore the vital connection between climate change, Ocean health and children’s rights, and to inspire hope for a better, more sustainable future. Key speakers included offshore sailor Boris Herrmann, Ocean educator Birte Lorenzen-Herrmann, youth activist Sophia Ivanova and UNICEF Germany's executive director Christian Schneider as well as support from artist Lola Bott. 

Team Malizia, UNICEF, and Deichtorhallen Inspire Hope with Children at the Helm

From London’s Reservoirs to Racing the World’s Oceans, meet Will Harris, 31-year-old British sailor and one of Team Malizia’s key skippers. Raised near London, Will didn’t grow up by the sea but discovered his passion for sailing early on, learning on small dinghies at local reservoirs. His parents introduced him to the sport, and he quickly caught the racing bug through the British Sailing Team, competing across Europe and beyond.

Get To Know (more): Will Harris

Malizia Explorer arrived in Monaco earlier today where she was christened by Dr Sylvia Earle and Prince Albert II of Monaco

Malizia Explorer received a 4-star certification from the SEA Index®

Dr Sylvia Earle cutting the ribbon to christen the boat with a champagne bottle

Boris Herrmann, Pierre Casiraghi, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Prof Dr Antje Boetius, Prof Dr Katja Matthes, Peter Eckhardt from Laeisz, and the crew of Malizia Explorer

World-renowned oceanographer, explorer, and Ocean ambassador Dr Sylvia Earle christened Malizia Explorer

Team Malizia proudly announces the christening of its sailing research vessel, Malizia Explorer, in a ceremony held this afternoon at the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM). Pierre Casiraghi and Boris Herrmann were joined by the ship's godmother, Dr Sylvia Earle who christened the vessel with HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. This event marks a significant milestone in the team's ongoing mission to advance Ocean science and climate action. 

Malizia - Explorer was christened earlier today by Dr Sylvia Earle and Prince Albert II of Monaco

Malizia Explorer Christened in Monaco by Dr Sylvia Earle and Prince Albert II

Boris Herrmann’s Research Vessel Malizia Explorer Christened in Monaco by Dr Sylvia Earle and Prince Albert II

Onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer

Team Malizia is pleased to announce its new main partner: KPMG in Germany has entered a strategic partnership with the internationally renowned sailing team, Team Malizia and its skipper Boris Herrmann. Alongside his sporting achievements, Boris Herrmann is committed to promoting the protection of the world's oceans and climate through education and technological solutions. 

Boris Herrmann onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer

Setting sail for climate protection: Team Malizia is pleased to announce its new main partner. KPMG in Germany has entered a strategic partnership with the internationally renowned sailing team, Team Malizia and its skipper Boris Herrmann. Alongside his sporting achievements, Boris Herrmann is committed to promoting the protection of the world's oceans and climate through education and technological solutions. 

KPMG Enters Strategic Partnership With Boris Herrmann And Team Malizia

KPMG Enters Strategic Partnership With Boris Herrmann And Team Malizia: Setting Sail For Climate Protection

Boris Herrmann (GER), Team Malizia's skipper for The Ocean Race Europe 2025

We’re kicking off 10 days of ocean action in Nice and Monaco! 🌊 Team Malizia is on a mission to protect our ocean, and this week we’re turning up the volume. With Malizia Explorer freshly arrived in Nice, we’re gearing up for a packed schedule of events, conferences, and moments that matter. From the One Ocean Science Congress (OOSC) to the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), plus the official christening of our sailing research vessel in Monaco and Boris being named an Ocean Ambassador, it’s a milestone week for our A Race We Must Win – Climate Action Now mission. Discover what’s ahead and why this week is one of the highlights of our year.

Team Malizia Heads to UNOC — 10 Days for the Ocean!

From Lake Geneva to the world’s toughest oceans, Swiss sailor Justine Mettraux has built an impressive career in offshore racing. With standout performances in the Mini Transat, Volvo Ocean Race, and most recently the Vendée Globe, where she finished 8th as the first woman, Justine has become one of the most respected names in the sport. This summer, she joins Team Malizia for The Ocean Race Europe — bringing her talent, experience, and unstoppable spirit to the crew. Discover her story, challenges, and what’s next for this inspiring sailor.

Get To Know: Justine Mettraux

Cole Brauer, the first American woman to sail solo non-stop around the world, is joining Team Malizia as co-skipper! After making history in the 2023-24 Global Solo Challenge and earning the title of Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year 2024, Cole is now setting sail for a new adventure alongside Boris Herrmann and Will Harris. Discover her story, her biggest challenge as a sailor, and what makes her a true inspiration for women in offshore racing.

We’re super excited to welcome Cole Brauer to Team Malizia as co-skipper starting this season 2025. Cole made history last year as the first American woman to sail solo non-stop around the world during the 2023-24 Global Solo Challenge. She crossed the finish line in an incredible 2nd place, inspiring hundreds of thousands of people along the way. Her achievement earned her the title of Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year 2024 and rightly so!

Get To Know: Cole Brauer

Francesca Clapcich and Will Harris

Will Harris

Francesca Clapcich onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer

Francesca Clapcich has announced Will Harris as her co-skipper for the TRANSAT CAFÉ L’OR, a double-handed race across the Atlantic. Formerly known as the Transat Jacques Vabre, this will be Will’s third participation and Francesca’s first aboard her newly acquired IMOCA. The race sets off in October, after the two will have sailed together as part of Team Malizia’s crew in The Ocean Race Europe this summer.

Francesca Clapcich and Will Harris onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer

Will Harris Announced As Francesca Clapcich’s Co-skipper For The TRANSAT CAFÉ L’OR

Will Harris Announced As Francesca Clapcich’s Co-skipper For The Transat Café L’Or 2025

Thomas Ruyant (TR Racing), Boris Herrmann (Team Malizia), and Loïs Berrehar (Team Banque Populaire)

Thomas Ruyant, Boris Herrmann and Loïs Berrehar at CDK sitting on the hull of one of their future IMOCA boats

Thomas Ruyant, Loïs Berrehar, and Boris Herrmann

Thomas Ruyant, Loïs Berrehar, and Boris Herrmann shortly before the press conference announcing the new boat earlier today

Boris Herrmann’s Team Malizia announces the build of a new IMOCA racing yacht and with it, an unprecedented collaboration. For the first time in recent IMOCA class history, three teams, Team Malizia, TR Racing (Thomas Ruyant), and Team Banque Populaire (Loïs Berrehar), have joined forces to co-design and build three new IMOCA yachts. Harnessing their collective experience and ambition, the teams are working alongside naval architect Antoine Koch, design office Finot-Conq and Gsea Design. The yachts will be built by the CDK shipyard, and while they share a common design, each team will make subtle modifications to tailor their IMOCA to each skipper’s philosophy of offshore racing. Team Malizia’s IMOCA will be launched in June 2026.

A New IMOCA for Boris Herrmann's Team Malizia: Co-Designed, Innovative, And Triple-Powered

A New IMOCA for Boris Herrmann’s Team Malizia: Co-Designed, Innovative, And Triple-Powered

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Cole Brauer

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

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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

Zurich Group Germany

Kuehne+Nagel

MSC 

Hapag Lloyd 175 year anniversary

Hapag Lloyd

SCHÜTZ

KPMG Germany

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

Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation