The Vendée Globe may be infamous for being a solo race, but sailors actually rely on their team to make it to the finish line

From left to right: Stuart Mclachlan, Pifou Dargnies, and Will Harris all stayed onboard with Boris until shortly before the start of the Vendée Globe, and are all also his first point of contact if he faces a technical issue at sea during the race

A smiling Boris Herrmann at the top of his mast after a successful arbalète repair in large parts thanks to the coordinated effort of his shore team to find a practical solution

Team Malizia is a well-oiled crew that has put a tremendous amount of work in preparing the boat and brings together a collective expertise to support Boris, within the rules of the race, when he is at sea

Each Malizian contributes their unique expertise to ensure Boris can race with confidence and tell his story, proving that even in a challenge designed for one, success is truly a team effort

The Vendée Globe may be infamous for being a solo race, but sailors actually rely on their team to make it to the finish line. When a skipper faces a technical challenge in the middle of the Ocean, it triggers a coordinated response from the shore crew, whose teamwork becomes crucial in overcoming these obstacles. Take a closer look behind the scenes at how Team Malizia manages these high-stakes situations and works together to support their skipper Boris Herrmann throughout the race.

When Boris Herrmann reports a technical issue to his team during a race, it triggers an immediate response from the shore crew

Houston, We Have A Problem - The Power Of Teamwork In The Vendée Globe

Boris Herrmann reports damage of the hook of his J2, limiting the use of his most headsail

he J2 is intact and on deck until Boris Herrmann can repair and hoist it again

This week has truly been a roller coaster. This morning, Boris Herrmann, currently racing in 6th position in the Vendée Globe, reported to his team that the J2 hook has broken. While both Boris and the boat are safe, this setback means more repairs and the loss of valuable miles. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for a swift and successful repair!

Boris J2 Hook Has Broken - Day 61 - Vendée Globe

Golden kelp, South Australia

You see me, now you see me not. Seastar populations on the decline! 

Purple Sea Urchins decimating kelp forests

As our skipper Boris Herrmann sails along the southern tip of South America and must try to resist the urge of sailing to land for a little break from the relentless Ocean, we want to highlight a fascinating ecosystem growing beneath the surface: kelp.

Why Kelp Is In Need Of Help

Despite a tough week of intense challenges, Boris Herrmann stays positive and focused on securing a coveted spot in the top 5 of the Vendée Globe. As the battle unfolds on the water, it’s not always easy to make sense of the race tracker from afar. Thankfully, Will Harris provided a detailed weather explanation to help us understand the situation. With so many strategic options visible on the tracker, his insights couldn’t have come at a better time!

Persevering Through Every Challenge - Day 60 - Vendée Globe

Mission accomplished!

Yesterday, whilst racing in 6th position, Boris Herrmann experienced one of the most intense days of his life. “I’ve never seen anything like this in my entire life, in so many years of sailing,” he said. Relentless thunderstorms, torrential rain, and a lightning strike that damaged key systems onboard Malizia-Seaexplorer tested his resilience. Despite the chaos, Boris successfully navigated through the storm, restored some of the essential systems, and kept pushing forward in the race.

Yes, Lightning Can Strike Twice - Day 59 - Vendée Globe

Two days ago, Boris Herrmann noticed the arbalète was damaged, forcing him to face one of his biggest fears: climbing the 29 meter high mast to fix it. He managed to carry out the repair like a true professional last night (our time), fully prepared and focused. Read today’s article to find out all the details of this repair and how Boris tackled the challenge head-on while he’s racing in 7th position on the Vendée Globe.

Successful Repair At Great Heights - Day 58  - Vendée Globe

Boris Herrmann happy onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer

Team Malizia signatures are still onboard with Boris

Mission of the day: repairing this!

Sunset onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer

Day 57 of the Vendée Globe brings warmer days for Boris Herrmann and warmer doesn’t necessarily mean easier. Thanks to a smart weather strategy, Boris has moved into 7th position this morning. However, today could be one of his most challenging yet, as he prepares to confront his biggest fear: climbing the mast to carry out a repair.

Secrets and Fears - Day 57  - Vendée Globe

Deforestation of Brazilian rainforests has gone back by nearly 1/3 in comparison to last year. 

Boris after the Cape Horn rounding

As Boris Herrmann sails non-stop around the world in the Vendée Globe, we take a moment to focus on the regions he passes and share stories of hope and progress. In a world where bad news often dominates, highlighting positive change reminds us that solutions are possible and action matters. This news is is brought to you by the Superredaktion and Team Malizia—because hope fuels action, and action brings change.

Climate Hope Week 8

Eye on the prize

As the Vendée Globe 2025 approaches its climactic finish, the sailors are pushing their limits in a thrilling race to the finish line. With the first arrivals expected soon and intense battles unfolding across the fleet, here’s the latest from the ocean’s fiercest competitors.

Tired But Tenacious - Day 56 - Vendee Globe

In the perfect storm

Starry starry night

Boris is caught in slow, frustrating conditions as winds and currents cancel each other out, leaving him barely moving at 6 knots. Across the fleet, bold decisions and technical setbacks are shaping the race, while the hope of reaching the trade winds keeps everyone pushing forward.

Drifting In A Storm - Day 55 - Vendée Globe

Boris Herrmann and his fellow Vendée Globe competitors endure physical challenges but also need to maintain mental strength, stay adaptable, and push forward despite the hardships.

Day 54 of the Vendée Globe brings relentless challenges as Boris Herrmann battles tough conditions since leaving the Falklands. Sailing upwind in a building sea state, the journey has been anything but pleasant. The boat slams hard against the waves, raising concerns about its integrity and testing the endurance of both skipper and vessel. With each passing day, the relentless nature of this leg feels never-ending, but Boris stays focused, determined to push through and reach calmer waters ahead.

