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Dec 23

Our Favorite Photos From The Retour À La Base Start

The conditions in Martinique were perfect for Boris to start his first solo race of the year. With flying boats and beautiful island landscapes as the backdrop, there was a sense of suspense as the fleet crossed the start line of the Retour à La Base yesterday. Enjoy some of our favorite photos from the day.

by Hélène Katz

Excited to be back onboard solo: For the first time of the year, Boris Herrmann is sailing alone on his IMOCA race yacht — Excited to be back onboard solo: For the first time of the year, Boris Herrmann is sailing alone on his IMOCA race yacht
© Qaptur / Team Malizia

Last hugs with the technical team - after final checks, Head of Composite Clément Caumont and Rigger Oakley Marsh wished Boris a great race and stepped off Malizia - Seaexplorer — Last hugs with the technical team - after final checks, Head of Composite Clément Caumont and Rigger Oakley Marsh wished Boris a great race and stepped off Malizia - Seaexplorer
© Clément Gerbaud / Qaptur / Team Malizia

Caribbean colours: After a bit of rain in the morning, the sky offered a beautiful spectrum of colours on the start day — Caribbean colours: After a bit of rain in the morning, the sky offered a beautiful spectrum of colours on the start day
© Thomas Deregnieaux / Qaptur / Team Malizia

Final checks and briefings before the start: Boris Herrmann and Will Harris are discussing strategy moments before Will Harris stepped off the boat — Final checks and briefings before the start: Boris Herrmann and Will Harris are discussing strategy moments before Will Harris stepped off the boat
© Clément Gerbaud / Qaptur / Team Malizia

Boris Herrmann and his Malizia - Seaexplorer competing for the best start — Boris Herrmann and his Malizia - Seaexplorer competing for the best start
© Thomas Deregnieaux / Qaptur / Team Malizia

All eyes on deck - Boris Herrmann is now sailing solo again and needs to be even more focussed as he crossed the crowded start line of the Retour à La Base race — All eyes on deck - Boris Herrmann is now sailing solo again and needs to be even more focussed as he crossed the crowded start line of the Retour à La Base race
© Marie Lefloch / Team Malizia

The IMOCA fleet of over 30 boats set sail for a 3500 nautical miles solo race across the Atlantic on 30 November 2023. Boris Herrmann took the start in the front row — The IMOCA fleet of over 30 boats set sail for a 3500 nautical miles solo race across the Atlantic on 30 November 2023. Boris Herrmann took the start in the front row
© Anne Beaugé / Retour à La Base

A crowded start line: With over 30 boats setting off, Boris had to be very concentrated and managed to take a great start at the pin end in the front row — A crowded start line: With over 30 boats setting off, Boris had to be very concentrated and managed to take a great start at the pin end in the front row
© Marie Lefloch / Team Malizia

Boris Herrmann hand-steering his Malizia - Seaexplorer race yacht as him and 31 competitors took the start of the Retour à La Base solo race — Boris Herrmann hand-steering his Malizia - Seaexplorer race yacht as him and 31 competitors took the start of the Retour à La Base solo race
© Marie Lefloch / Team Malizia

“I think we have the chance to do very well in this race and I'm keen to go out there", said Boris Herrmann in the days before the Retour à La Base race start — “I think we have the chance to do very well in this race and I'm keen to go out there", said Boris Herrmann in the days before the Retour à La Base race start
© Qaptur / Team Malizia

Boris Herrmann is now sailing his race yacht across the Atlantic in solo mode for the first time this year — Boris Herrmann is now sailing his race yacht across the Atlantic in solo mode for the first time this year
© Thomas Deregnieaux / Qaptur / Team Malizia

Malizia - Seaexplorer leading the fleet of about 30 boats at the start of the Retour à La Base race in Martinique — Malizia - Seaexplorer leading the fleet of about 30 boats at the start of the Retour à La Base race in Martinique
© Pierre Bouras / Team Malizia

“I feel good today”, said Boris moments before he stepped on board his Malizia - Seaexplorer race yacht on the morning of the race start. “I am looking forward to starting this race. I've really found the hunger to sail alone again." — “I feel good today”, said Boris moments before he stepped on board his Malizia - Seaexplorer race yacht on the morning of the race start. “I am looking forward to starting this race. I've really found the hunger to sail alone again."
© Marie Lefloch / Team Malizia

Malizia - Seaexplorer flying along the coast of Martinique on the start day of the Retour à La Base race — Malizia - Seaexplorer flying along the coast of Martinique on the start day of the Retour à La Base race
© Thomas Deregnieaux / Qaptur / Team Malizia

Malizia - Seaexplorer, first boat in the fleet to reach the iconic Diamant of Martinique in the early hours of the race — Malizia - Seaexplorer, first boat in the fleet to reach the iconic Diamant of Martinique in the early hours of the race
© Thomas Deregnieaux / Qaptur / Team Malizia

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