The Ocean Race – Leg 1 to Cape Verde ends

 

Saturday 21st January 2023. Malizia-Seaexplorer led by Yacht Club de Monaco’s Boris Herrmann crossed the finish at Cape Verde after 5 days 16 hours 35 minutes 21 seconds at sea to clinch 3rd in this first leg of The Ocean Race, a fully crewed round the world race in stages.

“I’m very happy with the boat’s performance and the crew,” said Boris as he stepped onto the pontoon. “We managed the Strait of Gibraltar crossing really well and got out of the Mediterranean. We found good speed and caught up with the two leaders. Our adventure in The Ocean Race has got off to a good start”.

Approaching the Cape Verde islands, Malizia-Seaexplorer posted speeds up to 34 knots, enough to put the new set of foils to the test. Time now for the crew to rest and carry out some checks before they set sail again on 25th January on the second leg to Cape Town, South Africa.

 

Boris Herrmann injured

French sailor Yann Eliès will be aboard Malizia-Seaexplorer for the second leg, Boris Herrmann having injured his foot. The Brit Will Harris takes over as skipper. “I’m really sad not to complete this stage with my team,” says Boris, “I am more motivated than ever to participate in this competition”. Will Harris, 29, therefore takes on the role earlier than planned. “It was always on the schedule for me to do the fourth leg, as Boris did not intend to do it,” explains Will, “I wish the circumstances were different but our team spirit is strong. I can’t wait to sail again with Yann, it was great doing the passage trip from Guadeloupe to Alicante with him as he brings a lot of experience to the team”. As for Yann Eliès, he’s keen to be back out at sea: “I’m super motivated to re-join this team for the second leg. We crossed the Atlantic together recently and are ready to give it our all to push the boat and fight for a good result in this race”. 

©Sailing Energy / The Ocean Race