This Thursday afternoon, Boris Herrmann crossed the longitude of Cape Leeuwin at 16:22 UTC after 32 days, 4 hours, 20 minutes, and 54 seconds of racing in his second Vendée Globe. Having passed the second of the race's three major capes in 10th place, the Team Malizia skipper celebrates this milestone while keeping his sights set on reaching his favorite cape, Cape Horn, by January 1st.

Southern Ocean impressions from onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer during the Vendée Globe 2024-2025

Team Malizia’s Boris Herrmann Passes Cape Leeuwin In Vendée Globe

Team Malizia built the new Malizia - Seaexplorer yacht, launched in July 2022, incorporating Boris Herrmann's insights from his time in the Southern Ocean.

Boris Herrmann in the cockpit of his high-tech IMOCA racing yacht Malizia - Seaexplorer

Boris Herrmann is sailing aboard a racing vessel meticulously designed for these extremes, where success depends not only on skill and resilience but also on relentless innovation in design and technology.

Over the past two decades, one of the most groundbreaking innovations has been the introduction of foils which lift the boat out of the water, allowing it to "fly" and increase the speed in most conditions.

For teams like ours, competing in the world’s most prestigious events like the Vendée Globe or The Ocean Race, success is determined not just by skill and experience, but by constant innovation and optimisation of our racing yachts.

As its 38 competitors navigate the challenging conditions of the Southern Ocean, the Vendée Globe showcases the pinnacle of offshore sailing on cutting-edge IMOCA yachts. Boris Herrmann is sailing aboard a racing vessel meticulously designed for these extremes, where success depends not only on skill and resilience but also on relentless innovation in design and technology.

Malizia - Seaexplorer, a high-tech racing yacht

Pushing the Limits of Innovation: Optimising Performance in Offshore Sailing

The Vendée Globe is renowned for its simple yet iconic race rules: sail around the world's legendary capes. Today, Boris Herrmann is rounding Cape Leeuwin, marking a major milestone in his journey. This key moment represents a significant turning point in the race, and all eyes are on how the day will unfold for Boris.

Cape Leeuwin in sight

Cape Leeuwin in Sight - Day 32 - Vendée Globe

The shaver broke down but BorisGyver repaired it

Smooth start to the day for Boris Herrmann with sunny and calm conditions as he continues to race in 10th position, working hard to catch up with the leading pack. Our skipper, now far ahead of us in terms of daylight, decided to shave his beard, but it didn’t go exactly as planned…

Just Another Day at Sea - Day 31 - Vendée Globe

40% Down, 60% to Go

Today marks one month at sea for Boris Herrmann since the start of the Vendée Globe. Currently holding 10th position, he’s steadily gaining ground on the competitor ahead in 9th place. While a month at sea is a notable milestone, there’s still a long way to go with only 40% of the race completed so far. Stay tuned for more updates as Boris continues his push towards the front of the fleet!

40% Down, 60% to Go - Day 30 - Vendée Globe

Another day starts in the Indian Ocean for Boris Herrmann as he sails his 29th day on the Vendée Globe. Last night, by overtaking Justine Mettraux, Boris made it to the top ten! His next goal is now the top 5… 

Welcome To The Top 10 - Day 29 - Vendée Globe

Boris enjoying his morning pancake brunch. Samantha Davies, fellow competitor, is also enjoying pancakes aboard her boat!

With maple gifted by teammate Jesse. 

Goodbye sunshine, see you tomorrow! 

Boris has summer on the inside

Sun and speed to keep spirits high!

It’s the second Sunday of Advent, and Boris is busy in the kitchen and performing his first sail change whilst entering the Indian Ocean—you can’t race on an empty stomach! Treating himself to pancakes with maple syrup, he stays competitive, hoping a low-pressure system behind will propel him and the pack toward the east.

Sunday Pancakes And Proximity Sailing - Day 28 - Vendée Globe

Photo taken on day 4 during Leg 3 of The Ocean Race showing an Albatross flying around the Malizia - Seaexplorer.
02/03/23

Photo taken on day 4 during the Leg 3 of The Ocean Race showing an albatross flying around the Malizia - Seaexplorer.
01/03/23




It's no coincidence that we often refer to two people in love as "love birds"—around 90% of bird species live monogamously, forming some of the most loyal partnerships in the animal kingdom. However, rising global temperatures are creating unexpected challenges for one of the most iconic monogamous birds: the majestic albatross. This is the story of how global warming is affecting the love lives of these seabirds, putting their relationships metaphorically and literally in hot water.

Romantic Troubles? Try Being a Hungry Albatross Divorced by Climate Change

The seven new species of frogs found in Madagascar have been named after the most iconic captains from the sci-fi-series Star Trek due to their distinct call! 

Today marks the end of the first week of the only full month the Vendée Globe fleet will spend at sea. After rounding the Cape of Good Hope off South Africa, the fleet is now navigating the challenges of the treacherous Southern Ocean.  Despite facing technical troubles this week, Boris Herrmann knows that staying positive is key. To support this, Team Malizia has teamed up with Superredaktion to share good news from nearby regions along his journey.

Climate Hope Week 4

So much achieved, still so far to go. Seeing that only 34.9% of the race has been sailed so far, the whole playing field seems still open!

