The Ultimate Challenge: Team Malizia Takes On the Vendée Globe
With just weeks until the start of what's known as the "Everest of the Seas," anticipation is building for the 2024 Vendée Globe race. All eyes are on Team Malizia as skipper, Boris Herrmann prepares for his second attempt at one of sailing's most formidable challenges.
What makes The Vendée Globe so extraordinary?
Imagine sailing 45,000 kilometers around the world - alone, non-stop, and without any assistance. This isn't just any race; it's a test of human endurance, technical expertise, and mental fortitude that few dare to attempt. Since its inception in 1989, only 114 sailors out of 200 starters have successfully completed this mammoth challenge.
This year's edition features an impressive fleet of 40 IMOCA-class boats, with improved diversity on previous years: 34 men, 6 women, and 2 skippers with disabilities taking on this extraordinary challenge. The current record, set by Armel Le Cléac'h in 2017, stands at 74 days and 3 hours - a testament to how far modern ocean racing has come.
Breaking Barriers: Boris Herrmann's Quest
After making history as the first German to compete in the Vendée Globe and securing an impressive fifth place in the 2020-2021 edition, Boris Herrmann returns with even greater ambitions. His new vessel, Malizia - Seaexplorer, has been built incorporating crucial insights gained from his previous Southern Ocean experience. Since its launch in July 2022, the boat has already proven its worth, racing nearly three times around the globe in various configurations.
Racing for a Greater Purpose
What sets Team Malizia apart is their commitment to ocean research through their "A Race We Must Win - Climate Action Now!" mission. Since 2018, their boat has carried a sophisticated onboard laboratory, collecting vital Ocean CO2, temperature, and salinity data. This information, gathered from some of the world's most remote waters, provides scientists with invaluable insights into climate change and ocean health.
The Ultimate Test of Self-Reliance
The race's rules create the ultimate challenge in self-sufficiency. Competitors must handle everything alone: navigation, repairs, medical issues, and mental challenges. When sailors reach Point Nemo, they're literally closer to astronauts in the International Space Station than to any other humans on Earth! The only assistance allowed is remote guidance from the race doctor for medical issues, and while sailors can consult their technical team about repairs, they must execute all fixes alone using only onboard resources.
The Route: A Journey Through Nature's Extremes
Starting from Les Sables d'Olonne, France, the route takes sailors through every imaginable condition our oceans can present. From the Atlantic's challenging waters to the treacherous Southern Ocean, past three legendary capes (Good Hope, Leeuwin, and Horn), the journey tests both equipment and human spirit to their absolute limits. The actual distance often exceeds the official 45,000 kilometers as sailors navigate through ever-changing winds, waves, and weather systems.
Preparing for Victory
As one of the favorites in this year's race, Herrmann maintains a humble perspective despite his recent achievements, including his win in The Ocean Race's Southern Ocean Leg and back-to-back second-place finishes in recent transatlantic races. He acknowledges the incredible depth of talent in the fleet, noting that 6 to 10 skippers are capable of securing victory or a podium finish.
Following the Adventure
The race begins on November 10, 2024, with the iconic channel exit from Les Sables d'Olonne between 08:00 and 10:00 CET, followed by the race start at 13:02 CET. Fans can follow the action through Team Malizia's daily updates, including videos, photos, and audio notes from Boris, as well as through the official race tracker.
The Countdown Begins
As the start date approaches, the sailing world watches with anticipation. Boris Herrmann and Team Malizia represent not just the pursuit of sporting excellence, but also the crucial mission of advancing our understanding of ocean health and climate change. Their journey embodies the spirit of modern ocean racing - pushing the boundaries of human achievement while contributing to scientific knowledge that could help preserve our oceans for future generations.
Follow Team Malizia's progress through their daily updates and race tracker, and join in supporting this extraordinary adventure that combines athletic excellence with crucial climate research.
