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Will Harris

Cole Brauer

Francesca Clapcich

Julien Villion

Flore Hartout

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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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.

29 June 2025, Boulogne-sur-Mer, France – 

It’s been a slow but very good start for Team Malizia as the Banque Populaire du Nord Boulogne-sur-Mer Cape Race, also known as 

 got underway this afternoon at 14:00 local time. This new event on the IMOCA circuit takes the fleet of eleven boats on a nearly 2,000-nautical mile clockwise loop around the British Isles, sailed with a mixed crew of five, including an onboard reporter. Starting and finishing in Boulogne-sur-Mer, in the north of France, the race presents a range of challenges, from light and unstable winds to dense maritime traffic and strong tidal currents. Initially expected to last around 5-8 days, the very light weather conditions mean the course could take up to 8 days or more to complete, demanding patience, endurance, and sharp tactical thinking from all teams.

 is skippering Team Malizia’s crew and has returned to the leading role, after having been at the helm during two legs of The Ocean Race 2022–2023. He is joined by co-skippers 

(FRA/NED), who are all taking part in their first race under the colours of Team Malizia. 

The start today was a clear contrast to the high-speed, foiling action typically seen in IMOCA racing. The fleet of eleven boats set off in 

, with just 4–5 knots of wind, navigating a mix of fog and sunshine. Challenged by the lack of breeze and a strong current, the boats crawled across the start line and made slow progress toward the first mark. Team Malizia rounded in fourth place, just three minutes behind the leader, a solid start in such tricky conditions.

 described the opening stretch as both tactical and mentally demanding:

“As we’ve seen in the forecast, the first 24 hours are really challenging. It’s easy to get emotionally caught up in this early phase, if we make the wrong choice, the others could get away. But we have to keep in mind that this race is over 2,000 miles long, and nothing is decided at the start. A wrong or right move now doesn’t mean the race is over, far from it.”

: “At first, we will need to manage both the race and ourselves. Finding our rhythm early on will be one of the most challenging parts. Once we get closer to Ireland, we can hopefully settle into more typical Ocean sailing and our regular 4-hour watch system. But even at the end of the race, coming back down the North Sea and into the Dover Strait, anything can happen. We could see light winds again, strong pressure, and we will have to stay really switched on to keep pushing right to the finish line.”

: “There could already be quite a few transitions in just the first few days of the race. Even if nothing will be completely make-or-break, I think it’s the kind of course where you could almost have a full restart just 12 hours from the finish. We are in summer conditions, so there could be very little wind in the Channel, and, like today, a lot of current both at the start and towards the end, after an eight-day race with fifty lead changes. This course is really wide open strategically, there will be gaps at some point, and surprises for sure.”

“You always set off with a plan and a scenario in mind, but there are always unexpected things that happen and that’s what makes it fun”, 

. “Especially on a course like this, with so many changes in direction and coastal effects. And at the same time, we have got offshore sections where general weather patterns take over. It’s a really complete, all-round kind of race.”

Along the route, the fleet will sail clockwise around more than 6,000 islands, with an emblematic passage through latitude 60°N. Seven trophies will be awarded along the way, marking key points of passage throughout the course. The first boats are expected to finish after about 8 days, depending on weather conditions. 

 knows just how demanding this course can be. “It’s very difficult navigation-wise around here,” he explained. “There’s a lot of maritime traffic and more than 50 exclusion zones with all the shipping and oil rigs in the North Sea.” Co-skipper 

 was quick to point this out with a smile: “Julien is not going to have an easy life for the next few days! And I think it’s our responsibility to be really on it, and when we are on watch to push the boat and get the best performance out of it.”

“There will be a lot of challenges, but also a lot of opportunities. 

Sometimes what you see as a challenge might easily become an opportunity really quickly, if you play it right. 

 technical team has done an amazing job getting the boat ready. At the end of the day, it’s four sailors on board, but none of this would be possible without the entire team behind the scenes, working hard every day. It’s a great feeling to step onboard knowing everything’s ready, we can just focus on racing hard, from start to finish. Now it’s really up to us to step up and make the right calls at the right time in this really cool race.”

, with optimisations focused on ergonomics for a five-person team. She now carries a new, flatter spinnaker, new ropes from Gleistein, and features a next-generation hybrid-electric propulsion and energy system from Molabo and Fischer Panda, one of the first of its kind in the IMOCA class.

 will also be flying on her version 3 foils, the same ones used in Boris Herrmann’s transatlantic races to and from New York last year. During the race, Team Malizia will, as always, carry the 

onboard, an automated laboratory that continuously collects crucial Ocean data such as CO₂ and oxygen levels, temperature, and salinity. These measurements help scientists better understand the Ocean’s vital role in regulating our climate. 

Acting as a qualifier for the Vendée Globe 2028 and counting towards the IMOCA Globe Series championship, the Course des Caps is also a good test for Will Harris, Francesca Clapcich and Cole Brauer ahead of 

 starting in six weeks, while Julien Villion will continue to support the team’s preparations on land. Boris Herrmann has chosen to sit out the race around the British Isles to give the crew a valuable opportunity to train together in full race conditions, especially with Will Harris set to skipper a leg of The Ocean Race Europe. Having already completed a Vendée Globe earlier this year, Boris is now focused on preparing for the upcoming European event.

Even though they knew this race would be challenging, Team Malizia’s crew set off in great spirits and a relaxed mood. “I’m feeling great, everyone is very ready and very relaxed this morning, even though we know the conditions are going to be tricky,” said co-skipper 

ahead of the start. “But when you are calm and not feeling that extra stress, you know you are likely to do quite well in a race.” A good sign, perhaps: at the time of this release, Team Malizia is leading the fleet.

A Race We Must Win – Climate Action Now!

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

: Zurich Group Germany, Kuehne+Nagel, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hapag-Lloyd, Schütz, KPMG Germany, the Yacht Club de Monaco, and EFG International. 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.

Team Malizia's crew for the Course des Caps ©️ Marie Lefloch | Team Malizia

 after dock-off in the channel of Boulogne-sur-Mer ©️ Marie Lefloch | Team Malizia

Co-skipper Cole Brauer shortly after dock-off in Boulogne-sur-Mer ©️ Flore Hartout | Team Malizia

Skipper Will Harris (left) and co-skipper and expert navigator Julien Villion (right) ©️ Flore Hartout | Team Malizia

 at the start of the Course des Caps ©️ Flore Hartout | Team Malizia

Skipper Will Harris is leading the Team Malizia crew on home waters ©️ Flore Hartout | Team Malizia

Onboard reporter Flore Hartout will bring fans close to the action onboard during the race ©️ Marie Lefloch | Team Malizia

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 Around The British Isles

Mehr als 2.100 Kinder aus ganz Deutschland nahmen heute an einer interaktiven Unterrichtsstunde teil, die von Team Malizias My Ocean Challenge, UNICEF Deutschland und den Deichtorhallen Hamburg organisiert wurde. Die hybride Veranstaltung verband Wissenschaft, Segeln und Kunst, um die Zusammenhang zwischen Klimawandel, Ozeangesundheit und Kinderrechten erlebbar zu machen, und gemeinsam den Kurs auf eine bessere, nachhaltigere Zukunft zu setzen. Den Vormittag verbrachten die Kinder mit spannenden Beiträgen des Offshore-Seglers Boris Herrmann, der Ozeanpädagogin Birte Lorenzen-Herrmann, der Jugendaktivistin Sophia Ivanova sowie des Geschäftsführers von UNICEF Deutschland, Christian Schneider und künstlerischer Unterstützung von Lola Bott.

 - 100 Kinder aus Hamburger Schulen füllten heute die Deichtorhallen, während weitere 2.100 Kinder aus ganz Deutschland virtuell aus ihren Klassenzimmern zugeschaltet waren. Anlass war der diesjährige Welt-Ozean-Tag am 8. Juni. Team Malizia, UNICEF Deutschland und die Deichtorhallen hatten Kinder im Alter von 8 bis 12 Jahren eingeladen, um mehr über den Ozean, seine Bedeutung für den Klimawandel, unser Leben auf der Erde und den Zusammenhang mit Kinderrechten zu erfahren.

Das Programm begann mit einer Begrüßung durch Birte Lorenzen-Herrmann, Gründerin des Bildungsprogramms 

 von Team Malizia. Kurz darauf stellte sie Boris Herrmann vor, zweifacher Vendée Globe Teilnehmer und Skipper von Team Malizia. Er berichtete den Kindern von seinen Erlebnissen an Bord der 

 mit der er einige der abgelegensten Ozeanregionen der Welt während internationalen Segelregatten bereist hat. Auch wenn das Segelrennen spannend sei, betonte Boris Herrmann, dass das eigentliche Ziel von Team Malizia jedoch darin liege, Bewusstsein für den Klimaschutz zu schaffen und während der Rennen Ozeandaten für die Wissenschaft zu sammeln. Die Kinder lauschten gebannt und stellten viele Fragen zu seinen Abenteuern und dem Ozean, sodass Boris Herrmann mit einem Lächeln anmerkte: „Ihr wisst jetzt schon mehr über den Ozean und das Klima als viele Erwachsene!“

Hier knüpfte Birte Lorenzen-Herrmann mit den wissenschaftlichen Hintergründe zur Rolle des Ozeans im globalen Klimasystem an und sprach über Treibhausgase sowie die vielschichtigen und weitreichenden Auswirkungen des Klimawandels. Kennzeichnend für das 

 Bildungsprogramm ist der Ansatz, Kinder auf Augenhöhe über ernste Themen wie den Klimawandel zu informieren, ohne die Schwere der Lage zu beschönigen, dabei aber den klaren Fokus auf Lösungen zu setzen. Ziel ist es, Hoffnung zu vermitteln, Kinder zu stärken und ihnen einen positiven Ausblick sowie einen „Koffer“ voller konkreter Handlungsmöglichkeiten zum eigenen Umweltschutz mitzugeben.

