Boris Herrmann Vendée Globe

Boris Herrmann Vendée Globe

Boris Herrmann, the German offshore sailing champion, captured the world’s attention during the 2020-2021 Vendée Globe with a journey combining remarkable achievement and dramatic misfortune. His story in the prestigious solo, non-stop round-the-world race exemplifies the triumphs and unpredictable challenges of ocean racing.

The Making of a Sailing Pioneer

Boris Herrmann was the first German sailor to compete in the Vendée Globe. Born in Oldenburg, Germany, in 1981, Herrmann developed his sailing skills from a young age. Before the Vendée Globe, he had accumulated impressive achievements, including records in round-the-world races and transatlantic crossings. His participation in the 2020-2021 edition marked a significant milestone for German sailing.

Campaign and Preparation

Herrmann’s campaign aboard Seaexplorer-Yacht Club de Monaco represented a unique blend of sporting ambition and scientific purpose. His IMOCA 60 yacht was equipped with an automated laboratory, collecting valuable oceanic data throughout the race. This dual mission of competitive racing and marine research garnered significant attention, including support from climate activist Greta Thunberg, who had sailed across the Atlantic with Herrmann in 2019.

The Race of His Life – Boris Herrmann Vendée Globe

Herrmann quickly became a serious contender when the race began on November 8, 2020, from Les Sables-d’Olonne, France. Throughout the 80-day journey, he demonstrated exceptional tactical skills and maintained a consistent presence among the leading group. His performance was particularly noteworthy given the highly competitive field of 33 skippers.

Strategic Mastery in the Southern Ocean

Herrmann’s handling of the notorious Southern Ocean passage showcased his strategic excellence. He carefully balanced pushing for competitive advantage and preserving his boat, successfully navigating through some of the world’s most challenging waters. His decision-making during this crucial phase kept him within striking distance of the leaders while avoiding significant damage to his vessel.

The Dramatic Final Days – Boris Herrmann Vendée Globe

The most intense drama of Herrmann’s race unfolded in its final days. With less than 90 nautical miles to go, he was in contention for a podium finish, possibly even victory. However, fate had other plans. On January 27, 2021, approximately 90 nautical miles from the finish line, Herrmann’s boat collided with a Spanish fishing vessel.

The Collision That Changed Everything

The impact occurred during the night, causing significant damage to Herrmann’s boat. The collision damaged his starboard foil and caused other structural issues, forcing him to reduce speed dramatically for safety reasons. This incident occurred despite his ship being equipped with the latest collision-avoidance technology, highlighting the unpredictable nature of ocean racing.

Impact and Aftermath – Boris Herrmann Vendée Globe

The collision forced Herrmann to slow to a fraction of his racing speed, ultimately finishing fifth in the race. While this result was disappointing, given his position before the accident, it remained a remarkable achievement for a first-time participant. The incident sparked essential discussions about maritime safety and the challenges of modern ocean racing.

Technical Innovation and Environmental Contribution

Throughout the race, Herrmann’s campaign stood out for its technical innovations and environmental focus. His boat’s onboard laboratory continuously collected ocean health data, including CO2 levels, temperature, and salinity measurements. This scientific aspect of his journey contributed valuable data to climate research, establishing a new model for combining competitive sailing with environmental science.

Legacy and Future Impact

Despite the heartbreaking conclusion, Herrmann’s Vendée Globe presentation left an indelible mark on the sport. His campaign demonstrated how modern ocean racing could combine athletic achievement with scientific purpose. The extensive media coverage of his journey, particularly in Germany, helped raise awareness of competitive sailing and marine environmental issues.

Looking Forward

Following the 2020-2021 Vendée Globe, Herrmann has continued his sailing career with renewed determination. His experience, both the successes and setbacks, has provided valuable lessons for future campaigns. His commitment to combining competitive sailing with environmental research continues to influence the sport’s evolution.

Lessons from the Adventure

Herrmann’s Vendée Globe experience offers several key lessons for ocean racing:

• The importance of maintaining focus and composure even in the final stages of a long race
• The value of combining sporting achievement with broader scientific goals
• The unpredictable nature of ocean racing and the need for resilience
• The significance of technical preparation while acknowledging that some factors remain beyond control

Inspiration for Future Generations – Boris Herrmann Vendée Globe

Boris Herrmann’s journey has inspired a new generation of sailors, particularly in Germany. His approach to ocean racing, combining competitive spirit with environmental consciousness, has created a template for future athletes. His story demonstrates that success in ocean racing isn’t solely measured by finishing position but also by the broader impact one can have on the sport and society.

The narrative of Boris Herrmann in the Vendée Globe is more than a tale of a race nearly won. It’s a story of pioneering spirit, technical innovation, environmental commitment, and the unpredictable nature of ocean racing. His journey has contributed significantly to sailing and our understanding of ocean health, leaving a lasting legacy that spreads far beyond the race.

His experience serves as a reminder that in ocean racing, as in life, the journey is often as significant as the destination. The combination of competitive excellence and scientific purpose in Herrmann’s campaign has set a new standard for future ocean racing ventures. At the same time, his resilience in the face of last-minute adversity demonstrates the true spirit of ocean racing.

News blog Vendée Globe: “Bravo Violette”: Herrmann congratulates Dorange

Boris Herrmann from Hamburg finished the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe with the Malizia – Seaexplorer in twelfth place. The Frenchman Charlie Dalin secured victory. All news and background information on the solo circumnavigation of the world in the NDR live blog.

“Tornado of freshness”: Herrmann praises Violette Dorange

Violette Dorange captured the hearts of fans during her first Vendée Globe participation. The youngest participant in the non-stop regatta around the world not only impressed sailing fans with her courage in battling the forces of nature. The 23-year-old also captivated people with her natural manner and the many stories about her everyday life on board that she shared on her social media channels.

Boris Herrmann, who finished twelfth in the Vendée Globe with his Malizia – Seaexplorer, praised Dorange on Monday. “Bravo, Violette, thank you for bringing a tornado of freshness to the offshore race. And congratulations on your success. Hats off,” wrote the Hamburg native on Instagram.

Malizia leaves Les Sables-d’Olonne

Bye bye Les Sables-d’Olonne. Boris Herrmann’s Malizia – Sea explorer has left the destination port of the Vendée Globe again. Co-skipper Will Harris is sailing the Hamburg native’s boat to Lorient. “Let’s go to Lorient to get the boat ready for the 2025 sailing season,” said the Briton, smiling in “nice but cold” weather.