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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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Boris Herrmann’s Team Malizia is kicking-off their 2025 crewed racing season with the relaunch of their Malizia - Seaexplorer earlier this week and exciting upgrades. The racing yacht now features a groundbreaking hybrid-electric propulsion system, marking a significant step towards more sustainable offshore racing. New technical partners Molabo and Fischer Panda join the team to support this innovation, driving performance while reducing environmental impact.

, freshly relaunched on 6 May 2025 after a winter refit following her round-the-world journey in the Vendée Globe 2024-2025 with 

. Set to compete in the Course des Caps and The Ocean Race Europe this summer, the boat is now configured once again for 

 and, for the first time, equipped with a 

hybrid-electric propulsion and energy system

. As one of the first teams to integrate this setup in the IMOCA class, Team Malizia reaffirms its long-standing commitment to combining high-performance sailing with climate action, while bringing

 new technical partners Molabo and Fischer Panda 

Although IMOCA yachts race with wind power, an engine is an essential part of the boat’s safety and operational systems. “IMOCA class rules require boats to have the ability to motor for critical situations such as docking, undocking, or recovering a person overboard”, explains 

. Beyond these safety requirements, the engine also plays a role in charging the yacht’s energy systems when renewable sources like solar and hydro power are insufficient, for example in low-sunlight conditions.

“We asked ourselves: How can we race around the world on a high-tech yacht without the use of fossil fuels, at the same time improve performance, all while complying with new IMOCA class rules?” says 

. “This system is our answer. It's lighter, cleaner, and lets us maximise our renewable sources of energy. This is one of the most exciting upgrades to the boat and we are proud to lead that step towards more sustainable offshore racing.”

Starting this season, the IMOCA class has updated its rules regarding engine power, increasing the requirement from 35HP to 45HP. As a result, teams have three options for their current boats: install a new, heavier 45HP diesel engine; keep the existing diesel engine and add 50 kilograms of compensating weight; or opt for a hybrid solution, where teams are free to choose the setup without weight restrictions, as long as it matches the performance of a 45HP diesel engine. Regardless of the propulsion system selected, each boat must successfully complete a traction test and be capable of motoring for five hours at five knots. Team Malizia is running those tests this week and, as one of the first teams to install such a custom, hybrid system, they are working closely with the IMOCA class to explore how the new rules can be implemented in practice. This is new territory for the class, and together, Team Malizia and IMOCA are pioneering the way forward.

 ARIES i50 electric inboard motor. Operating at just 48 volts, the system is inherently safe-to-touch, eliminating the hazards and complexity of high-voltage marine systems. It is paired with the already installed 

hydrogenerators, as well as a new high-capacity battery bank from 

generator certified to run on hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO).

“On top of looking at a more sustainable solution for motoring, we looked at how a hybrid solution could work with our renewable energy sources onboard, and how we could get the most out of our solar panels and hydrogenerators”, describes 

. “That meant looking at energy storage.”

The new hybrid setup has a much larger battery bank, which means that far more of the renewable energy generated from solar and hydro power can be stored. “When we charge with solar in the day, we can store energy to get enough through the entire night without using the generator at all”, adds 

. “And when we do need the Fischer Panda generator, it’s certified to run on hydrogenated vegetable oil and uses only half the fuel a conventional diesel setup would need to produce the same amount of energy. Beyond that, something as routine as leaving the dock can now be done entirely on electric power, without burning any fossil fuels or vegetable oil at all.”

“This project shows what’s possible,” said 

. “If Team Malizia can run an IMOCA with 48 volts and solar power, then many other vessels can do it. After all, the same Molabo drive installed in 

 is also powering an 84-passenger solar ferry that runs all day, every day. Together, we are proving that the technology is here to reduce emissions whether you are competing, commuting, or simply enjoying time at sea.”

In addition, the hybrid system is also lighter than a standard diesel engine, which benefits overall racing performance. “Switching to a 48V system required some adjustments on the electrical side during the refit,” explains 

Malizia’s Technical Director Pierre-François Dargnies

. “But we were able to retain a lot of the boat’s existing structure, and overall, the installation went smoothly.” The team is now carrying out the final tests on the water ahead of upcoming training days, including a session with the Pôle Finistère offshore racing centre later this month.

, which we had already used a bit last year. For the Vendée Globe, we decided to revert to the version 2 foils because I felt we hadn’t tested the new ones enough in conditions as demanding as the Southern Ocean. But the plan was always to fully introduce them for the 2025 season, and that is exactly what we have done.”

He adds: “We have also made a few sail modifications, including a new, flatter spinnaker. And for the running rigging, we have replaced large sections with ropes from our technical partner 

With a crewed racing season ahead, another significant change during the refit was adapting 

. “The boat was optimised for solo sailing over the past year, especially for the Vendée Globe,” explains 

. “Boris had a big comfortable suspension chair in the cockpit which we removed to give ourselves more space for the crew of four sailors and one onboard reporter. We are going to have the benches like we had in The Ocean Race so we can sit on the sides of the cockpit and tuck them away when we are not using them.”

The navigator seat has been moved from the aft cabin entry to the back, so that the space is more open and the navigator sitting in a central position, looking at what is going on in the cockpit and able to relay their thoughts to the crew. “This is a really good setup for the short, intense legs of The Ocean Race Europe, in order to quickly react to any changes and to what the navigator wants to do”, adds Will Harris. “At the same time, we installed more bunks in the aft cabin, really comfortable and with direct access to the cockpit.”

“After several refits, over 100,000 nautical miles sailed, several round-the-world laps of Ocean data collected, and much more to come this year, it’s inspiring to see how far we have come as a team”, comments 

. “We continue to evolve, improving both performance and sustainability with each step. With our racing yacht upgraded and back in the water, and our new sailing research vessel now launched, we are reinforcing our commitment to the Ocean. Not only through innovation on the racecourse, but through meaningful climate action.”

A Race We Must Win – Climate Action Now!

mission is only possible due to the strong and long-lasting commitment from its 

: EFG International, Zurich Group Germany, Kuehne+Nagel, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hapag-Lloyd, Schütz, and the Yacht Club de Monaco. These partners band behind Team Malizia to support its campaign, each of them working towards projects in their own field to innovate around climate solutions. 

s new hybrid propulsion system ©️ Flore Hartout | Team Malizia

comes out of the shed after her post-Vendée Globe refit and with exciting new upgrades © Flore Hartout | Team Malizia

 for the 2025 season © Flore Hartout | Team Malizia

New ropes from technical partner Gleistein © Flore Hartout | Team Malizia

was relaunched on 6 May 2025 with exciting new technical upgrades © Flore Hartout | Team Malizia

Malizia - Seaexplorer is back in the water and ready for the 2025 crewed racing season

Team Malizia Relaunch Their IMOCA Yacht With Hybrid-Electric Power Ahead Of New Racing Season

Boris Herrmann’s Team Malizia is upscaling their climate research efforts with a new sailboat, Malizia Explorer, dedicated to science, communication and outreach. This new project builds on the team’s core mission: while continuing to race and collect scientific data with Malizia - Seaexplorer, the team will expand their efforts with Malizia Explorer to carry out dedicated research expeditions. Building on the success of their A Race We Must Win – Climate Action Now! mission, the team is calling for collaborators, scientific projects, and partners to support this bold initiative. Already on board as a key partner is Reederei F. Laeisz, along with renowned scientific institutions AWI, GEOMAR, Hereon, and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission.

 are proud to announce an exciting new chapter in their mission to further Ocean science and inspire ambitious climate action: the acquisition of a 

, the research vessel marks a significant step forward in the team's ongoing efforts to collect data in remote and relevant Ocean regions, further scientific research, and raise public awareness about the crucial role the Ocean plays in our climate system.

The announcement was made by skipper Boris Herrmann today, on 6 May 2025, live on stage at the 

 in Berlin. The event, which brings together key stakeholders from government, science, industry, NGOs, and civil society took place on the same day as the inauguration of the new German government and election of the chancellor, making it especially timely for influencing national priorities on climate and Ocean health. It serves as a platform for Germany to shape and communicate its marine and climate policy, especially in the lead-up to international events like the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France (9-13 June) or COP30 (Brazil, 10-21 November). Speaking to an audience deeply engaged in Ocean and climate issues, Boris Herrmann, known for advocating more ambitious climate action with his team, underscored their 

Since 2018, Team Malizia has combined high-level offshore racing with a deep commitment to science and education through their

 mission. Equipped with an Ocean Pack, a mini laboratory aboard their IMOCA racing yacht 

, the team has collected vital data on CO2 levels, sea-surface temperature and salinity, contributing to key scientific publications such as the Global Carbon Budget and the IPCC report. During many races over the years, they have also deployed several instruments like drifter buoys and Argo floats in undersampled regions of the world’s Ocean. Through their 

, they have engaged more than 80,000 children since 2018, using the adventure of sailing to spark interest in Ocean science and climate solutions.

Now, Team Malizia is taking their commitment 

 While continuing their efforts to support science as they race around the world with their IMOCA, the team will venture even deeper into the heart of Ocean and climate research with their new 85-foot (25,99 m) aluminum sailing research vessel. The boat, which can travel to any part of the world, will reach even more remote regions, get closer to the poles, while expanding the diversity of scientific missions and the people on board. 

The vessel underwent refit in Lorient this winter and is currently being equipped with a suite of scientific instruments, including an 

 for water sampling, essential tools for studying the impact of climate change on our Ocean.

The new research vessel is more than just a platform for scientific discovery, it’s a step towards uniting 

 to give the Ocean a voice. Team Malizia’s vision is to let science guide the expeditions, using their unique global platform to share findings, inspire the public, educate and drive meaningful action.

“Our mission has always been about raising awareness around climate change and the Ocean,” says 

. “This research vessel is a natural evolution of our team’s mission which allows us to expand our impact, venturing to new regions, collaborating with scientists, and communicating the urgent message about Ocean health and climate change. We want to not only collect data but also bring the story of what’s happening beneath the surface to life.”

Launched in April 2025, the vessel will be 

, a few days before World Ocean Day and UNOC, by world-renowned oceanographer, explorer, and Ocean ambassador 

 (more details coming soon). After sailing in the Mediterranean, a region that offers both rich scientific value and strong opportunities for public engagement, 

 will carry out its first main mission in the Antarctic. In the years to come, further expeditions will take place around the world, including in the Arctic. As Team Malizia starts this journey, they are actively 

seeking crew members, research projects, and partners 

The initiative is supported by key partner 

, a German shipping company with extensive experience in operating research vessels and who are partnering with the project to advance 

, CEO of Reederei F. Laeisz, comments: “It’s a real privilege for us to support Boris Herrmann’s team and this sailing research vessel, as our values are very much aligned: Driving progress in Ocean science and accelerating the decarbonisation of shipping, which lies at the core of our activities.”

The project has also established partnerships with leading scientific institutions and coordinating organisations, including 

. Together, they will collaborate on specific missions over the next years and contribute to equipping the vessel with a wide range of scientific instruments, and support the processing, management, and scientific interpretation of the collected data.

The project has also gained support from technical supplier partners such as 

to fit out the boat with new ropes where needed, and to kit out the research vessel crew. 

 gave one of their state of the art anti-collision technology systems to detect objects in the sea. All the partners are united by the shared goal of advancing climate research and creating global awareness.

, who also raced in the Vendée Globe 2024-2025, and the

(SPI) are providing their OceanPack to Malizia’s research vessel this year. 

SPI will also be involved in data analysis with ETH Zurich and the Universities of Bern and Lausanne,

 showcasing once again how the offshore racing and scientific communities are working together to enhance Ocean research.

With this new venture, Team Malizia reaffirms their role as both a sports team and Ocean ambassadors. By combining the adrenaline of offshore racing with the power of science and storytelling, they hope to 

 from political decision-makers, engage the public, and push the boundaries of Ocean research.

 sailing research vessel was only made possible thanks to the 

 that believed in the project and helped launch it: Reederei F. Laeisz, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI), Hereon, SOOP (Shaping an Ocean Of Possibilities), OceanOPS (support center of the Global Ocean Observing System GOOS (jointly run by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO and World Meteorological Organization WMO), the Prince Albert II Foundation, Gleistein, Peter Frisch GmbH – Musto, B&G and SEA.AI.

 for more updates on the vessel’s christening, upcoming expeditions, and ways to get involved. If you would like to partner with this project please contact 

: the Yacht Club de Monaco, EFG International, Zurich Group Germany, Kuehne+Nagel, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hapag-Lloyd, and Schütz. These partners band behind Team Malizia to support its campaign, each of them working towards projects in their own field to innovate around climate solutions. 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576119471534

https://www.instagram.com/maliziaexplorer/

https://www.youtube.com/@Malizia_Explorer

https://www.linkedin.com/company/106761347/

 sailing research vessel ©️ Antoine Auriol | Team Malizia

announcement was made by Boris Herrmann (fifth from the left) at the German Ocean Conference on 6 May 2025 ©️ Petra Mahnke

 was launched in April in Lorient, France © Flore Hartout | Team Malizia

 will carry out scientific mission globally ©️ Antoine Auriol | Team Malizia

Malizia Explorer

Team Malizia Sets Sail On A New Mission With Their Malizia Explorer Research Vessel

Team Malizias Skipper Boris Herrmann und die deutsche Modemarke OLYMP bringen ihre dritte Kollektion aus 100 % nachhaltigeren Materialien auf den Markt. Die neue „Uncover“-Kollektion umfasst sieben Teile und legt den Fokus auf eine rückverfolgbare Lieferkette. Neben dem Einsatz von Bio-Baumwolle lässt sie hinter die Kulissen blicken und steht für einen weiteren Schritt im gemeinsamen Engagement für verantwortungsvolle und vielfältige Mode.

Boris Herrmann, Skipper von Team Malizia, und OLYMP, das erfolgreiche Familienunternehmen aus Deutschland, geben den Start ihrer dritten gemeinsamen Kollektion bekannt und setzen damit damit ihren hohen Transparenzanspruch fort. Die neue limitierte „Uncover“

Kollektion vereint natürliche Fasern mit vollständiger Transparenz entlang der gesamten Lieferkette. Kundinnen und Kunden können ihre Kleidungsstücke vom Ursprung über die Produktion bis hin zum Zentrallager in Bietigheim-Bissingen Verkauf und Tragen nachverfolgen – und erhalten so einen Einblick in nachhaltige Mode.

Seit Beginn der Partnerschaft im Jahr 2022 wurden bereits drei Kapselkollektionen von Boris Herrmann x OLYMP vorgestellt. Jede widmet sich einer anderen Herausforderung im Bereich Nachhaltigkeit und baut auf den Erfolgen der vorherigen Kollektion auf. Die erste Kollektion, „All Nature“ (Sommer 2024), setzte auf natürliche Materialien aus zertifizierten und nachwachsenden Rohstoffen. „No Dye“ (Herbst 2024) verzichtete vollständig auf Farbstoffe, um den Einsatz von Farbstoffchemikalien zu minimieren. Mit der dritten Kollektion wird Nachhaltigkeit nun konsequent weitergedacht: durch vollständige Transparenz entlang der gesamten Lieferkette.

Auch diese sieben Teile umfassende Kapselkollektion basiert erneut auf natürlichen Materialien aus nachwachsenden Rohstoffen. Die limitierte Boris Herrmann x OLYMP Edition zeigt transparent, welchen Weg die Kleidungsstücke zurückgelegt haben. Alle Produktionsschritte der drei Hemden, zwei T-Shirts sowie des Polo- und Overshirts können digital auf der Firmenwebsite nachverfolgt werden: Vom gesponnenen Garn bis zum Zentrallager in Bietigheim-Bissingen (Landkreis Ludwigsburg, Baden-Württemberg, Deutschland). Zusätzlich sind die verursachten Treibhausgasemissionen je Kleidungsstück einsehbar.

Diese kompromisslos transparente Herangehensweise bei Produktion und Emissionsberechnung ermöglicht es den Kundinnen und Kunden, bewusste und informierte Entscheidungen zu treffen, im Einklang mit hohen Nachhaltigkeitsstandards und den eigenen Werten. Ein zentrales Merkmal einer Kapselkollektion ist die mühelose Kombinierbarkeit aller enthaltenen Teile: Sie bilden die Grundlage für eine langlebige, nachhaltigere Garderobe.

Mark Bezner, Geschäftsführender Gesellschafter von OLYMP, erklärt: „Im Rahmen unseres Nachhaltigkeitsengagements behalten wir unseren konsequenten Kurs der letzten Jahre zielgerichtet bei. Mit unserer dritten Boris Herrmann x OLYMP Kollektion unterstreichen wir nicht nur unsere mit Weitblick vorgenommene Sortimentsgestaltung, sondern geben auch transparenten Einblick in die Herkunft der Produkte. Damit schaffen wir weitere Leuchttürme für die Nachhaltigkeit“. 

Boris Herrmanns Team Malizia trägt seine Mission stolz auf den Segeln seiner Rennyacht: 

 Diese Mission wird durch das Schärfen des Klimabewusstseins, die Förderung der Ozean- und Klimabildung sowie das Sammeln wichtiger Daten für die Ozeanforschung während weltweiter Regatten verwirklicht. OLYMP, ein deutsches Familienunternehmen, das für hochwertige Kleidung bekannt ist, teilt diese tiefe Leidenschaft für Nachhaltigkeit, die buchstäblich in die Fasern seiner Textilien eingewebt ist. Seit der Einführung des Nachhaltigkeitslabels 

 im Herbst 2021 setzt OLYMP neue Maßstäbe in der Branche, transportiert eine klare Botschaft in Sachen Nachhaltigkeit und ist damit der ideale Partner für Boris Herrmann und sein Team.

Die OLYMP Bezner KG aus Bietigheim-Bissingen bei Stuttgart ist der Hemden-Marktführer in Deutschland. 

Darüber hinaus wird das hochwertige Bekleidungssortiment, das neben Hemden in allen erdenklichen Ausführungen für Business, Freizeit- und Anlass auch Strick- und Wirkartikel, Accessoires sowie Hosen umfasst, weltweit in mehr als 40 Ländern vertrieben. 

Die anspruchsvolle Strategie hinter OLYMP Green Choice beruht auf drei Säulen: dem Einsatz nachhaltigerer Materialien, einer umweltfreundlicheren Herstellung sowie einer nachhaltigeren Produktverpackung. Unabhängige Siegel wie der GLOBAL ORGANIC TEXTILE STANDARD (GOTS), OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN sowie etablierte Markenfasern wie TENCEL

 verifizieren das breite unternehmerische Engagement.

 ist nur durch das starke und dauerhafte Engagement seiner 

 möglich: der Yacht Club de Monaco, EFG International, die Zurich Gruppe Deutschland, Kuehne+Nagel, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hapag-Lloyd und Schütz. Diese Partner stehen hinter dem Team Malizia, um dessen Kampagne zu unterstützen. Jeder von ihnen arbeitet an Projekten in seinem Bereich, um innovative Lösungen für die Klimakrise zu finden.

Boris Herrmann x OLYMP setzen für dritte Kollektion auf Transparenz

Team Malizia’s skipper Boris Herrmann and the German fashion brand OLYMP have now launched their third collection made of 100% more sustainable materials. Called “Uncover”, this new collection consisting of seven pieces focuses on a traceable supply chain. In addition to using organic cotton, it offers a glimpse behind-the-scenes and marks another step in their ongoing effort to make clothing that is both responsible and diverse.

