Germany’s most famous offshore sailor wants to go it alone again: Boris Herrmann will start his second Vendée Globe on November 10th. The Hamburger is one of the favorites – and has set a specific goal for himself on the tour.
Boris Herrmann is ready for his second sailing solo around the world. Almost four weeks before the start of the 10th Vendée Globe on November 10th in Les Sables-d’Olonne, France, the 43-year-old from his adopted home of Hamburg reported on the status of preparations at an online press conference. “I’m more excited than last time. “I don’t know exactly why that is,” said Herrmann.
Regarding the differences between his premiere in 2020/2021 and the second solo tour, Herrmann said: “Last time we started in Corona times, now it’s full life. Last time we had 32 starters on the line, this time there is a record field of 40 participating boats that have been weeded out.” In 2021 he finished the race in fifth place after a dramatic collision with a fishing boat on the last night before the finish.
Worse than top ten would be “a big disappointment”
Herrmann was cautiously optimistic about his chances. “It’s all there. On paper we are one of the best prepared teams. Of course I hope for a great result. Anything worse than top ten would be a big disappointment,” he said. “There can be six to ten people sailing for victory. We belong.”
Herrmann reported that his boat is already well prepared with new sails. A 30-person team from the <a href="https://www.archysport.com/2023/01/the-ocean-race-left-from-morro-to-the-strait-of-gibraltar-towards-cape-verde/" title="The Ocean Race left, from "morro" to the Strait of Gibraltar towards Cape Verde”>Team Malizia racing team founded by Herrmann is currently preparing for the race at the base camp in Lorient.
He himself is already “in the tunnel” and is “mainly concerned with my mental and sporting preparation”. “Malizia – Seaexplorer” is “well tested and optimized” after the Ocean Race and many transatlantic races. Although Herrmann has already passed Cape Horn six times, the legendary landmark remains a big goal for him: “I would be very happy if I could actually see Cape Horn during the passage.”
lno/jlau
