Boris as a kid sailing

Loïck peyron Vendee Globe 1989 - 1990

Boris Herrmann first Vendée Globe in 2020

As the 2024 Vendée Globe approaches, Boris Herrmann reflects on his long and winding journey to participate in one of the most grueling solo races in the world. Set to begin on November 10th, this will be Boris’ second Vendée Globe, but his passion for sailing, and for this particular race, began long before he first took to the starting line.  

A Lifelong Journey to the Vendée Globe

Ice core drilling during the MOSAiC expedition with R/V Polarstern in the Arctic

Scientists can reconstruct past sea surface temperatures and salinity levels by analysing coral skeletons.

Team Malizia carries its A Race We Must Win - Climate Action Now! slogan on its sails and measures valuable Ocean data to help further research as they race around the world

Boris Herrmann as he deployed a drifter buoy in the Southern Ocean during the Leg 3 of The Ocean Race 2022-2023

Extreme weather events: devastation of Bolivar Peninsula (Texas, USA) following Hurricane Ike

Data helps to predict future climate scenarios and communities to prepare for challenges to come or improve their climate risk resilience

Data is the foundation of scientific research and unlocks insights into how our world works. This is particularly crucial in climate science, where data helps to understand environmental changes and predict future conditions. Driven by our A Race We Must Win - Climate Action Now! mission, our team collects valuable Ocean data while racing around the world, contributing to scientific research and addressing pressing global environmental challenges. Dive deeper into the fascinating world of Ocean data and discover how it can help shape our future.

There is still an incredible amount of data to be collected in the vast Ocean

Understanding The World We Sail Around With The Data We Collect

Boris Herrmann x OLYMP

Boris Herrmann onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer

Boris Herrmann and OLYMP launch second collection focussing on organic cotton

Team Malizia’s skipper Boris Herrmann and the German fashion brand have launched their second collection made of 100% sustainable materials today. Called “No Dye”, this new collection consisting of seven pieces focuses on organic cotton - undyed and naturally beautiful. Together, Boris Herrmann and OLYMP are continuing their joint commitment to sustainability and creating a diverse range of clothing.

Boris Herrmann and OLYMP Launch Second Collection Focussing On Organic Cotton

Arriving in Les Sables d'Olonne

Aerial view of the Race Village

Clément working onboard Malizia

Corentin working onboard Malizia Seaexplorer

And just like that, we have arrived in Les Sables d’Olonne, ready for three weeks of celebration leading up to the Vendée Globe! The race village officially opened this morning, Saturday 19th of October, under pouring rain, but fortunately, the afternoon brought sunshine and smiles.

Welcome to Les Sables d’Olonne! 

In this special episode, we say farewell and express our gratitude to our incredible partners, friends, and family in Hamburg. Join us in Boris’s hometown for a heartfelt send-off before the Vendée Globe begins.

Farewell Party - Episode 5 - Malizia’s Road To The Vendée Globe 🛣️ ➡️ 🌍

The Vendée Globe race course

The IMOCA fleet at the Vendée Globe 2020-2021 start

Boris Herrmann is about to compete in his second Vendée Globe

Only one month to go until the start of the Vendée Globe race, with our skipper Boris Herrmann tackling this iconic round-the-world challenge for the second time. To make sure you don’t miss a thing, we compiled everything you need to know about the race.

Malizia - Seaexplorer is ready to race once again at top speeds in the Southern Ocean during the upcoming Vendée Globe

Everything You Need To Know About The Vendée Globe

Zurich Deutschland CEO Dr. Carsten Schildknecht gemeinsam mit den Planet Hero Award Gewinnerinnen und Gewinnern 2024

Planet Hero Award 2024

2021 haben Boris Herrmanns Team Malizia und Zurich Deutschland den Planet Hero Award ins Leben gerufen

Die hochkarätig besetzte Jury des Planet Hero Awards 2024

This year's winners of the Planet Hero Awards are now known. Yesterday evening, Boris Herrmann and Zurich Group Germany selected Germany's Planet Heroes 2024. Since 2021, the Planet Hero Award annually honours projects in three categories: climate protection, biodiversity, ocean and water protection.

