Battling the Elements: Boris Herrmann Endures a furious Storm
Boris Herrmann, the seasoned sailor currently competing in the round-the-world race, faced one of the most harrowing experiences of his career on the 59th day of the competition. A colossal storm system descended upon him near Cabo Frio, Brazil, unleashing its fury on his yacht.
“I’ve never encountered anything like it in all my years at sea!” herrmann exclaimed in a video update, the shock still evident on his face. The storm, a relentless barrage of lightning, torrential rain, and unpredictable winds, sent towering waves crashing over his vessel.
Herrmann described the terrifying ordeal, recounting how his yacht was repeatedly tossed onto its side. “I was thrown around like a rag doll,” he said, relieved that the boat itself remained structurally sound. However, the storm’s intensity escalated dramatically when a bolt of lightning struck nearby.The impact caused a momentary flicker on his cockpit screen before plunging it into darkness. Alarms blared, the autopilot and other crucial instruments shut down, and the yacht lost control, lying precariously flat on the water.
The relentless assault continued, with thunder booming and lightning illuminating the raging sea. “The ocean truly showed its teeth yesterday,” Herrmann admitted, reflecting on the harrowing experience.
This wasn’t Herrmann’s first encounter with the destructive power of lightning.Just six months prior,in May of the previous year,his yacht,Malizia–Seaexplorer,was struck by lightning in New York. While the damage was more extensive then, this recent incident still resulted in damage to some of the yacht’s electrical systems, requiring repairs or replacements.
Despite the setback, Herrmann remains optimistic.”I can still charge the batteries and use the kettle,” he noted. His team humorously pointed out on Instagram that the adage “lightning never strikes twice in the same place” is clearly a myth.
This recent storm adds to a string of challenges Herrmann has faced in recent days. Just the day before, he had to contend with a mast climb, a task fraught with its own dangers.## A Race Against Time and the Elements: Herrmann’s Vendee Globe Challenge
The grueling Vendee globe race continues to test the limits of endurance for its participants, and Boris Herrmann is no exception. After a harrowing experience climbing his 29-meter mast to repair a crucial rigging line called the “Arbalète,” Herrmann faced another challenge: recovering from the physical and mental strain of the ordeal.The repair itself was a testament to Herrmann’s ingenuity and resilience.[[1]] He managed to fashion a new covering for the damaged rigging, showcasing his “MacGyver” skills. Footage captured on his GoPro camera vividly illustrates the mast’s precarious sway as he worked at its summit.
However, the climb and subsequent thunderstorms took a toll on Herrmann’s energy levels. he admitted to neglecting proper meals in the aftermath, highlighting the demanding nature of the race. Fortunately, he was able to finally enjoy a much-needed dinner, providing him with the fuel to continue his journey.
As of Wednesday midday, Herrmann found himself in sixth place, trailing closely behind Sam Goodchild and Jérémie Beyou. The race for the top spots remains fiercely competitive,with leader Charlie Dalin extending his lead over Yoann Richomme to a significant 184 nautical miles.
With the finish line in Les Sables D’Olonne approaching in about a week, the tension is palpable. Richomme, currently in second place, described the experience as “magical,” emphasizing the extraordinary nature of this challenging race.## Herrmann Navigates the Early Stages of the Vendée globe
Hamburg’s Boris Herrmann, a top contender in the grueling Vendée Globe, is making steady progress in the early stages of the race. [1] As of January 9th, 2025, Herrmann is enjoying favorable conditions, sailing swiftly through the trade winds towards the Azores high.[1]
“The sailing is relatively straightforward at the moment,” Herrmann reported. ”It’s a two-day push through the trade winds to reach the Azores high. My focus is on maintaining this pace.” [1]
The Vendée Globe, renowned as the ultimate test of solo sailing prowess, commenced on November 10th from the French Atlantic coast. This epic circumnavigation takes sailors on a demanding journey around the globe, navigating the treacherous Southern Ocean. [2] Herrmann, participating for the second time, is considered a strong contender for victory. [3]
Welcome back sailing fans! We are gripping onto our seats here as we continue to follow Boris HerrmannS remarkable journey in the round-the-world race. As we know, yesterday Herrmann faced the wrath of nature in the form of a ferocious storm near Cabo Frio, Brazil.
let me tell you, this wasn’t just your typical squall.Harrowing doesn’t even begin to describe it, folks. We’ve seen videos of the waves practically swallowing his yacht whole! As an experienced sailor, Herrmann himself admitted he’s never witnessed anything like this in all his years at sea. Really puts things into perspective, doesn’t it?
But there’s a precious piece of wisdom he shared with us that speaks volumes about the spirit of these athletes
Herrmann reminds us that the key is to focus on the important things, even in challenging times.
. Despite the damage to his electrical systems,he’s thankful the boat itself is still sound. his attitude, his resilience - that’s what makes him a champion, folks.
It’s Mom and Pop sports broadcasters like us who are constantly reminded of the sheer grit and determination these athletes show.
We’ll continue to closely monitor Herrmann’s progress and bring you all the latest updates on his incredible journey. From what we can see,the spirit of this sailor is truly unbreakable. Let’s show him our support and cheer him on as he battles the elements and pushes forward.