Um die Botschaft der Teilnahme und Wirksamkeit junger Stimmen zu unterstreichen, veranschaulichte die junge UNICEF-Aktivistin Sophia Ivanova, wie eng Klimawandel, Ozeanschutz und Kinderrechte miteinander verbunden sind. Auf die Frage nach dem wichtigsten Kinderrecht antwortete sie: „Alle Kinderrechte sind wichtig, aber für mich ist das Recht auf Bildung das wichtigste, weil Bildung die Grundlage für ein selbstbestimmtes Leben ist.“

Um diesen Punkt zu unterstützen, lud Birte Lorenzen-Herrmann Christian Schneider, Geschäftsführer von UNICEF Deutschland, ein, der eine globale Perspektive einbrachte. Er machte darauf aufmerksam, dass bereits heute jedes dritte Kind weltweit in einer Region mit extremer Wasserknappheit lebt. Eine Zahl, die durch die zunehmenden Auswirkungen des Klimawandels weiter steigen wird. Anhand von Gesprächen mit betroffenen Familien berichtete er: „Der Klimawandel betrifft Kinder weltweit bereits heute. In Süd-Madagaskar erzählte mir eine Großmutter, dass ihr einziger Wunsch angesichts der zunehmenden Wasserknappheit sei, dass ihre Enkelin zur Schule gehen und sich eine bessere Zukunft aufbauen kann.“

An diesem Punkt kulminierte die zentrale Botschaft der Veranstaltung: Kinder darin zu bestärken, ihre eigene Kraft durch Bildung zu erkennen, sich zu informieren, bewusste Entscheidungen zu treffen und ihre Stimme zu erheben. So können sie selbst Teil der Lösung der Klimakrise werden.

Inspiriert von diesem Aufruf zum Handeln versammelten sich die Kinder vor den Deichtorhallen, um an einer gemeinsamen Kunstinstallation teilzunehmen. So entstanden bewegte, wabernde Kreise, die aus der Luft von einer Drohne gefilmt wurden. Diese Kreise symbolisierten das unsichtbare Treibhausgas CO₂, die planetaren Ausmaße der Klimakrise sowie die kollektive Kraft globaler Einheit und Hoffnung.

Beendet wurde die Veranstaltung mit einem kreativen Workshop unter der Leitung der Künstlerin Lola Bott. Dabei wurden die Kinder Teil eines vom Team Malizia initiierten, wachsenden internationalen Kunstwerks mit dem Titel „Wish for the Ocean“. Beiträge aus New York sind bereits Teil des Projekts und Kreationen aus kommenden Workshops in Genua, Portsmouth und weiteren Städten werden das Kunstwerk weiter bereichern.

Zu dieser erfolgreichen Bildungsveranstaltung zog Birte Lorenzen-Herrmann das Fazit:„Es ist großartig zu sehen, wie schnell sich Kinder für den Ozean begeistern lassen. Heute war so viel positive Energie im Raum! Mit der 

 konnten wir Hoffnung schenken und der Klimaangst vieler Kinder etwas entgegensetzen. Die Kinder hatten eigene, kreative und durchdachte Ideen zum Schutz des Ozeans, und unsere Performance vor den Deichtorhallen hat gezeigt: Wir sind gemeinsam stark und können gemeinsam ein Zeichen setzen. Wir sind in Bewegung und wir sind verbunden.“

 von Team Malizia ist nur dank des starken und langfristigen Engagements seiner acht Hauptpartner möglich: EFG International, Zurich Gruppe Deutschland, Kühne+Nagel, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hapag-Lloyd, Schütz, KPMG Deutschland und der Yacht Club de Monaco. Diese Partner unterstützen die Kampagne von Team Malizia, indem sie in ihren jeweiligen Bereichen eigene Projekte zur Entwicklung von Klimaschutzlösungen vorantreiben.

 von Team Malizia hat bereits über 80.000 Kinder weltweit in 11 Sprachen erreicht. Es sensibilisiert junge Menschen für den Ozean, den Klimawandel und die Notwendigkeit von Klimaschutz. Diese Arbeit wird ermöglicht durch die Unterstützung der Prince Albert II de Monaco Foundation sowie der Dorit & Alexander Otto Stiftung.

