The solo race, which has taken place every four years since 1989, is regarded as the “Everest of the Seas” and is one of the toughest tests for both man and material. The race starts and finishes in Les Sables d’Olonne, France. There’s a good reason why only 114 of the 200 professional sailors who have ever started the race have actually completed it: the route crosses some of the roughest waters on the planet and takes the sailors past the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin and Cape Horn.

Alone, non-stop, without help – a unique challenge

The route is not the only challenge of the Vendée Globe. The strict rules also make the race the ultimate test: skippers are completely on their own; they are not allowed to seek outside help and have to repair any damage on board themselves. This means that they are not only battling the elements, but also loneliness, a mental strain that can push even experienced sailors to their limits. In particularly remote areas, such as Point Nemo, the loneliest place on earth, the closest person is often an astronaut on the ISS.

Boris Herrmann faces these challenges with a sense of humility and the knowledge that between six to ten skippers are among the favourites this year. That said, the tide can turn quickly on the high seas and, in addition to experience, ingenuity is often called for. We wish Boris Herrmann all the best for the long, challenging journey and are eagerly looking forward to seeing how he faces the unpredictability of the world’s oceans with mental strength, technical know-how and a healthy dose of fighting spirit.

Fans and supporters can follow the progress of the race live on the Team Malizia website at https://www.team-malizia.com/live