IMOCA – Malizia-Seaexplorer – Vendée Globe

 

Temperatures are rising in the Vendée Globe for Boris Herrmann from Yacht Club de Monaco. But warmer does not necessarily mean easier. Thanks to a well-thought out strategy, Boris is lying in 7th place this morning. However, the day is set to be a particularly difficult one as he prepares to climb the mast to carry out a crucial repair. “Last week was tough, but I keep reminding myself that I’m competing against the best sailors in the world. I know they won’t make any mistakes, so I have no intention of giving up and am doing everything I can to keep up the pace,” says the sailor.

Analysis and predictions

“Welcome to 2025! This is day 57 at sea. I did another weather analysis and according to the forecasts, the Azores should be within range in about 15 to 16 days. Of course, we’ve a way to go before we get home. I think it will be 20 to 21 days which means I could be arriving around 24 January 2025, after 76 days at sea,” he predicts.

Life on board

Racing is also about managing the unexpected and finding ways to make difficult moments more bearable. Like many of his fellow competitors, he is taking full advantage of the conditions and warmer temperatures. For example, this morning Boris went outside without all his sailing gear. “We are in a zone where the temperature is ideal, not too hot, not too cold. Rather than putting on my wet clothes I decided to go out as I was and it was surprisingly refreshing!”

Challenges ahead

Although conditions remain challenging, the German sailor is keeping up his moral. He knows it is only a matter of time before he has to face what he dreads most: climbing the mast to do a repair. “After completing a manœuvre this morning, I saw the Code Zero jib’s backstay was damaged. I will have to climb the mast to try and repair it. It’s a delicate operation and I’m not that great with heights, so need time to mentally prepare for it”.

A race of twists and turns

The days ahead look set to be decisive with light winds complicating progress. Boris and others like Nicolas Lunven, Paul Meilhat and Jérémie Beyou are approaching a zone known for capricious weather conditions. In this chasing pack, the time has come for major manœuvres and decisions to take. Two options are emerging, whether to progress east or attempt a more westerly route, with its changeable winds, squalls, storms and even oil drilling areas frequented by ships to avoid.