Boris Herrmanns Team Malizia, UNICEF und die Deichtorhallen geben Kindern das Steuer und setzen gemeinsam ein Zeichen der Hoffnung

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. 

 - 100 children from local schools filled the Deichtorhallen Hamburg, joined by a further 2100 children across Germany tuning in virtually from their classrooms. Timed to take place around World Ocean Day, which was marked on the 8th of June this year, Team Malizia, UNICEF, and Deichtorhallen partnered to invite children aged 8-12 to learn about the Ocean, its role in climate change and our lives on Earth and what rights children have in relation to the Ocean and its protection.

The programme opened with a welcome from Birte Lorenzen-Herrmann, founder of Team Malizia’s 

education programme. She then introduced Boris Herrmann, two-time Vendée Globe competitor and skipper of Team Malizia, who shared stories of life aboard 

, sailing in some of the planet’s most remote and extreme Ocean environments. While the racing may be thrilling, Boris Herrmann stressed that Team Malizia’s greater mission lies in raising awareness for climate action and collecting Ocean data while they race around the world. The children were captivated, eagerly asking questions about his adventures and the Ocean. Smiling, Boris Herrmann said: “You know more about the Ocean and the climate than many adults!” 

This is where Birte Lorenzen-Herrmann stepped back in, expanding on the scientific background of the Ocean and its role in global warming, touching upon greenhouse gasses and the adverse and dispersed effects of climate change. Characteristic of the

 education programme is its on eye-level approach to educating children on serious topics such as climate change, never downplaying the severity of its impacts, however focusing strongly on solutions and empowering children with a hopeful outlook and a “suitcase” full of concrete actions they can take to help mitigate climate change.

To bring the message of youth empowerment to life, young UNICEF activist Sophia Ivanova took the stage to share the connection between climate change, Ocean protection and children’s rights. Asked about children’s rights, she explained: "All children's rights are important, but the most important to me is the right to education, because education is the foundation for leading an independent life". 

Continuing this discussion, Birte Lorenzen-Herrmann invited Christian Schneider, Executive Director of UNICEF Germany, to put this in relation to children around the world. He emphasised that one in three children worldwide now lives in an area facing high water scarcity, a figure that is expected to rise as the impacts of climate change intensify. Drawing from conversations with affected families, he stated: “Climate change is already affecting children around the world and in southern Madagascar, a grandmother told me her only wish for her granddaughter, as water scarcity grows, is for her to go to school and build a better future.”

One of the event’s core messages encouraged children to recognise their power through education, informing themselves and making conscious decisions in order to speak up. By doing this, the children could become part of the solution to the climate crisis.

Inspired by this call to action, the children moved outside to take part in a collaborative human art installation, forming shifting circles filmed from above by a drone. These circles symbolised the invisible greenhouse gas CO₂, the planetary scale of the climate challenge, and the collective strength of global unity and hope.

The event concluded with a creative workshop led by artist Lola Bott, where children contributed to a growing international artwork titled “Wish for the Ocean.” With pieces already created by students in New York, the project will continue to evolve through upcoming workshops in Genoa, Portsmouth, and other cities around the world.

Speaking about the successful educational event, Birte Lorenzen-Herrmann explained enthusiastically: “It’s amazing to see how quickly children get excited about the Ocean and there was so much positive energy in the room today. With the My Ocean Challenge, we can offer hope and counter the climate anxiety many children feel. The children came up with their own creative and thoughtful ideas for protecting the Ocean and our performance in front of the Deichtorhallen showed: we are strong together, and we can take a stand together. We are in motion and we are connected.”

: EFG International, Zurich Group Germany, Kuehne+Nagel, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hapag-Lloyd, Schütz, KPMG Germany, 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. 

has already reached over 80,000 children worldwide in 11 languages, educating young people about the Ocean, climate change and the importance of climate action. This work is supported by the steadfast commitment of the 

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. 

Boris Herrmann’s Team Malizia, UNICEF, and Deichtorhallen Inspire Hope with Children at the Helm

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.

 began with Team Malizia's commitment to their 

 mission. Now, building upon the success of their IMOCA racing campaign with 

 the team envisioned a dedicated platform to enhance scientific research, Ocean communication and public engagement. Launched in April 2025 in Lorient, France, the 

 research vessel is the embodiment of this vision, designed to sail to remote Ocean regions to carry out scientific missions and create a greater awareness of Ocean health and preservation.

The vessel's arrival in Monaco was met with enthusiasm and anticipation as it sailed from the 

. The christening ceremony featured renowned oceanographer and explorer 

His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco

, who underscored the Principality's dedication to marine conservation. After a short blessing by Padre Venard, a champagne bottle was ceremoniously broken on the vessel, symbolising good fortune for the vessel's voyages ahead. Young members of the Yacht Club de Monaco joined the event and stated their hopes for the vessel's future expeditions highlighting the importance of engaging future generations in protecting our Ocean. 

Monaco's rich maritime heritage and commitment to Ocean conservation through the 

provided a fitting backdrop for the christening. The Principality's longstanding support for Team Malizia, scientific exploration and environmental protection aligns seamlessly with the mission of 

, continues to champion initiatives that promote sustainable yachting and marine research. On this occasion, Malizia Explorer received a 4-star certification from the 

, the international benchmark for assessing the CO₂ emissions of yachts over 24 metres, thanks to its scientific and impartial approach.

Launched in 2020 by the Y.C.M. and developed with Lloyd’s Register, the SEA Index® is based on a rigorous, transparent and independent evaluation. The tool has since been enhanced, notably with the Lifecycle Emissions Calculator, a method for analysing CO₂ emissions based on fuel choice, developed in collaboration with RINA. By obtaining this certification, 

 joins a fleet of over 80 vessels already certified by the SEA Index®. Around twenty ports in the Mediterranean, as well as in the Seychelles, have already integrated this index into their management.

 commented: "Today is a big milestone for us, to see the boat christened in Monaco is a step towards uniting sailors, scientists, and creatives to give the Ocean a voice. Our mission has always been to raise awareness about climate change and the Ocean. This research vessel is a natural progression of our team's mission, allowing us to expand our impact, explore new regions, collaborate with scientists, and spread the urgent message about Ocean health and climate change whilst collecting valuable Ocean data.” 

, Vice-president of the YCM and co-founder of Team Malizia echoed this sentiment stating: “This vessel is a true logistical platform made available to scientists. This initiative is fully in line with the spirit of Team Malizia, which is founded on two essential pillars: competition and environmental preservation.”

 is poised to contribute to global research efforts aimed at understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems. Equipped with state-of-the-art scientific instruments, including an 

laboratory to collect vital oceanographic data on parameters such as salinity, temperature, oxygen, and CO2 levels. The vessel will soon carry a

 onboard for water sampling, an essential tool for studying the impact of climate change on our Ocean. 

 serves as a platform for collaboration among scientists, educators, and communicators. The vessel will host research expeditions, educational programmes and outreach initiatives designed to bridge the gap between science and society. By bringing the stories of the Ocean to life, Team Malizia aims to inspire action and foster a deeper connection to our planet's marine environments.

. “It's important that we hope to make change to protect the Ocean. But hope alone is not enough. You have to take the desire to make change and then do something about it. That's what this vessel is committed to doing. Part of a growing fleet, a growing initiative around the world to explore the Ocean, leading to caring for the Ocean. For most of our history, we've used the Ocean without understanding that the best use of the Ocean is what it does all the time on its own. Generating oxygen, capturing carbon, providing home for the greatest diversity and abundance of life that exists in the universe. But the Ocean is in trouble. The 

 is evidence that people are really taking this moment in time to change the trajectory of decline to recovery and stability. So I am so honored to be part of the action. To be godmother of this vessel, to be part of the crew. And I invite everyone to either in their hearts or minds, or maybe some can actually be part of the crew, to make change. Certainly, whether it's with the 

 or looking in the mirror figuring out what's your superpower? What can you do to make a difference right now?”

. As they attend various events at UNOC, Boris Herrmann and the team will share insights and highlight the team’s upcoming missions whilst engaging with global stakeholders in Ocean conservation. Future expeditions are planned for the Mediterranean, Arctic, and Antarctic regions, focusing on areas of high scientific interest and public engagement.

After sailing in the Mediterranean and completing a whale research project, the boat will head south to a region that offers both rich scientific value and strong opportunities for public engagement, 

 will carry out its first main mission in the Antarctic. 

 confirmed this commitment: "Both poles are extremely sensitive and fragile areas, to better understand them we need better science and more science which is why the Malizia Explorer is so important. The sailing boat will be able to reach remote polar areas and carry out key research.” In the years to come, further expeditions will take place around the world, including in the Arctic. As the team starts this journey, they are actively seeking crew members, research projects, and partners to join these exciting missions.

The event was attended by notable figures, including:

arrived in Monaco earlier today where she was christened by Dr Sylvia Earle and Prince Albert II of Monaco ©️ Marie Lefloch | Team Malizia

From left to right: Boris Herrmann, Pierre Casiraghi, Padre Venard, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and Dr Sylvia Earle © Martin Messmer | Yacht Club de Monaco

Dr Sylvia Earle cutting the ribbon to christen the boat with a champagne bottle © Marie Lefloch | Team Malizia

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 

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

The initiative is supported by key partner Reederei F. Laeisz, a German shipping company with extensive experience in operating research vessels and who are partnering with the project to advance 

’s scientific mission. The project has also established partnerships with leading scientific institutions and coordinating organisations, including GEOMAR, the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI), Hereon, SOOP (Shaping an Ocean Of Possibilities), OceanOPS (IOC/UNESCO & WMO), the Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD), and the Prince Albert II Foundation. 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. Technical supplier partners Gleistein, Peter Frisch GmbH – Musto, B&G, and SEA.AI, as well as skipper Oliver Heer and the Swiss Polar Institute (SPI), who provided their OceanPack to Malizia’s research vessel this year, are also supporting the project.. 

