A Solitary Christmas at the Edge of the World
While many in Germany are enjoying the warmth of holiday gatherings, Boris Herrmann is experiencing a very different kind of Christmas. currently competing in the Vendée Globe, a grueling non-stop solo circumnavigation of the globe, Herrmann finds himself navigating the icy waters of the South Pacific, near Cape Horn.
Despite the festive season, HerrmannS reality is far from idyllic. The relentless Southern Ocean throws up challenging conditions, forcing him to postpone online press conferences due to the rough seas and constant need for maneuvering.
Herrmann’s journey has taken him to some of the most remote corners of the planet. Just a day before Christmas Eve, he crossed the “Point Nemo,” a location in the pacific Ocean equidistant from the coasts of Chile, New Zealand, and Antarctica. This desolate point, named after the fictional submarine captain from Jules Verne’s novel “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea,” is considered the most isolated place on Earth, a staggering 2,688 kilometers from the nearest landmass.
Adding to the unique atmosphere, Herrmann’s yacht, the Malizia-Seaexplorer, was blanketed in snow on the fourth Sunday of Advent. “This gives me a Christmas feeling!” he exclaimed in a video update, snowflakes swirling around him.
For Herrmann and the 35 other skippers still in the race, Christmas will be a solitary affair, spent battling the elements and pushing their limits in one of the world’s most demanding sailing competitions.
Christmas at Sea: A Glimpse into the Festive Lives of Vendée Globe Skippers
The vast expanse of the ocean, particularly the notoriously desolate stretches, can feel incredibly isolating. This is especially true for the skippers participating in the Vendée Globe, a grueling solo, non-stop sailing race around the world. As they navigate these remote waters, even the holiday season takes on a unique character.
While the ocean may lack the customary festive cheer, these intrepid sailors find creative ways to celebrate Christmas. Boris Herrmann, known as “the Hamburger,” acknowledges that he’s not particularly fond of Christmas festivities. However, he still makes an effort to connect with his family via video call on Christmas eve and enjoys opening gifts brought aboard for the journey.
Herrmann’s Imoca yacht, like those of his fellow competitors, offers limited space for decorations. Yet, small touches bring a touch of holiday spirit. Luminous stars adorn the ceiling of his bunk, and a snow globe featuring a picture of his beloved dog, Lilli, serves as a reminder of home.Justine Mettraux, a Swiss skipper, adds a personal touch to her boat by attaching hand-drawn Christmas trees to the interior walls. Photos of loved ones provide companionship during this solitary time, as she shares on Instagram.
Samantha Davies, a British competitor, embraces the festive spirit with a battery-operated string of fairy lights illuminating her cockpit. A whimsical Santa Claus, crafted from Window Color, waves cheerfully from the window.While a traditional Christmas roast is out of the question, these sailors will undoubtedly indulge in chocolate treats to mark the occasion.Their usual sustenance consists of dried food in bags, a testament to the demanding nature of this extraordinary race.
The Vendée Globe is a testament to human endurance and the unwavering spirit of adventure. Even amidst the vastness of the ocean, these sailors find ways to celebrate the holidays, reminding us that the essence of Christmas lies in connection, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams.es-aus-dem.jpg.webp 1240w” src=”https://media0.faz.net/ppmedia/w1240/aktuell/1724072452/1.10193178/original_aspect_ratio/so-sieht-es-aus-dem.jpg” title=”This is what it looks like from Boris Herrmann’s “dining table”.” width=”900″ class=”body-elements__image–small” data-v-dd221be4=””/>
