Vendée Globe

 

After sailing up the Port Olona channel to the cheers of an enthusiastic crowd, the 40 skippers crossed the start of the 10th Vendée Globe without a hitch. Among them, Boris Herrmann from Yacht Club de Monaco at the helm of the IMOCA Malizia-Seaexplorer is considered a serious contender, after his 5th place in the previous edition. 

 

HSH Prince Albert II, YCM President, Pierre Casiraghi, YCM Vice-President and founder of Team Malizia and Bernard d’Alessandri, the Club’s General Secretary, were at Les Sables-d’Olonne to see him off. The 24,300 nautical mile (45,000km) round-the-world via three capes, non-stop and without assistance, is considered to be one of the toughest and most extreme events in offshore racing. “It’s fantastic. For us it is a culmination. Taking the start of a second Vendée Globe means we’ve succeeded in making the project reliable. It is a proud moment for Monaco and for the Yacht Club representing the Principality in this legendary race,” said Pierre Casiraghi shortly before Malizia-Seaexplorer left the quay.

 

 

Time to say goodbye

“Since September, I’ve been nervous and really impatient to get going,” said Boris a few days before the start. There’s no escape. Emotions were riding high in the midst of the whirlwind of demands on sailors. All eyes this Sunday morning were already looking out to sea, minds focused on the 24,300 nautical miles in front of them. A challenge of around 70+ days for the fastest.  For everyone the main goal is to finish. Support is essential as it proved for Boris Herrmann.

 

After a last embrace with his wife Birte, the German skipper had a final chat with HSH Prince Albert II and Pierre Casiraghi. Their friendship is behind the Malizia project combining their passion for sailing and sporting challenges, with a strong commitment to protect the oceans through its ‘A Race We Must Win – Climate Action Now!’ mission. “This scientific and environmental aspect is important to protect the oceans. Boris and the other sailors involved are ambassadors and players in this formidable effort,” enthused the Monegasque Sovereign, who came to Les Sables-d’Olonne on Friday to sign a partnership agreement with the Vendée Globe Foundation of which he is Honorary President.

 

 

A marathon with tactical options

Anticipation is therefore a key word in this offshore challenge dubbed the ‘Everest of the Seas’. In the days leading up to the start, Boris spent time analysing the weather with his long-time co-skipper Will Harris to look at the strategic options. It was Will who after their traditional high five was the last to leave the boat, minutes before the start.

 

“We started in a light downwind breeze with all sails up, unlike the last edition where we faced a big weather front from the first tacks,” commented Boris who had an excellent start on the south side end of the line, with a little more air and impeccably controlled timing. “It looks like we will take longer than the usual seven days to reach the equator. So I think the chances of beating the 74-day record set by Armel Le Cléac’h are reduced even if the race speeds up quickly with the front forecast at Cape Finistère with a three-to four metre swell”.

 

He went on: “The most critical decision is near Brazil where some could opt to head south around the St Helena High”. One of the biggest challenges is the mental endurance required to complete the race. “80 days to go round the world is a big deal. You have to divide it into smaller stages so as not to get overwhelmed. I’ve really prepared well for this. I’m in tune with the boat, and ready mentally and technically”.

 

Pierre Casiraghi, who accompanied Boris on board down the channel, confirmed: “This is the culmination of two years of work. Everything is ready. We are satisfied with the preparations of Boris and the boat. For us, Boris is one of the contenders for the podium, but the Vendée Globe is such a long race with so many parameters that the most important thing of all is to finish it. I will continue to be in touch regularly to support and motivate him throughout the race”.

 

 

Yacht Club de Monaco right behind him

“Sharing the Vendée Globe adventure is part of my mission. Skippers like Loïck Peyron filmed their adventures and it is their stories that inspired me, so it’s only natural to talk about what I’m doing at sea,” says Boris. Team Malizia supporters including Club members and young sailors from the Sports Section will be following his adventures closely during regular gatherings at YCM. “At sea I really want them to live this experience, to feel the sea and see what only my eyes can see. I want to pass on what this adventure is really like and my impressions”.

 

A few days ago, Will Harris, Boris’s substitute skipper, answered questions from members at the first gathering. A way of inviting his team of supporters to embark with him during the next three months.