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.

Stay tuned for more updates on the vessel’s upcoming expeditions and ways to get involved. Sign up 

 to receive our press releases or visit the website 

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

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

: the Yacht Club de Monaco, EFG International, Zurich Group Germany, Kuehne+Nagel, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hapag-Lloyd, Schütz, and KPMG Germany. 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. 

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

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

 in Germany has entered a strategic partnership with the internationally renowned sailing team, 

. Alongside his sporting achievements, Boris Herrmann is committed to promoting the protection of the world's oceans and climate through education and technological solutions.

, CEO and Chairman of the Managing Board of KPMG in Germany commented: “As a world-class athlete and climate ambassador, Boris Herrmann and his Team Malizia are making an important contribution to global climate research. With this partnership, we are supporting this commitment and strengthening our social responsibility as a company. Like KPMG, Boris Herrmann and Team Malizia stand for expertise in sustainability and technology, for top performance and a commitment to a better future. This makes him and his team the ideal partner for us.”

For many years, round-the-world sailor Herrmann and his crew have been sending a clear message in prestigious regattas such as the Vendée Globe with their slogan 

, raising awareness of the fragility of the oceans and the opportunities that lie in protecting them. On his voyages, he collects important environmental data, often in marine regions that are virtually inaccessible to science. This data helps to understand the impact of climate change on the ocean and develop ways to mitigate negative consequences. As part of the partnership, KPMG is supporting Team Malizia to contribute to global climate research and will, for example, utilise Team Malizia's education programme, to create greater awareness for climate and ocean action.

commented: “We are excited to welcome KPMG as a partner of our team. In KPMG, we have gained a strong partner for our mission to protect the world's Ocean . KPMG supports its clients in their sustainable transformation while consistently promoting sustainability within its own organisation. I look forward to joint projects that will open new perspectives for KPMG's clients and employees as well as for society."

KPMG is an organisation of independent member firms with more than 273,000 employees in 143 countries and territories. In Germany, KPMG is also one of the leading auditing and consulting firms, with over 14,000 employees at 30 locations. Our services are divided into the business areas of Audit, Tax and Advisory. Audit focuses on the audit of consolidated and annual financial statements. Tax stands for KPMG's tax advisory services. The Advisory division is divided into Consulting, Deal Advisory and Performance & Strategy, and combines our high level of expertise in business, regulatory and transaction-oriented topics. Legal services are also part of our consulting offering and are provided by the legally independent commercial law firm KPMG Law.

Team Malizia is an international offshore sailing team, skippered by German sailor Boris Herrmann. The team competes in the biggest offshore races around the world and uses this unique platform, to communicate the excitement of our sport and to inspire ambitious climate action. Our slogan and logo combines both facets of our identity: A Race We Must Win – Climate Action Now! accompanied by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals wheel on the sails of our 

 racing yacht. The team has four main pillars to the campaign – sailing, science, education and partnerships which are co-dependant on each other for success. We raise awareness by collecting ocean climate data, educating the public and children on scientific and climate change topics with an education programme in 11 languages and by partnering with companies, NGOs, scientists and institutions to achieve change and further our mission. 

: KPMG Germany, 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.

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

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

Segel setzen für den Klimaschutz: KPMG in Deutschland hat eine strategische Partnerschaft mit dem international renommierten Segelteam Team Malizia und dessen Skipper Boris Herrmann geschlossen. Neben sportlichen Erfolgen verfolgt Boris Herrmann das Ziel, durch Aufklärung und technologische Lösungen den Schutz von Weltmeeren und Klima zu fördern.

