Team Malizia built the new Malizia - Seaexplorer yacht, launched in July 2022, incorporating Boris Herrmann's insights from his time in the Southern Ocean.

Boris Herrmann in the cockpit of his high-tech IMOCA racing yacht Malizia - Seaexplorer

Boris Herrmann is sailing aboard a racing vessel meticulously designed for these extremes, where success depends not only on skill and resilience but also on relentless innovation in design and technology.

Over the past two decades, one of the most groundbreaking innovations has been the introduction of foils which lift the boat out of the water, allowing it to "fly" and increase the speed in most conditions.

For teams like ours, competing in the world’s most prestigious events like the Vendée Globe or The Ocean Race, success is determined not just by skill and experience, but by constant innovation and optimisation of our racing yachts.

As its 38 competitors navigate the challenging conditions of the Southern Ocean, the Vendée Globe showcases the pinnacle of offshore sailing on cutting-edge IMOCA yachts. Boris Herrmann is sailing aboard a racing vessel meticulously designed for these extremes, where success depends not only on skill and resilience but also on relentless innovation in design and technology.

Malizia - Seaexplorer, a high-tech racing yacht

Pushing the Limits of Innovation: Optimising Performance in Offshore Sailing

The Vendée Globe is renowned for its simple yet iconic race rules: sail around the world's legendary capes. Today, Boris Herrmann is rounding Cape Leeuwin, marking a major milestone in his journey. This key moment represents a significant turning point in the race, and all eyes are on how the day will unfold for Boris.

Cape Leeuwin in sight

Cape Leeuwin in Sight - Day 32 - Vendée Globe

40% Down, 60% to Go

Today marks one month at sea for Boris Herrmann since the start of the Vendée Globe. Currently holding 10th position, he’s steadily gaining ground on the competitor ahead in 9th place. While a month at sea is a notable milestone, there’s still a long way to go with only 40% of the race completed so far. Stay tuned for more updates as Boris continues his push towards the front of the fleet!

40% Down, 60% to Go - Day 30 - Vendée Globe

Boris enjoying his morning pancake brunch. Samantha Davies, fellow competitor, is also enjoying pancakes aboard her boat!

With maple gifted by teammate Jesse. 

Goodbye sunshine, see you tomorrow! 

Boris has summer on the inside

Sun and speed to keep spirits high!

It’s the second Sunday of Advent, and Boris is busy in the kitchen and performing his first sail change whilst entering the Indian Ocean—you can’t race on an empty stomach! Treating himself to pancakes with maple syrup, he stays competitive, hoping a low-pressure system behind will propel him and the pack toward the east.

Sunday Pancakes And Proximity Sailing - Day 28 - Vendée Globe

The seven new species of frogs found in Madagascar have been named after the most iconic captains from the sci-fi-series Star Trek due to their distinct call! 

Today marks the end of the first week of the only full month the Vendée Globe fleet will spend at sea. After rounding the Cape of Good Hope off South Africa, the fleet is now navigating the challenges of the treacherous Southern Ocean.  Despite facing technical troubles this week, Boris Herrmann knows that staying positive is key. To support this, Team Malizia has teamed up with Superredaktion to share good news from nearby regions along his journey.

Climate Hope Week 4

So much achieved, still so far to go. Seeing that only 34.9% of the race has been sailed so far, the whole playing field seems still open!

As the first week of the fleet’s only full month at sea draws to a close, the journey has been anything but straightforward. Strategic decisions have shaped the course of the race, with skippers navigating an array of challenges, including a brewing storm that is testing their resilience and skill.

A Storm Is Brewing - Day 27 - Vendée Globe

Antarctica, between global warming, exploitation, and hope

Leopard seal on an iceberg, Borgen Bay, Anvers Island, Western Antarctic Peninsula

Southern Ocean impressions from onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer during The Ocean Race 2022-2023

Diver under the ice, Anvers Island, Antarctica

Boris Herrmann onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer in the Vendée Globe, near the Crozet Islands on Day 26 of the race and observing the surrounding albatrosses

Antarctic landscape, Brown Station

Adélie penguin, Antarctica

Situated at the southernmost point of our planet, Antarctica is a vast, icy expanse of near-total solitude. Visited only by a few dedicated scientists and rounded every now and then by a fleet of IMOCA sailors, this frozen continent and its surrounding Southern Ocean play a vital role in regulating the Earth's climate. Yet, it often goes overlooked by some and is exploited by others. As Boris Herrmann navigates its icy waters, we explore the pressing challenges facing Antarctica.

King penguins and Antarctic fur seal pups on the island of South Georgia. Salisbury Plaine, South Georgia, Southern Ocean

Antarctica, Between Global Warming, Exploitation, And Hope

Boris celebrating Nikolaus onboard

This morning Boris Herrmann wishes us a good Nikolaus Day as he is racing at 27 knots in a bumpy sea. Typical Southern Ocean conditions as he is sailing near the Crozet Islands. The mission of the day is to catch up with Justine! 

Happy (Bumpy) Nikolaus Day - Day 26 - Vendée Globe

Boris is doing some lashing on the deck

Mid day update

As Boris Herrmann navigates Day 25 of the Vendée Globe, the challenges of the Southern Ocean are in full swing. After an early start and some repair work on the J2, Boris is now making steady progress at 20 knots on a southeast course, following a similar track to the girls. With a transition to northerly winds expected as a low-pressure system moves in, the next few days promise moderate reaching conditions. Rested and focused, Boris is ready for the journey ahead, even as the cold and damp test his endurance. Stay tuned for more updates from the Southern Ocean!