Boris Herrmann and Zurich announce Planet Heroes 2024

My Ocean Challenge kids event in The Hague during The Ocean Race 2022-2023- The Hague, Netherlands

Team Malizia organises My Ocean Challenge events throughout the year, since they are hybrid and we offer several languages, there’s certainly one that you can attend from anywhere in the world!

My Online My Ocean Challenge kids event with Unesco school Gymnasium Grootmoor in May 2022

Upcoming My Ocean Challenge Kids Events

Upcoming Kids Events

Holly Cova, Team Director of Team Malizia

Will Harris our co-skipper climbing up the mast

Will Harris our co-skipper working with Boris Herrmann

Getting the spair ready for Vendée Globe

Paméla Fertil, in charge of the technical logistics

Helene Katz our Head of Communications

As we gear up for the Vendée Globe, Team Malizia is in full swing, preparing for what will be the ultimate test of endurance, skill, and reliability. While our skipper Boris Herrmann will be sailing solo around the globe, the saying that "80% of the race is won on land" has never felt more true. Behind the scenes, our team is working tirelessly to ensure everything is ready for this epic adventure.

D-36 The team is steaming ahead on all fronts

An enormous football stadium filled with around five hundred excited children, tons of sports, activities, and a dash of science — sounds familiar, right? For the third consecutive year, which officially marks it as a tradition, Team Malizia partnered with Zurich Group Germany to host their annual Sports and Climate Event at SC Viktoria Cologne's football stadium. 

500 Kids in the Race for Climate Action

Getting the Ball Rolling: Team Malizia and Zurich Inspire Kids for Climate Action

This episode is all about racing! Welcome onboard Malizia Seaexplorer during the Défi Azimut which is the final race before the Vendée Globe. Boris Herrmann is back in action, facing off against the IMOCA fleet in this last showdown just two months before the big event.   Cole Brauer is onboard a watchkeeper and Antoine Auriol as onboard reporter. 

Last Race - Malizia’s Road To The Vendée Globe #4

Malizia - Seaexplorer at the finish line of the Défi Azimut 2024 in Lorient

Laser focussed Boris Herrmann onboard his IMOCA racing yacht

Malizia - Seaexplorer with her spinnaker designed by New York artist Sarah Morris

Skipper Boris Herrmann, watch keeper Cole Brauer, and onboard reporter Antoine Auriol at the arrival of the Défi Azimut 48h race

Light winds and beautiful sunset in the Bay of Biscay during the 48h race of the Défi Azimut

Boris Herrmann finished tenth in the Défi Azimut 48h race this Saturday, using the final race before the Vendée Globe as key preparation for the upcoming round-the-world challenge.

Boris Herrmann is ready for the Vendée Globe

“We Are Ready ”- Boris Herrmann Finishes Défi Azimut Looking Forward To The Vendée Globe 

“We Are Ready ”- Boris Herrmann Finishes The Défi Azimut 48h Race Looking Forward To The Vendée Globe 

Malizia Seaexplorer flying during the 48 hours race

Sunrise onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer

Cole Brauer onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer

We’re excited to share a glimpse of the action from aboard Malizia - Seaexplorer during the first 24 hours of the Défi 48 Hours.

Défi 48 Hours: Exclusive Onboard Photos

Défi 48h Onboard Photos

Boris Herrmann onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer just after the start

The IMOCA fleet at the start of the 2024 Défi Azimut 48h race

Malizia - Seaexplorer skippered by Boris Herrmann was off to a great start

American sailor Cole Brauer is watch keeper during this "fake solo" race

Boris Herrmann in the front pack at the start of the Défi Azimut

After passing the island of Groix to port, the IMOCA fleet is heading south

He is racing in the Atlantic again: Team Malizia’s Boris Herrmann took the start of the Défi Azimut 48h race today in fantastic foiling conditions. Like many of his 18 competitors, the Malizia - Seaexplorer skipper is sailing in “fake solo” mode, with USA sailor Cole Brauer as watch keeper and Antoine Auriol as onboard reporter, in this last race before the Vendée Globe.