„Als Weltklasse-Sportler und Klimabotschafter leistet Boris Herrmann mit seinem Team Malizia einen wichtigen Beitrag zur globalen Klimaforschung. Mit der Partnerschaft unterstützen wir dieses Engagement und stärken unsere gesellschaftliche Verantwortung als Unternehmen“, sagt Mattias Schmelzer, CEO und Sprecher des Vorstands von KPMG in Deutschland. „Boris Herrmann und Team Malizia stehen wie KPMG für Kompetenz bei Nachhaltigkeit und Technologie, für Höchstleistung und das Engagement für eine bessere Zukunft. Damit sind er und sein Team für uns der ideale Partner.“

Mit der Botschaft „A Race We Must Win – Climate Action Now“ setzt Weltumsegler Herrmann mit seiner Crew seit vielen Jahren bei prestigeträchtigen Regatten wie der Vendée Globe ein klares Zeichen im Kampf gegen den Klimawandel und sensibilisiert für die Fragilität der Ozeane und die Chancen, die in ihrem Schutz liegen. Auf seinen Reisen sammelt er wichtige Umweltdaten, oft in Meeresregionen, die für die Wissenschaft kaum zugänglich sind. Diese Daten helfen, die Auswirkungen des Klimawandels auf die Ozeane zu verstehen und Wege zur Eindämmung negativer Folgen zu entwickeln. Im Zuge der Partnerschaft trägt KPMG zur globalen Klimaforschung bei und engagiert sich unter anderem im Bildungsprogramm von Team Malizia, um ein größeres Bewusstsein für Klima- und Meeresschutzmaßnahmen zu schaffen.

„Mit KPMG haben wir einen starken Partner mit für unsere Mission zum Schutz der Weltmeere an Bord holen können. KPMG unterstützt seine Kunden bei ihrer nachhaltigen Transformation und treibt gleichzeitig Nachhaltigkeit konsequent in der eigenen Organisation voran. Ich freue mich auf gemeinsame Projekte, um Kunden und Mitarbeitenden von KPMG ebenso wie der Gesellschaft neue Perspektiven zu eröffnen“, sagt Boris Herrmann.

KPMG ist eine Organisation unabhängiger Mitgliedsfirmen mit mehr als 273.000 Mitarbeitenden in 143 Ländern und Territorien. Auch in Deutschland gehört KPMG zu den führenden Wirtschaftsprüfungs- und Beratungsunternehmen und ist mit über 14.000 Mitarbeitenden an 30 Standorten präsent. Unsere Leis­tungen sind in die Geschäftsbereiche Audit, Tax und Advisory gegliedert. Im Mittelpunkt von Audit steht die Prüfung von Konzern- und Jahresabschlüssen. Tax steht für die steuerberatende Tätigkeit von KPMG. Der Geschäftsbereich Advisory gliedert sich in die Bereiche Consulting, Deal Advisory und Performance & Strategy und bündelt unser hohes fachliches Know-how zu betriebswirtschaftlichen, regu­latorischen und transaktionsorientierten Themen. Auch Rechtsdienstleistungen gehören zu unserem Be­ratungsangebot, sie werden durch die rechtlich eigenständige Wirtschaftskanzlei KPMG Law erbracht.

Team Malizia ist ein internationales Offshore-Segelteam, das von Boris Herrmann geskippert wird. Das Team nimmt an den größten Hochseeregatten der Welt teil und nutzt diesen einzigartige Platform, um die Begeisterung für unseren Sport zu vermitteln und zu ehrgeizigem Klimaschutz zu inspirieren. Unser Slogan und unser Logo vereinen beide Facetten unserer Identität: A Race We Must Win - Climate Action Now!, begleitet von dem Symbol der Ziele für nachhaltige Entwicklung der Vereinten Nationen auf den Segeln unserer 

Unsere Kampagne stützt sich auf vier Säulen: Segeln, Wissenschaft, Bildung und Partnerschaften, die für den Erfolg voneinander abhängig sind. Wir schaffen Bewusstsein, indem wir ozeanische Klimadaten sammeln, die Öffentlichkeit und Kinder mit einem Bildungsprogramm in 11 Sprachen über wissenschaftliche und klimabezogene Themen aufklären und mit Unternehmen, NGOs, Wissenschaftler:innen und Institutionen zusammenarbeiten, um Veränderungen zu bewirken und unsere Mission voranzutreiben.

“ ist nur dank des starken und langfristigen Engagements seiner acht Hauptpartner möglich: KPMG, Yacht Club de Monaco, EFG International, Zurich Gruppe Deutschland, Kuehne+Nagel, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hapag-Lloyd und Schütz. 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.

KPMG und Segler Boris Herrmann schließen strategische Partnerschaft

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.

 marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the team’s offshore racing journey. After sailing more than 100,000 nautical miles onboard 

 including two circumnavigations and six transatlantic races, Team Malizia will soon be turning the page, handing over their IMOCA boat to Team Francesca Clapcich Powered By 11th Hour Racing and taking on the next challenges with a cutting-edge new foiling boat. 

. In a first in the IMOCA class history, three experienced teams have chosen to work closely together to co-design and build their new racing machines. “We are pooling expertise and brainpower but also sharing tooling which, amongst others, helps to reduce the environmental footprint of the build”, 

, the boats are under construction at the CDK shipyard in Lorient, France, and will be launched in 2026-2027. Team Malizia’s new IMOCA is the second boat to be built and will be launched in 

. Developed to push performance further while reflecting the team’s commitment to sustainability and science, Team Malizia’s new IMOCA is developed to compete at the highest level of solo and crewed offshore racing.