, the successful family business from Germany, are announcing the launch of their third joint collection, continuing to meet their high transparency standards. The new limited “

” collection not only incorporates natural fibres but also ensures 

. Consumers can trace their garments from sourcing and production to sale and wear, offering an unprecedented level of insight into sustainable fashion.

Since the beginning of the partnership in 2022, three Boris Herrmann x OLYMP capsule collections have been introduced, each addressing a different sustainability challenge and building on the successes of the last. The first collection, "All Nature" (summer 2024), focused on natural and renewable materials from certified sources. "No Dye" (autumn 2024) eliminated dyes to reduce colouring chemical usage. Now, the third collection takes sustainability a step further by ensuring full transparency. 

 is once again based on natural materials made from renewable raw materials. The limited Boris Herrmann x OLYMP edition shows in a transparent fashion the journey these garments have travelled. All the production steps for the three shirts, two T-shirts, polo shirt, and overshirt can be digitally tracked on the company’s website: from spun yarn to the central warehouse in Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany. In addition, the greenhouse gas emissions caused per garment can be viewed.

This bare-all strategy of transparent production and emissions calculation empowers consumers to make conscious, informed choices that align with high sustainability standards and personal values. A defining feature of a capsule collection is the effortless combinability of all included garments, forming the foundation for a long-lasting, more sustainable wardrobe.

, owner and CEO of OLYMP, explains: “As part of our commitment to sustainability, we are deliberately maintaining the consistent course we’ve been on for the past few years. With our third Boris Herrmann x OLYMP collection, we are not only emphasising our forward-thinking approach to the design of our range, but also providing a transparent insight into our products’ origin. In doing so, we’re creating further beacons of sustainability”. 

Team Malizia, skippered by Boris Herrmann, proudly carries its mission on its sails with the slogan 

This mission is realised through raising climate awareness, advancing Ocean and climate education and collecting vital Ocean data used by scientists during races around the world. OLYMP, a German family-owned clothing brand renowned for high-quality garments, shares this deep passion for sustainability – quite literally woven into the fibres of its garments. Since the launch of its Green Choice sustainability label in autumn 2021, OLYMP has challenged industry standards, embraces a clear sustainability message and is hence the ideal partner for Boris Herrmann and his team.

The ambitious strategy behind Green Choice is based on three pillars, namely the use of more sustainable materials, a more environment-friendly production and more sustainable product packaging. Independent seals such as GOTS, OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN and TENCEL

 are a testament to the broad entrepreneurial commitment. The aim is to have converted the whole OLYMP range to Green Choice by 2025. Over 80 percent of the brand’s range already meet these criteria.

 mission is only possible due to the strong and long-lasting commitment from its 

: the Yacht Club de Monaco, EFG International, Zurich Group Germany, Kuehne+Nagel, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hapag-Lloyd, and Schütz. These partners band behind Team Malizia to support its campaign, each of them working towards projects in their own field to innovate around climate solutions.

Boris Herrmann and OLYMP Bare All With Third Capsule Collection “Uncover”

After sailing approximately 100,000 nautical miles, completing two circumnavigations of the globe, and finishing six transatlantic crossings, the Malizia - Seaexplorer is now being handed over to Team Francesca Clapcich Powered By 11th Hour Racing, who are setting their sights on the 2028 Vendée Globe.

- Boris Herrmann’s Malizia - Seaexplorer race yacht will be handed over to Team Francesca Clapcich Powered By 11th Hour Racing. Francesca’s team will take over the race yacht after The Ocean Race Europe 2025 and will embark on a four-year journey to qualify for the Vendée Globe, where the Italian-American aims to become the first sailor to compete in all four of the major sailing events: the Olympics, the America's Cup, The Ocean Race, and the Vendée Globe.

Boris Herrmann commented on the transition, ‘I am incredibly proud of this boat and what we have achieved together, it will be sad to say goodbye after all the time, energy and work we put into her. On the other hand I am excited to be handing her on to a sailor like Frankie, someone with so much drive, passion and ambition and with a strong sponsor like 11th Hour Racing behind her. I can not wait to see what she will achieve in the Vendée Globe 2028 with Malizia - Seaexplorer. On top of that we will be working together on the technical side to ensure Frankie has the best possible boat for her races! We have similar goals uniting us on sustainability and the Ocean and working together across these topics is going to be the next adventure.’

Designed by VPLP and launched in 2022, the Malizia - Seaexplorer features a rounded spoon bow for skimming the Southern Ocean's waves and a closed cockpit with standing height. Initially met with skepticism, the design quickly proved its capabilities, particularly during The Ocean Race 2022-23. There, a strong strategy and a fast boat allowed Team Malizia to recover a 500nm deficit in the long Southern Ocean leg and ultimately win that leg of the race. Over the past two years, Team Malizia and the Malizia - Seaexplorer have earned respect as top competitors in the world’s toughest offshore races.