Boris Herrmann and his Malizia - Seaexplorer are off to a flying start in the Défi Azimut 48h rac

Défi Azimut: Boris Herrmann Off To A Flying Start

Défi Azimut: Boris Herrmann Off To A Flying Start In Final Race Before Vendée Globe

Malizia - Seaexplorer during the Défi Azimut speed runs

Boris Herrmann onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer this Wednesday

Antoine Auriol is back as our onboard reporter this week!

Cole Brauer and Will Harris sailing onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer

Lift off!

Malizia - Seaexplorer flying this afternoon offshore Lorient during the Défi Azimut speed runs

During the Défi Azimut’s speed runs, the IMOCA boat aim to go as fast as possible, in a straight line, in order to set a reference time. It's the perfect opportunity to see them reach breakneck speeds. And with today’s perfect conditions, the spectacle was guaranteed! Enjoy some of our favorite photos from the day.

Our Favorite Photos From The Défi Azimut Speed Runs

Wheeling mode into the finish for Malizia - Seaexplorer

The 14th edition of the Défi Azimut - Lorient Agglomération is almost here, kicking off the return to competition before the grand finale of the year, the Vendée Globe. From 10th to 15th September 2024, Lorient La Base will be buzzing with the thrill of offshore racing as the top IMOCA skippers gather for this unique event. Expect a spectacular showdown as we go head-to-head with the other IMOCA teams in the final warm-up.  Excitement is building—get ready to follow every moment of the action!

How To Follow The Défi Azimut 2024

In this episode, it's all about team spirit! Preparing for a solo challenge like the Vendée Globe takes a whole crew, and our team's strength is our biggest asset. As we reunite for the Défi Azimut in Lorient, Antoine Auriol, our Fly Captain, is here to check in on the team’s energy just two months before the big race. 

In this episode, it's all about team spirit!

All Together - Malizia’s Road To The Vendée Globe #3

In this exciting new episode, Boris Herrmann is back on the water, training with the IMOCA fleet! This is a crucial moment for fine-tuning and optimizing our performance as we edge closer to the Vendée Globe.

Pôle Finistère Training - Malizia’s Road To The Vendée Globe 🛣️ ➡️ 🌍

Pôle Finistère Training - Malizia’s Road To The Vendée Globe #2

Welcome to "Malizia’s Road To The Vendée Globe" a thrilling vlog series that takes you behind the scenes of one of the most challenging solo sailing races in the world.  Team Malizia is proud to open the doors to our intense preparation process for Boris Herrmann’s solo challenge as we gear up for the legendary Vendée Globe.

"Malizia’s Road To The Vendée Globe" is a thrilling vlog series that takes you behind the scenes of one of the most challenging solo sailing races in the world.  Team Malizia is proud to open the doors to our intense preparation process for Boris Herrmann’s solo challenge as we gear up for the legendary Vendée Globe.

Welcome to "Malizia’s Road To The Vendée Globe"

Malizia Seaexplorer launch after the summer refit in Lorient

Our rigging team working onboard.

Rebecca & Jesse plugging the foils in

Those that have been following our team over the years know: Summers in the offshore sailing community do not really rhyme with holidays but rather with intense refits! But what did the technical team work on until they re-launched the boat yesterday in Lorient, Brittany?

Ready to tackle the final stretch before the Vendée Globe

Team Malizia is back refreshed and ready to tackle the final stretch before the Vendée Globe. Mark your calendars, the next weeks are going to be busy!

Mark Your Calendars: We're Back! 

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