Slamming Hard, Storm Jib on Standby - Day 54  - Vendée Globe

A mangrove in the Malizia Mangrove Park

📍 Malizia Mangrove Park, Philippines
February 2024


 Malizia Mangrove Park, Philippines February 2024 

In partnership with the Mama Earth Foundation, the Malizia Mangrove Park was created in the Philippines to combat the devastating loss of mangroves—half of which disappeared over the past century. Teaming up with Davao Oriental State University and the local community, the park initially aimed to plant one million mangroves. Thanks to generous donations, we already surpassed two million mangroves and are now aiming for five. But how do their journeys unfold—from a simple click of support to a thriving mangrove in the Philippines?

How Your Donation Turns Into A Mangrove Growing On The Coast Of The Philippines

Day 53 at sea, and Boris Herrmann is facing very tough conditions onboard. Currently racing in 9th position, Boris is battling through relentless challenges. Despite the hardships, Boris continues to push forward with determination, staying focused on the finish line of the Vendée Globe.

Fighting Upwind In A Corridor Of Breeze - Day 53  - Vendée Globe

Boris receives his UN Ocean Decade Team T-Shirt

Gathering of members of the German UN Ocean Decade Committee 2024

A Race We Must Win - Climate Action Now! - We carry our mission on the sails of our IMOCA

This new year kicks off an exciting chapter for Team Malizia, as we look forward to our skipper Boris Herrmann finishing his second Vendée Globe and our team participating in the upcoming The Ocean Race Europe 2025 this summer. It also marks the one-year anniversary of our skipper being named an ambassador for the German Committee of the United Nations’ Decade of the Ocean, and our Head of Sustainability and Partnerships, Cornelius Eich, joining the committee as a member. What is the Ocean Decade exactly and why is 2025 an important year?

Happy 2025 Everyone! This new year kicks off an exciting chapter for Team Malizia, as we look forward to our skipper Boris Herrmann finishing his second Vendée Globe and our team participating in the upcoming The Ocean Race Europe 2025 this summer. It also marks the one-year anniversary of our skipper being named an ambassador for the German Committee of the United Nations’ Decade of the Ocean, and our Head of Sustainability and Partnerships, Cornelius Eich, joining the committee as a member. What is the Ocean Decade exactly and why is 2025 an important year?

The UN Ocean Decade: Charting a Sustainable Future for Our Ocean

Frohes neues Jahr! Happy New Year! Bonne Année!

Boris Herrmann celebrated New Year’s Eve at sea under challenging, bouncy conditions, far from ideal for marking the occasion. Currently racing in 9th position, he’s locked in a close fight with the “hunter pack.” With two more days of rough weather ahead, Boris has already covered 74.1% of the race and is steadily inching closer to the finish line.

Happy Bouncy New Year - Day 52  - Vendée Globe

“This is an adjustable wedge in the back of the foil case”

Hundreds of Chinese fishing vessels in one spot!

This morning, Boris Herrmann is sailing in 9th position, preparing to tackle what could be "a tough day" ahead. With an approaching weather front, worsening sea conditions, and hundreds of fishing boats in his path, the challenges are mounting. Stay tuned to see how the day unfolds!

Heading Towards the Front - Day 51  - Vendée Globe

With the sun shining and calm seas, we imagine Boris Herrmann must be feeling much better, he's certainly picking up speed! After rounding Cape Horn, his group of competitors is now navigating light winds near the Falkland Islands. Stay tuned, as today could be the day Boris breaks into the Top 5!

Top 5 in sight? - Day 50  - Vendée Globe

Krill eat phytoplankton and excrete faecal matter that sink straight to the bottom of the ocean, locking away CO2 for years. 

Krill swarms can be seen from space!

The Southern Ocean has an abundance of marine life: whales, seals, sea birds and penguins are generally animals that come to mind – not the small crustacean krill. However krill play a vital role in the Southern Ocean’s ecosystem and a key part in climate change.

Krill: Small But Creating A Big Impact

Krill: Small With A Big Impact

Sunshine And Smiles

To celebrate the Cape Horn rounding, Boris had a glass of champagne. Now it seems he has champagne sailing! 

Kids Event! 

Day 49, and Boris Herrmann has enjoyed 24 hours of respite after leaving the Pacific, which had truly pushed him to his wit's end in recent days. However, the calm is likely to be short-lived, with two low-pressure systems lined up to shake up the pack.

Boris Battles On - Day 49 - Vendée Globe

Indigenous communities are now equitably involved in land use in Guatemala 

Climate Hope Week 7

Disappointed about having missed the Horn, Boris uses a digital image to construct a moment that never was. Seeing the horn would have surely lifted Boris' spirits... maybe next time?

Food for the soul. 

Hello Paul! Sailing alongside Paul, battling it out for 7th place. 

On the morning of the 28th of December, Boris achieved a significant milestone of the Vendee Globe around the world solo race: rounding Cape Horn. After 48 days at sea and some grueling weeks spent circumnavigating the Antarctic, Boris can now look forward to 24h of calm - the calm before the next storm.

Cape 3/3 - Day 48 - Vendee Globe

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Boris Herrmann

We compete on the highest level in the toughest races, inspire action & create awareness and highlight solutions to the climate crisis.

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My Ocean Challenge event in Monaco, in front of the Yacht Club de Monaco

YACHT CLUB DE MONACO

EFG International

Boris as the patron of the Planet Hero Award 2022

Zurich Group Germany

Kuehne+Nagel

MSC 

Hapag Lloyd 175 year anniversary

Hapag Lloyd

SCHÜTZ

My Ocean Challenge Event at the Musée Océanographique de Monaco with Boris Herrmann, Pierre Casiraghi & Léa Olivier.

Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation