General

Boris Herrmann at the Vendée Globe: second attempt with new goals

09.07.2024 · Frank Walter · 8 min read
General

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Boris Herrmann, an outstanding sailor, is competing in the Vendée Globe 2024, which starts in Les Sables d'Olonne. His previous achievements, intensive training and technical improvements make him a favourite. Find out how he is preparing for the world's toughest race.

The essentials at a glance

  • Boris Herrmann is a favourite for the Vendée Globe 2024, supported by an impressive sailing career and strong preparation.
  • Comprehensive preparations, including numerous transatlantic races and technical upgrades to his boat, strengthen Herrmann's chances in the competition.
  • Team Malizia, which supports Herrmann, combines technical support with environmental commitment, further cementing his position as a top contender.

Boris Herrmann: A Favourite at the Vendée Globe 2024

Boris Herrmann, born on 28 May 1981, has established himself as one of the outstanding sailors of our time. With a degree in Economics and a focus on Sustainable Management from the University of Bremen, he brings not only sailing prowess but also a deep understanding of environmental responsibility to his sporting career.

Herrmann's impressive sailing career includes:

  • Participation in major regattas such as the Mini-Transat and the Portimão Global Ocean Race
  • Award of the Bundesverdienstkreuz for his achievements and commitment to environmental protection
  • 5th place in the Vendée Globe 2020–2021 and qualification for the Vendée Globe 2024

The Vendée Globe 2024 will undoubtedly be a fiercely contested race, but Boris Herrmann has established himself as a serious contender for victory through his previous performances and thorough preparation. His commitment and skills make him a sailor to watch.

Preparation for the Vendée Globe 2024

Preparing for a race like the Vendée Globe requires intensive planning and training. Boris Herrmann relies on:

  • a combination of extensive training and qualifying races
  • technical improvements to his boat
  • the indispensable support of his Team Malizia.

This comprehensive approach ensures that he goes to the start line fully prepared.

Training and Qualifying Races

To prepare optimally for the Vendée Globe, Boris Herrmann has taken part in several important transatlantic races . Particularly noteworthy is his second place in the Transat CIC from Lorient to New York, which not only demonstrated his skills but also secured him the starting ticket for the Vendée Globe 2024.

In addition to the Transat CIC, the New York Vendée is also worth highlighting, in which Herrmann with the ‚Malizia – Seaeplorer‚ also took second place and was thus the only boat with podium finishes in both races. These successes are a clear indication that he is perfectly prepared for the challenges ahead.

Technical Improvements to the Boat Seaexplorer

The technical improvements to the 'Malizia – Seaexplorer' play a central role in Herrmann's preparation. During a three-month winter refit, the boat was fitted with new foils , which significantly improve its performance and hydrodynamics. These powerful foils enable high speeds and make the boat more agile, which can be a decisive advantage in a race like the Vendée Globe.

In addition to the foils, the ergonomics and cockpit of the boat were also improved. A new cockpit seat and a better-sprung bunk system provide more comfort and efficiency during the long days at sea. These modifications are not only important for Herrmann's wellbeing, but also contribute to better handling of the boat, which can be crucial in critical situations.

The The autopilot of the Seaexplorer was also made more reliable, and the improvements to the sails and weight distribution increase the boat's stability. These technical modifications are the result of close collaboration between Herrmann and his team and show how important well-coordinated preparation is for success in the Vendée Globe.

Team Malizia: The Support Behind the Success

Team Malizia plays a crucial role in Boris Herrmann's preparation and success. Herrmann repeatedly emphasises how important the team is for the stability and reliability of the boat. The ergonomic design and handling of the boat are the result of their hard work.

In addition to technical support, Team Malizia is also involved in environmental projects and aims to integrate these on board. This commitment reflects Herrmann's own values and makes his team a role model in the sailing world, pursuing not only sporting but also ecological goals.

Review of the New York Vendée

The New York Vendée was another important milestone in Boris Herrmann's career. With his impressive second place , he once again demonstrated his abilities and the potential of his team. The conditions during the arrival in the harbour of Les Sables d'Olonne were perfect, with strong winds and brilliant sunshine, which further increased the enthusiasm of the thousands of spectators.

This strong performance boosted Herrmann's confidence and placed him in the inner circle of favourites for the Vendée Globe 2024. He sailed a significantly more northerly course than the competition and spent 10 days, 20 hours, 52 minutes and 32 seconds at sea. His average speed was an impressive 15.76 knots. This performance is not only proof of his skills, but also of the reliability of his boat and the effectiveness of the technical improvements.

Boris Herrmann would win the overall rankings for the two solo transatlantic races in the first half of the sailing superyear 2024. That is a great achievement for the sailor. These successes show that he is perfectly prepared and goes into the Vendée Globe 2024 as one of the top favourites. It will be exciting to see how he performs in this challenging regatta beats.

Strategies and route planning for the Vendée Globe

For the Vendée Globe 2024, Boris Herrmann plans to make intensive use of modern weather forecasting and routing software to optimise his route. These technologies enable him to respond flexibly to changing weather conditions and make the best possible decisions in real time.

Another important aspect of his strategy is the consideration of alternative route options. Given the unpredictable climatic conditions, it may be necessary to react quickly to changes and consider alternative routes. This flexibility is crucial to standing up to the strong competition and achieving the best possible results.

One of the greatest challenges in route planning is the safety zone at the ice limit around Antarctica. This zone must be carefully navigated to avoid dangers, requiring precise navigation and quick decisions. Boris Herrmann's comprehensive preparation and his ability to make the right decisions under pressure will be of crucial importance here.

Competitor analysis: Who are the main rivals?

At the Vendée Globe 2024, Boris Herrmann will face tough competition. Among the main rivals are Armel Le Cléac'h, a previous Vendée Globe winner, and Yannick Bestaven, the winner of the last edition. Both sailors have already proved their abilities and will certainly be strong competitors.

Another significant rival is Charlie Dalin, who crossed the finish line first in the last Vendée Globe.

Expert opinions and forecasts

French sailing legend Franck Cammas praised Team Malizia and their co-skipper Boris Herrmann for their confidence and technical excellence, strengthened by crossing the Southern Ocean with the boat. Experts see an advantage in the fact that Boris Herrmann does not have to push the boat under extreme conditions, as is often the case with other boats. With a sharpened focus on technology, the team can continue to be successful.

The commitment to climate protection and the technical improvements to the boat Seaexplorer significantly increase Herrmann's chances at the Vendée Globe 2024. The diversity of participants from around the world, including many international sailors and six female skippers, is seen as additional motivation for Herrmann to bring out the best in himself.

Summary

Boris Herrmann has prepared intensively for the Vendée Globe 2024. His impressive results in the qualifying races, the technical improvements to the 'Malizia – Seaexplorer' and the support of his dedicated Team Malizia position him as one of the favourites for the race.

The coming months will show whether his strategies and preparations are sufficient to master the challenges of the Vendée Globe and realise his dream of victory. The sailing world watches eagerly and shares the excitement as Herrmann prepares for the adventure of his lifetime.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Boris Herrmann?

Boris Herrmann is a German sailor known for his achievements in sailing and his commitment to environmental protection.

What is the Vendée Globe?

The Vendée Globe is a non-stop single-handed round-the-world race, regarded as one of the toughest and most prestigious challenges in sailing. It is known for its extreme conditions and the strength of its participants.

Which races has Herrmann used as preparation?

Herrmann has taken part in major transatlantic races such as the Transat CIC and the New York Vendée to prepare for the Vendée Globe.

What technical improvements were made to the boat?

The boat 'Malizia – Seaexplorer' was equipped with new foils, an improved cockpit and a more reliable autopilot to increase performance and comfort. These improvements have technically upgraded the boat.

Who are Herrmann's main competitors at the Vendée Globe 2024?

Herrmann's main competitors in the 2024 Vendée Globe are Armel Le Cléac'h, Yannick Bestaven and Charlie Dalin, all of whom have demonstrated strong performances in previous races.

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