Beyond racing, the Malizia - Seaexplorer has also served as a platform for climate action and ocean protection. It will now continue this dual mission under Clapcich’s “Believe, Belong, Achieve” campaign designed to bring equity and climate justice to the sport of sailing and beyond. "Belief and belonging are critical to success. If my parents, coaches, and teachers hadn't believed in me, I wouldn’t be here today announcing my Vendée Globe campaign. I want to ensure others have those same opportunities,” said Clapcich.

Clapcich, who won The Ocean Race 2022-23 with 11th Hour Racing Team becoming the first Italian in the 50-year history of the race to lift the coveted trophy, has for the past year been skipper of UpWind by MerConcept, the first all-female team in the Ocean Fifty Series. Along with her Title Sponsor, 11th Hour Racing, she is committed to increasing inclusion in sailing. "Belief and belonging drive better performance, both individually and in teams. Alongside my sporting campaign, I’m collaborating with academics, experts, and creatives to promote solutions that will help people achieve their lifelong ambitions," she added. The campaign’s efforts include education, advocacy, and collective action, and last week the team announced a research partnership with the Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University in the UK.

Though changing hands, the Malizia - Seaexplorer will maintain ties to Team Malizia, which remains involved as Clapcich’s Technical Partner to help run the shore side of the racing program. “We chose Team Malizia because they know the boat inside and out and can best prepare me for solo IMOCA offshore sailing. Their commitment to ocean health and sustainability also aligns with our mission,” Clapcich explained.

Fans of the Malizia - Seaexplorer can therefore continue following its journey, albeit with a new skipper at the helm and under a new name, with a full IMOCA race season ahead. The boat will be handed over after The Ocean Race Europe and the four year race for the Vendée Globe qualification will start with the Transat Café L'Or, departing Le Havre, France, on the 26th of October 2025, bound for Fort-de-France, Martinique. 

: Schütz, the Yacht Club de Monaco, EFG International, Zurich Group Germany, Kuehne+Nagel, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, and Hapag-Lloyd. These partners band behind Team Malizia to support its campaign, each of them working towards projects in their own field to innovate around climate solutions.

Boris Herrmann’s Maliza - Seaexplorer race yacht handed over to Team Francesca Clapcich Powered By 11th Hour Racing 

Der German Offshore Award wird jährlich von einer Jury aus Vertretern der führenden Hamburger Segelclubs unter der Leitung des Hamburgischen Segler-Verbandes an die beste deutscher Hochseeyacht bei internationalen Regatten verliehen. Die Auswahl erfolgt anhand eines Punktesystems, das die Schwierigkeit der Regatta, die Anzahl der teilnehmenden Yachten, die Wetterbedingungen und die Endplatzierung im Rennen berücksichtigt. Der Zweitplatzierte in diesem Jahr war die TP52 Red Bandit, die die jüngste Ausgabe des Rolex Middle Sea Race für sich entscheiden konnte. In einer äußerst knappen Entscheidung verpasste sie den Sieg um weniger als einen halben Punkt im Jury-Ranking.

Die 18. Ausgabe des Preises ehrte Boris Herrmanns herausragende Leistung im New York-Vendée Race, das als Paradebeispiel für die perfekte Symbiose zwischen Mensch und Technik gewürdigt wurde. Staatsrat Christoph Holstein hob die Leistung hervor: „Das New York-Vendée Race war ein Hochgeschwindigkeitsrennen über mehr als 3.000 Seemeilen, bei dem Malizia - Seaexplorer ihr volles Potenzial entfalten konnte.“

Während Herrmann und Team Malizia auf höchstem Niveau in einigen der härtesten Hochseerennen der Welt konkurrieren, sammeln sie gleichzeitig wichtige Ozeandaten mit einem an Bord installierten Forschungslabor. Diese Daten liefern wertvolle Erkenntnisse über den Klimawandel der Ozeane und werden von wissenschaftlichen Partnern des GEOMAR Helmholtz-Zentrums für Ozeanforschung Kiel und des Max-Planck-Instituts für Meteorologie analysiert, bevor sie in weltweite Datenbanken eingespeist werden. Die Ergebnisse trugen bereits zu bedeutenden wissenschaftlichen Berichten bei, darunter der IPCC-Bericht und zuletzt im Jahr 2024 das Global Carbon Budget.

Seit Jahren setzt sich Herrmann mit Team Malizia für die Kampagne „A Race We Must Win“ ein, um ehrgeizige Klimaschutzmaßnahmen durch Bildung, Aufklärung und die Förderung konkreter Lösungen für die Klimakrise voranzutreiben.