As the first week of the fleet’s only full month at sea draws to a close, the journey has been anything but straightforward. Strategic decisions have shaped the course of the race, with skippers navigating an array of challenges, including a brewing storm that is testing their resilience and skill.

A Storm Is Brewing - Day 27 - Vendée Globe

Antarctica, between global warming, exploitation, and hope

Leopard seal on an iceberg, Borgen Bay, Anvers Island, Western Antarctic Peninsula

Southern Ocean impressions from onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer during The Ocean Race 2022-2023

Diver under the ice, Anvers Island, Antarctica

Boris Herrmann onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer in the Vendée Globe, near the Crozet Islands on Day 26 of the race and observing the surrounding albatrosses

Antarctic landscape, Brown Station

Adélie penguin, Antarctica

Situated at the southernmost point of our planet, Antarctica is a vast, icy expanse of near-total solitude. Visited only by a few dedicated scientists and rounded every now and then by a fleet of IMOCA sailors, this frozen continent and its surrounding Southern Ocean play a vital role in regulating the Earth's climate. Yet, it often goes overlooked by some and is exploited by others. As Boris Herrmann navigates its icy waters, we explore the pressing challenges facing Antarctica.

King penguins and Antarctic fur seal pups on the island of South Georgia. Salisbury Plaine, South Georgia, Southern Ocean

Antarctica, Between Global Warming, Exploitation, And Hope

Boris celebrating Nikolaus onboard

This morning Boris Herrmann wishes us a good Nikolaus Day as he is racing at 27 knots in a bumpy sea. Typical Southern Ocean conditions as he is sailing near the Crozet Islands. The mission of the day is to catch up with Justine! 

Happy (Bumpy) Nikolaus Day - Day 26 - Vendée Globe

Boris Herrmann onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer

Malizia Seaexplorer sailing in 40 knots of wind

Technical Team making sure Malizia Seaexplorer is ready

Racing offshore, particularly in the solo round-the-world Vendée Globe race, presents unique challenges, blending high performance with extreme conditions. Read on to delve deeper into the world of risk management in offshore sailing. 

Risk Management in Offshore Sailing: Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail!

Risk Management in Offshore Sailing: Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail

Boris is doing some lashing on the deck

Mid day update

As Boris Herrmann navigates Day 25 of the Vendée Globe, the challenges of the Southern Ocean are in full swing. After an early start and some repair work on the J2, Boris is now making steady progress at 20 knots on a southeast course, following a similar track to the girls. With a transition to northerly winds expected as a low-pressure system moves in, the next few days promise moderate reaching conditions. Rested and focused, Boris is ready for the journey ahead, even as the cold and damp test his endurance. Stay tuned for more updates from the Southern Ocean!

Full Swing For The Southern Ocean Challenges - Day 25 - Vendée Globe

The home made tool from Boris

My foil rake ram ripped off the foil on the port side.

The Vendée Globe is often described as “one problem a day to solve,” and for Boris Herrmann, the journey started relatively smoothly with few issues to address. However, now that he’s entered the unforgiving Southern Ocean, the race has truly begun. The challenges are ramping up, and we’re fully immersed in the reality of the Vendée Globe.

Hard Night For Boris - Day 24 - Vendée Globe

Currently battling for 12th position in a close race with Sam Davies and Justine Mettraux, Boris Herrmann is preparing to take on the most challenging stretch of the Vendée Globe: the Southern Ocean. Known for its relentless storms and fierce conditions, this leg will push both sailors and boats to their limits.

Resilience Is The Key - Day 23 - Vendée Globe

As Boris sails around the globe, we’re reminded of how vast and connected the community of sailors, Ocean lovers and climate action enthusiasts truly is. Every day, we’re inspired by hundreds of messages from supporters across the world - each one a testament to the global impact of this journey. 

Join Our Interactive Malizian Map!

Albatros in the Southern Ocean during Leg 3 of The Ocean Race 2022-2023

Boris sending news to his shore team

Today could mark a fresh chapter for Boris as he reaches the Southern Ocean, having just passed the iconic Cape of Good Hope, a gateway to the vast and untamed waters of the Southern Hemisphere.

Welcome To The Southern Ocean - Day 22 - Vendée Globe

As he is braving rough conditions, Team Malizia’s skipper Boris Herrmann has rounded Cape of Good Hope this Monday afternoon and will soon pass Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa, marking his entry into the Indian Ocean on Day 22 of the Vendée Globe solo race. This milestone, along with having spotted his first albatross yesterday, also signifies his transition into the notoriously challenging Southern Ocean.

Boris Herrmann on the deck of his Malizia - Seaexplorer during the Vendée Globe 2024-2025

Boris Herrmann Rounds Cape of Good Hope in Vendée Globe

Team Malizia’s Boris Herrmann Rounds Cape of Good Hope in Vendée Globe

Today, December 1st, marks the beginning of the only full month the sailors will spend entirely at sea. While the leading pack has already passed the Cape of Good Hope, Boris is now steadily approaching it as well—and at impressive speeds!

Advent Sailing With Friends - Day 21 - Vendée Globe

Nigeria’s first climate cafe. 

As Boris nears the Cape of Good Hope, we’re following his journey with some much-needed good news. This week, we start in Togo, travel down the map of Africa and end in South Africa - showing that positive change is happening all around the world. 

Climate Hope Week 3

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