Boris Herrmann, skipper of Malizia - Seaexplorer

The renowned rope manufacturer Gleistein and the successful German sailor Boris Herrmann, together with his Team Malizia, announce their future collaboration.

Malizia - Seaexplorer during the Défi Azimut 2023

Tying The Knot - Gleistein And Team Malizia Announce Partnership

After discovering significant damage to his port foil yesterday, Boris Herrmann successfully managed to keep the foil onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer by retracting it into the boat and securing it with a rope system. As he continues his Vendée Globe race, Boris faces another week at sea ahead of him. Let’s hope for smooth sailing in the days to come.

Bringing Her Home: That’s The Deal Now - Day 68 - Vendée Globe

This morning, Team Malizia’s skipper Boris Herrmann informed his team and race management about serious damage to the port foil of his Malizia - Seaexplorer racing yacht following a collision with an OANI (abbreviation of a French term for “unidentified object or animal” used when the skipper does not know what he collided with). 

Boris Reports Damage to Port Foil - Day 67 - Vendée Globe

With the podium of the Vendée Globe 2024-2025 now decided, Boris Herrmann continues his push toward Les Sables d’Olonne, determined to catch up with Justine Mettraux and Thomas Ruyant while skillfully navigating around the challenging sargasso seaweeds.

Keep Pushing Boris - Day 66 - Vendée Globe

Charlie Dalin winner of the Vendée Globe 2024 - 2025

While Charlie Dalin crossed the finish line last night, Boris Herrmann marked a significant milestone of his own by crossing the Equator! Boris returned to the Northern Hemisphere, ticking off one of the last milestones along the Vendée Globe race course. Sailing over the virtual line in 9th place, the German sailor stays focussed on the 3,200 nautical miles remaining and the battle to break into the top five.

Welcome Back In The Northern Hemisphere - Day 65 - Vendée Globe

After a tough and eventful week, we’re hoping for calmer seas and smoother sailing for Boris Herrmann on Malizia-Seaexplorer. Now racing in 9th place and nearing the Equator, Boris is giving it his all, staying focused and determined to close the gap with the leaders. With trade winds ahead, he’s pushing hard to climb the rankings and finish strong in the Vendée Globe. Stay tuned for the latest on his inspiring journey!

New Week, New Opportunities  - Day 64 - Vendée Globe

After an intense week of repairs, mast climbs, and even a lightning strike, the rollercoaster seems to have settled for Boris Herrmann. Our skipper has just crossed his own wake from earlier in the Vendée Globe, marking a symbolic milestone. However, the race is far from over. Boris still faces a distance equivalent to the Transat Jacques Vabre before reaching Les Sables d’Olonne. He remains determined, pushing hard to break into the top five.

The Loop Is Complete - Day 63 - Vendée Globe

Wind turbines in Uruguay.

Facing challenges head-on and not backing down. Boris climbing the mast.

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 9

Checklist for the mast climb

Temporary setup to then climb and fix the J2 issue

Another problem solved: Team Malizia’s Boris Herrmann has successfully completed the repairs needed to use his J2 sail again. As his most frequently used headsail, restoring it was critical for the German skipper to stay competitive after a broken hook rendered the sail unusable. With less than 4,000 miles remaining in the round-the-world Vendée Globe race, the successful repair, amidst an already strenuous week for the solo sailor, comes as a huge relief.

Another successful mast climb for Boris Herrmann (this photo was taken on Day 57)

Back Sailing on J2 After Successful Mast Climb and Repair - Day 62 - Vendée Globe

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

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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.

As Boris sails around the globe, we’re reminded of how vast and connected the community of sailors, Ocean lovers and climate action enthusiasts truly is. Every day, we’re inspired by hundreds of messages from supporters across the world - each one a testament to the global impact of this journey. 

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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