In seiner Dankesrede lenkte Herrmann den Fokus daher vom physischen Rennen über die Ozeane auf das dringende Rennen um den Klimaschutz - zum Schutz der Ozeane und unseres Planeten. Angesichts der politischen und sozioökonomischen Entwicklungen der letzten Jahre, Monate und Wochen bekräftigte Herrmann erneut die entschlossene Haltung von Team Malizia für den Schutz und die Bewahrung der Ozeane. Er erinnerte an ein denkwürdiges Erlebnis wenige Tage vor dem Start des New York-Vendée Race, als ihn die weltbekannte Ozean-Schützerin und Meereswissenschaftlerin Dr. Sylvia Earle fragte: „Boris, weißt du eigentlich, welche Welt unter deinem Boot liegt?“ Von dieser Frage tief bewegt, erklärte er dem Publikum: „Diese Frage und die Emotion, mit der Sylvia sie stellte, werden mich für immer begleiten - und mich mehr denn je dazu motivieren, für unseren blauen Planeten und unser globales Klima einzutreten.“

Mit Blick auf die kommenden Rennen in diesem Jahr, darunter die Ocean Race Europe, die im Spätsommer stattfindet, betonte Herrmann das Hauptthema der Regatta: „Connecting Europe“, ein Motto, das auch politisch interpretiert werden kann.

Ein weiteres zentrales Thema des Abends war die Nachwuchsförderung: Nur wenige junge deutsche Talente wagen den Schritt auf die internationale Bühne. Wie Herrmann in seiner Dankesrede betonte, erhält er regelmäßig Initiativbewerbungen von jungen Segler:innen – doch deutsche Bewerber:innen sind kaum darunter. Es habe bereits Versuche gegeben, deutsche Wassersportler:innen in Offshore-Rennteams wie das bevorstehende Ocean Race Europe 2025 zu integrieren, „aber bisher hat das noch nicht gefruchtet“, so Herrmann. „Wir müssen also weiter daran arbeiten, den Nachwuchs zu fördern und mehr Aufmerksamkeit für diese Chancen zu schaffen.“

In diesem Zusammenhang hob Herrmann die Gewinner des Wehring & Wolfes Youth Awards 2025, Melwin Fink und Lennart Burke, hervor und betonte: „Das sind zwei starke Aspiranten, die in diesem Bereich bereits sehr erfolgreich sind.“

Zu den weiteren Stars des Abends zählen die nominierten Yachten für die Beste deutsche Offshore-Yacht gehörten Carl-Peter Forster mit der TP52 Red Bandit (Bayerischer Yacht-Club), die Elliott 52 "Rafale" und die Neo 430 "Neomind" (beide vom Verein Seglerhaus am Wannsee) sowie die "Lucky Five", geskippert von Leif Petersen (Neustädter Segelclub).

Der Lifetime Achievement Award wurde an Carl Friedrich Schott verliehen, der seit Jahrzehnten die internationale Kooperation zwischen Segelclubs fördert und als erfahrener Wettfahrtleiter aktiv ist.

Den Wehring & Wolfes Youth Award erhielten Melwin Fink und Lennart Burke, die zusammen äußerst erfolgreich mit der Class 40 “Next Generation Boating” an einer gemeinsamen Offshore Karriere arbeiten.  

Die Mission von Team Malizia „A Race We Must Win - Climate Action Now!“ ist nur dank des starken und langfristigen Engagements seiner sieben Hauptpartner möglich: MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hapag-Lloyd, Schütz, Yacht Club de Monaco, EFG International, Zurich Gruppe Deutschland und Kuehne+Nagel. Diese Partner stehen hinter Team Malizia und unterstützen die Kampagne, wobei jeder von ihnen in seinem eigenen Bereich Projekte vorantreibt, um innovative Klimaschutz-Lösungen zu entwickeln.

Hamburg, 6. März 2025  -  Die IMOCA "Malizia - Seaexplorer" und ihr Skipper Boris Herrmann wurden beim 18. German Offshore Award als Beste deutsche Offshore-Yacht 2025 ausgezeichnet. Die feierliche Zeremonie fand im Großen Saal des Hamburger Rathauses statt und würdigte den sensationellen 2. Platz im New-York Vendée Rennen 2024.

Boris Herrmann mit dem Deutschen Offshore Award 2025 im Hamburger Rathaus ausgezeichnet

 The German Offshore Award 2025 was celebrated in the Great Hall of Hamburg City Hall on the evening of Thursday, 6th of March 2025. This year’s award for Best German Offshore Yacht went to the Imoca "Malizia - Seaexplorer" and skipper Boris Herrmann. This recognition is presented annually to the best yacht sailing in international regattas under the German flag by a jury of representatives from the major Hamburg sailing clubs, chaired by the Hamburg Sailing Association. 

The winning yacht is determined using a formula that considers multiple factors, including the regatta's difficulty, the number of competing yachts, prevailing weather and wind conditions, and the final overall ranking.

This year’s runner-up was the TP52 Red Bandit, which had claimed victory in the most recent edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race. In an incredibly close contest, it finished just behind Malizia - Seaexplorer, missing out on the top spot by less than half a point in the German Offshore Award jury’s ranking. 

The eighteenth edition of this award honoured Boris Herrmann’s outstanding performance in the New York-Vendée race aboard Malizia - Seaexplorer, celebrating it as a prime example of how seamlessly a yacht can sail when man and vessel operate as a perfect unit. In his speech, State Councilor Christoph Holstein highlighted the achievement, stating, “The New York-Vendée race was a breakneck sprint over more than 3,000 nautical miles, where the yacht was able to fully showcase its performance.”

