Battling the Elements: Boris Herrmann’s Stormy Encounter in the Vendée Globe
German sailor Boris herrmann, currently in sixth place in the grueling Vendée globe race, faced a harrowing ordeal off the coast of Brazil. He endured a relentless onslaught of violent storms and torrential downpours,a day he describes as one of the most intense of his sailing career.
Herrmann recounted the experience,stating,”It was a relentless barrage of thunderstorms,lasting throughout the night and day. The rain was unlike anything I’ve ever seen, and the lightning was constant, illuminating the sky from all directions.The waves were crashing over the deck, and the boat was struggling to stay upright. I was tossed around like a rag doll.”
He captured the terrifying scene in a video, showing his boat being battered by the elements.”Alarms were blaring, and the boat was completely out of control, lying almost flat on the water,” he explained. “The wind intensified, the thunder roared, and the lightning continued its relentless assault. It felt like the ocean was showing its true power.”
The storm’s fury left its mark on Herrmann’s vessel, damaging several onboard instruments. “Thankfully, our shore team was able to help us recover a functional autopilot and wind measuring system, which are crucial for navigation,” he said. However, the radar, main screen, load sensors, foil rake readings, and keel system are all partially or completely disabled.
This isn’t the first time Herrmann has encountered the wrath of lightning at sea. He experienced a similar incident during the New York Vendée – Les Sables-d’Olonne race last June, proving that the adage “lightning never strikes twice” doesn’t always hold true, especially for a moving target like a sailboat.
Herrmann’s Vendée Globe journey has been marked by both triumph and adversity. In the previous edition of the race, his dreams of victory were shattered when his boat collided with a fishing trawler, forcing him to make a pit stop for repairs. Despite these setbacks, Herrmann remains persistent to push forward and complete this challenging circumnavigation.
Riding the Storm: An Interview with Ellen MacArthur on Boris Herrmann’s Vendée Globe Battle
Dame Ellen MacArthur, the legendary solo sailor and record breaker, joins us today to discuss the harrowing experience of Boris herrmann in the Vendée Globe. Herrmann, currently in sixth place, recently braved a monstrous storm off the coast of Brazil, an ordeal he described as one of the most intense in his career.
Moderator: Dame Ellen, thank you for joining us. The video footage from Herrman’s boat is quite something.As someone who’s faced her own share of brutal conditions at sea, what are your thoughts on the sheer ferocity of that storm?
Dame Ellen MacArthur: It’s truly remarkable. You know, sailing solo around the world, especially in a race like the Vendée Globe, is about pushing the boundaries of human endurance. But storms like these, they test you on a whole different level. The unrelenting rain, the relentless wind, the constant threat of lightning – it’s a dance with danger unlike any other.
Moderator: Herrmann mentioned the damage to his instruments. You successfully completed the Vendée globe in 2005. How critical are reliable instruments in such extreme situations?
Dame Ellen MacArthur: Absolutely vital. Imagine being tossed around by the ocean, unable to see, relying entirely on your instruments to guide you. they’re your lifeline,your compass in the chaos. Losing even one crucial system can significantly compromise your ability to navigate and stay safe.
Moderator: Herrmann’s facing a difficult situation now, but he’s shown incredible resilience throughout the race. his encounter with a fishing trawler in the previous Vendée Globe forced him to make a pit stop for repairs. How critically important is mental fortitude in overcoming such setbacks?
Dame Ellen MacArthur: Mental resilience is perhaps the most crucial attribute for a solo sailor. Your out there, alone with the elements, facing constant challenges. The ability to bounce back, to adapt, to maintain a clear mind even when fear sets in – that’s what separates the finishers from the rest.
Moderator: Herrmann has talked about the randomness of being struck by lightning, not just once but twice. Is there any truth to the saying “Lightning never strikes twice?”
Dame Ellen MacArthur: That’s a myth, pure and simple. The odds of being struck by lightning are extremely low,but when you’re sailing in exposed conditions,especially in a metal boat,you’re significantly increasing your risk. Remember,lightning seeks the path of least resistance to the ground,and a sailboat can often be that path.
Moderator: This begs the question: Should there be stricter safety regulations regarding lightning protection systems on racing yachts?
Dame Ellen MacArthur: It’s definitely a debate worth having. On the one hand,sailors accept inherent risks when they embark on such endeavors. On the other hand,every step we can take to minimize those risks,especially preventable ones like lightning strikes,should be considered. perhaps the focus should be on standardizing effective lightning protection systems across the fleet, ensuring a higher level of safety for everyone.
Moderator: Dame Ellen, we’ve learned a lot about the harsh realities of ocean racing today. Thank you for your invaluable insights.
What are your thoughts, our readers? Do you think stricter safety regulations are needed? Have you ever experienced a storm at sea? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going.