“Antoine Koch is a friend and a highly talented architect”, comments 

. “I had wanted to work with him for a long time, and now not only are we entrusting him with our new boat design, we are also doing it with TR Racing and Team Banque Populaire, two top-performing teams with a wealth of experience. Together, we are bringing together skills, learning from each other’s experiences, challenging one another, and thus pushing ourselves, in order to hopefully build the best boats of the future generation.” The Team Malizia skipper adds: “We share know-how but also the construction, moulds, and production tools, in order to considerably reduce the carbon footprint of the build. With this approach, we can reduce emissions as well as costs while pushing innovation.”  

“It is indeed quite rare in naval architecture to see such a coordinated approach involving three distinct entities”, 

 “The belief that we could achieve significant gains in reducing both the environmental impact of construction and the overall lifecycle of the boats led us to combine the efforts and expertise of three renowned teams. Simply sharing the tooling for three yachts should help reduce the environmental impact of the build and generate economies of scale, a way to better respond to the challenges of our time. Tooling alone accounts for just under half of a single boat’s carbon emissions. Each boat will therefore have a reduced carbon footprint. We are thus working on a single design rather than three separate projects, made possible by the full and open collaboration of three teams who remain competitors on the water.”

“This new boat will be quite different from our current boat”, details

. “Antoine has designed two highly performing boats, including Thomas’ current 

which serves as the starting point for the design of the new IMOCA, which is a beautiful one that I strongly believe in.” Architect 

 adds: “The boat’s rounded hull shape makes life on board more comfortable and less brutal, moving well through the water. We know its strengths, especially downwind in rough conditions, but we have also identified its weaknesses: upwind and in flat water. We are working to improve its versatility. Our aim is to gain in transition phases, make up for our minor "gaps" in light winds, and continuously improve how the boat handles waves. The devil is in the detail, and we are making progress across the board.”

 comments: “Thomas and I have been friends for many years, and we raced together in the 2017 Transat Jacques Vabre. I have a lot of respect for him as a sailor, and he has a hugely experienced team, with three Vendée Globe campaigns behind them. Team Banque Populaire also have a top-tier design office and are now returning to the IMOCA class with Loïs as skipper. Although it’s his debut in the class, I’ve known Loïs since he was just a kid and back in 2008, he christened my Class 40 

. This year, he’ll be sailing with Team Malizia as a co-skipper in The Ocean Race Europe 2025. Now, our three teams are working together alongside Antoine, and it’s a real privilege to be working with these brilliant people. That kind of cooperation is rare in our sport, and it’s made the process of designing our new boat both inspiring and energising. This new boat reflects that spirit: innovative, precisely developed, and full of potential.”

Team Malizia’s Technical Director Pierre-François Dargnies

 notes: “Boris’ philosophy is really about sharing ideas and pooling wherever possible and working together this closely with TR Racing and Team Banque Populaire’s design offices has been a great process. Although the boats will have the same hull, amongst other identical features, each team will tailor their boat to their sailor’s need, for example with the ergonomics.”

 comments: "This project builds on the foundation Antoine Koch and I have developed since 2019. He contributed to my previous boat, 

 (a 2019 Verdier design), working on two versions of our foils. He is the architect, alongside Finot-Conq, of my current IMOCA 

, which has become the reference point for the design brief driven by this shared ambition to pool the expertise of three ambitious teams. Antoine is bursting with ideas. He has a highly rational, analytical mind, and our communication feels almost instinctive. Banque Populaire and their teams, who have performed at a high level across various classes, are bringing their own unique perspective. I am friends with Boris, born from our time racing together, again in a Transat Jacques Vabre. Malizia also has an excellent design office. Their current boat (a 2022 VPLP design) is very different to ours, and we’re learning a lot from their recent experience. Together, we are looking into the finer details as we work to improve from 

 base. Versatility is the key word, particularly improving the boat’s performance in light winds and its ability to get up to speed quickly."

 says: “Pooling resources with two other teams means bringing more brains together to consider different options. It’s a rewarding and exciting process to design a boat this way. I find it particularly interesting to do this alongside teams whose skippers already have strong Vendée Globe experience (two campaigns for Boris, three for Thomas). What’s crucial for this boat is its ability to handle heavy seas well. If you’re going to launch a Formula 1 car into a bumpy field, it needs to be tough enough! Antoine Koch and his team’s hull studies are very insightful in this regard. As a team, we’ve been able to add our own touch and input… and the further we progress, the more exciting the project becomes!”

The launch of their new IMOCA will mark the beginning of an ambitious calendar of offshore races for Team Malizia. 