While competing at the highest level in some of the world’s toughest Ocean races, Herrmann and Team Malizia also gather crucial Ocean data through a laboratory installed onboard the Malizia - Seaexplorer racing yacht.This data provides valuable insights into Ocean climate change and is analysed by scientific partners at the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel and the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology before being submitted to the worldwide databases. The findings have contributed to significant scientific reports, including the IPCC report and, most recently in 2024, the Global Carbon Budget.

For years, Herrmann and Team Malizia have championed the “A Race We Must Win” campaign, driving ambitious climate action through education, awareness and the promotion of tangible solutions to the climate crisis.

In his acceptance speech, Herrmann therefore shifted the focus from the physical race across the Ocean to the urgent race for climate action - to protect our Oceans and the planet. He acknowledged the political and socio-economic shifts of recent years, months and even weeks, but reaffirmed Team Malizia’s unwavering commitment to Ocean protection and conservation. Underlining the importance of this mission, he shared a memorable encounter just days before the start of the New York-Vendée, when world-renowned Ocean advocate and marine scientist Dr. Sylvia Earle asked him, “Boris, do you actually know what world lies beneath your boat?” Reflecting on the impact of her words, he told the audience, “That question, and the emotion with which Sylvia asked it, will stay with me forever and, above all, motivate me to do more for our blue planet and our global climate.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming races this year, including The Ocean Race Europe set to take place in late summer, Herrmann emphasised the race's main theme, "Connecting Europe," a slogan that can also be interpreted through a political lens.

Another key topic in Herrmann's acceptance speech was the integration of more young German sailors into the international sailing world, noting that only a few German talents dare to step onto the global stage. As Herrmann explained, he regularly receives applications from young sailors - but rarely from German applicants. Efforts to integrate German water sports athletes into offshore racing teams, such as the upcoming Ocean Race Europe 2025, have also been unsuccessful so far. "So far, it hasn't borne fruit," Herrmann admitted. "We need to keep working on promoting young talent and raising awareness of these opportunities."

Other stars of the night included the nominees for this prestigious award Carl-Peter Forster with his TP 52 Red Bandit (Bavarian Yacht-Club), the Elliott 52 Rafale and the Neo 430 Neomind (both sailing for the Seglerhaus am Wannsee), as well as Lucky Five, skippered by Leif Petersen from the Neustädter Sailing Club. The ceremony also presented the Lifetime Award to Carl Friedrich Schott, a longstanding advocate for international collaboration between yachting clubs and an active race officer for many decades. This year's Wehring & Wolfes Youth Award went to Melwin Fink and Lennart Burke, who have been sailing successful races with their Class 40 Next Generation.

Team Malizia’s A Race We Must Win - Climate Action Now! mission is only possible due to the strong and long-lasting commitment from its seven main partners: the Yacht Club de Monaco, EFG International,  Zurich Group Germany, and Kuehne+Nagel, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hapag-Lloyd and Schütz. These partners band behind Team Malizia to support its campaign, each of them working towards projects in their own field to innovate around climate solutions.

The Imoca "Malizia - Seaexplorer" and skipper Boris Herrmann received the award for Best German Offshore Yacht 2025 at the eighteenth German Offshore Award on the evening of 6 March 2025. The ceremony took place at Hamburg City Hall and honoured the sensational 2nd place in the New-York Vendée Race 2024.

Boris Herrmann awarded The German Offshore Award 2025 in Hamburg City Hall

From welcoming US solo sailor Cole Brauer as co-skipper to preparing for a crewed racing calendar filled with firsts, the next six months promise to be particularly exciting for Team Malizia. With new challenges on the horizon, including The Ocean Race Europe, the team is gearing up for another intense season of offshore racing and Ocean advocacy.

 - Following Boris Herrmann’s successful completion of his second Vendée Globe, Team Malizia is gearing up for an action-packed six months, featuring an ambitious racing calendar, exciting team updates, and continued efforts in Ocean science and education. With 

undergoing a refit to transition back into crewed mode, the team is looking forward to the busy 2025 season. 

Cole Brauer, Team Malizia’s new co-skipper

, who joins Team Malizia as co-skipper, alongside skipper Boris Herrmann and co-skipper Will Harris.

Cole Brauer made history as the first American woman to race solo nonstop around the world, finishing second in the 2023–2024 Global Solo Challenge aboard her Class40 

. Her journey was not only a feat of endurance and skill, but she also captivated the public, bringing the adventure and challenges of solo offshore racing to a new audience. 

Her achievements have redefined what is possible in the sport, inspired countless sailors and fans worldwide, and have earned her the prestigious Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year 2024 award. Over the past months, Cole Brauer has been

 mentored by Boris Herrmann through The Magenta Project. 

"Becoming part of Team Malizia is truly a dream come true," says Cole Brauer. "Today is actually my last day on 