Our Malizia My Ocean Challenge educational program inspires young people to explore the Ocean’s critical role in climate change and the wonders of our planet. During the Vendée Globe, we organized six events blending the excitement of Ocean racing with environmental education.

In just three months, we directly engaged with over 2,500 children through hybrid and live events. We invited them to join us in our adventure at sea and our race against time to combat climate change.

Our mission is to educate children about the climate crisis by breaking down complex concepts, such as how climate change affects animals, humans, and different regions around the world, whilst focusing on hopeful solutions, inspiring kids to adopt a positive outlook and take meaningful action.

Around the world

Our first event, held in Großhansdorf, Germany, shortly after the start of the Vendée Globe, reached an impressive audience of 2,000 children - 350 attending in person and 1,650 joining online. This impactful event included a live call to Boris Herrmann on the Atlantic Ocean, where he shared what life at sea is like and answered the children’s burning questions.

After captivating the children with his tales of Ocean adventure, we introduced the Malizia - Seaexplorer, not just as a racing yacht but as a research vessel collecting vital climate data. Through this, we explained the Ocean's vital role in regulating the climate and highlighted our responsibility in protecting it.

Following the format of this event, we hosted two additional fully virtual sessions on Zoom in English and French. In one event, Boris was joined by climate scientist Léa Olivier, researcher at the Alfred-Wegener-Institute (AWI), who spoke live from the Polarstern research vessel in the Antarctic. She explained her role as a scientist, how she uses data from the Malizia - Seaexplorer and its onboard Ocean Pack laboratory and why mapping carbon content in the Ocean is essential to understanding climate change.

Another exciting educational format we embraced during the Vendée Globe was our “Seaexplorer Sessions.” In collaboration with nine French schools, we hosted regular discussions about Boris’ progress on the Ocean surface while exploring what lies beneath. These virtual meet-ups focused on topics like seagrass, whales and climate-friendly energy solutions. To really take a deep dive into these topics surrounding Boris’ geographic location, students developed projects, including quizzes, art, songs, energy models, and poems, which they shared with peers from other regions. What made this such a great experience was that all students were of different ages and nationalities, yet still came together to share knowledge and learn from one another, united by a common goal: addressing the global challenge of climate change.

Home port, Hamburg: 

Back in Hamburg our Ocean educator Birte joined the “Imagine The Harbour” event as part of the Imagine Hamburg Festival (2nd-8th of December, 2024). Here, 140 young students envisioned utopian futures for their hometown, Hamburg. Inspired by climate challenges presented by Birte, they created models, art and ideas for sustainable futures. Sometimes shifting the focus to a desirable outcome and envisioning a future worth living can fuel action to engage in behaviour that will bring you there. And in this global climate crisis, action is what we need! 

Birte also participated in Hamburg’s federal-state Enrichment Program, designed for academically high-achieving students. She delivered a scientific talk at a MINT (Mathematics, Informatics, Natural Sciences, and Technology) event, focusing on the Ocean’s carbon cycle and its connection to the atmosphere. Joining her was Toste Tanhua from the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre, who answered in-depth scientific questions from the audience.

During the Vendée Globe, we received messages of encouragement from all corners of the planet: the sub-Antarctic Crozet Islands, New Zealand, South America, Africa, Europe, North America and even Point Nemo! Whilst some purely cheered for the race, many explained “I came for the sailing, but I stayed for the story.” That story includes our efforts in Ocean education and climate awareness.

While adults may be captivated by tales of adventure on the high seas, our greatest joy comes from sharing these stories with the younger generation. Recognising that children are the future decision-makers and changemakers, we aim to inspire them with our love for the Ocean and empower them to take meaningful climate action. This mission lies at the very heart of everything we do.