Full Swing For The Southern Ocean Challenges - Day 25 - Vendée Globe

The home made tool from Boris

My foil rake ram ripped off the foil on the port side.

The Vendée Globe is often described as “one problem a day to solve,” and for Boris Herrmann, the journey started relatively smoothly with few issues to address. However, now that he’s entered the unforgiving Southern Ocean, the race has truly begun. The challenges are ramping up, and we’re fully immersed in the reality of the Vendée Globe.

Hard Night For Boris - Day 24 - Vendée Globe

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. 

Join Our Interactive Malizian Map!

As he is braving rough conditions, Team Malizia’s skipper Boris Herrmann has rounded Cape of Good Hope this Monday afternoon and will soon pass Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa, marking his entry into the Indian Ocean on Day 22 of the Vendée Globe solo race. This milestone, along with having spotted his first albatross yesterday, also signifies his transition into the notoriously challenging Southern Ocean.

Boris Herrmann on the deck of his Malizia - Seaexplorer during the Vendée Globe 2024-2025

Boris Herrmann Rounds Cape of Good Hope in Vendée Globe

Team Malizia’s Boris Herrmann Rounds Cape of Good Hope in Vendée Globe

Today, December 1st, marks the beginning of the only full month the sailors will spend entirely at sea. While the leading pack has already passed the Cape of Good Hope, Boris is now steadily approaching it as well—and at impressive speeds!

Advent Sailing With Friends - Day 21 - Vendée Globe

Nigeria’s first climate cafe. 

As Boris nears the Cape of Good Hope, we’re following his journey with some much-needed good news. This week, we start in Togo, travel down the map of Africa and end in South Africa - showing that positive change is happening all around the world. 

Climate Hope Week 3

Morning from onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer

In his latest update from onboard Malizia-Seaexplorer, Boris Herrmann shares the reality of a significant tactical shift as he sails southward, leaving behind the front that was once his driving force. 

Ready For A Day Of Light Wind - Day 19 - Vendée Globe

Despite their resilience, mangroves face growing challenges from climate change.

Often referred to as the rainforests of the sea, coral reefs also protect coastal regions and are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet.

Night operations on the Pine Gulch Fire in Colorado, 2020

Sea ice melt ponds in the Arctic Ocean

As Boris will soon navigate the Southern Ocean, we are reminded of the strength it takes to endure and adapt to challenges and the importance of ambitious climate action.

In the face of climate change, resilience has become a crucial lens through which we view ecosystems, communities, and individuals. Nature has evolved to adapt and recover over millennia, but as global temperatures rise and ecosystems are confronted with unprecedented stresses, resilience is being tested like never before. In this article, we explore how ecosystems like coral reefs and fire-prone forests show resilience to climate change and why safeguarding their adaptability is vital for the future of our planet.

Nature shows an extraordinary ability to resist, adapt and recover in the face of the impacts of climate change

Adapting To The Future: Nature’s Resilience In A Changing Climate

In the video call, Boris showed the children that Alfonso, his trusted sailing companion is onboard with him for their 6th circumnavigation

Hybrid My Ocean Challenge event in Großhansdorf, Germany, which Boris Herrmann live from the South Atlantic during the Vendée Globe 2024-2025

More than 1000 interested children, teachers, and parents joined our hybrid My Ocean Challenge kids event on 27 November to learn about sailing, science and sustainability! With participants logging in from Norway, France, Germany and even the South Atlantic, this event was a huge success!

Hybrid My Ocean Challenge event in Großhansdorf, Germany, with Boris Herrmann live from the South Atlantic during the Vendée Globe 2024-2025

From Northern Europe to The South Atlantic - Over 1000 Kids In My Ocean Challenge Event

This morning, Boris Herrmann sent us an audio update from the race, sharing both positive developments and some challenges he's facing. Stay tuned to discover the highs and lows of today as he navigates through the ever-changing conditions of the Vendée Globe.

It’s Not Over Yet - Day 17 - Vendée Globe

Boris Herrmann, skipper of Team Malizia

For Boris, the conditions are a bit different: "Super easy here for me. I'm slightly behind, on the edge of the wind, so at night I was down to 13 knots of true wind speed at times. Now I have 19 knots."

Today, the pressure is on. Will Boris Herrmann manage to slip past the looming windless zone that threatens to create significant gaps between the leading group and their chasers?

How Long Can They Keep Up This Pace? - Day 16 - Vendée Globe

I'm doing an average of 25 sometimes, and quite often hitting 30 knots

A bumpy ride, but a happy one!

Keeping it tidy!

I think the weather situation is super interesting, it could be a defining moment for the entire race

As the fleet heads the South, the developing weather system creates a defining moment in the race

Chasing the Low - Day 15 - Vendée Globe

Can you spot the yellow arrow? This represents the location of Boris and the Malizia - Seaexplorer. 

For now, we have good conditions, but the front pack is likely to ride the wave further.

The blue dotted line shows the front which Boris is planning to ride along.

Siesta!

In yesterday’s update, Boris shared his thoughts on the "train" — the weather system that could propel the front of the fleet towards the Cape of Good Hope at record speeds. Determined not to miss the opportunity, Boris focused intently on trimming sails and optimising his performance to stay in the competition. His efforts have paid off, with the fleet now heading east and picking up speed.

All Aboard - Day 14 - 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.

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