In the middle of the ocean, the family far away in Hamburg: Boris Herrmann is experiencing special celebrations on the solo Vendée Globe circumnavigation in the middle of the Southern Ocean on board his Malizia – Seaexplorer. It’s still Christmassy.
Just in time for Christmas, the rough southern sea gives Boris Herrmann a little break. “The wind is a little more moderate, the sky is a little less gray and the waves are a little smaller,” reported the Hamburg resident from on board the Malizia – Seaexplorer. “We can expect to get through this day without stress and devote some time to our families.”
“We,” by which the 43-year-old father means a whole group of soloists who are currently “within shouting distance, so to speak” (Herrmann).
The five-time circumnavigator is only 40 nautical miles (74 kilometers) behind his former navigator Nicolas Lunven (Holcim – PRB) in seventh place, with Briton Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable), Frenchman Paul Meilhat (Biotherm) and defending champion Yannick Bestaven ( Maitre CoQ V) is also only between around 25 and 50 nautical miles behind the Oldenburg native, while that Top duo Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkéa) and Charlie Dalin (Macif Santé Prévoyance) even passed the legendary Cape Horn in record time.
Herrmann: “I’m coping well with the race”
They are all competitors, of course, but also buddies and companions in fate near the ice border. “We write to each other and wish each other a Merry Christmas,” reported the Malizia skipper, who had feared loneliness the most beforehand. At his Vendée premiere four years ago, which was very successful with fifth place, she had given him a lot of trouble.
After all, he has already passed Point Nemo, the point in the world that is furthest away from any mainland. “Overall, I’m in a better mood and I’m coping well with the race. For me personally, that’s a big success,” he said.
Antarctic exclusion zone
The Ice Zone, or Antarctic Exclusion Zone, surrounds the South Pole to prevent race participants from taking a shorter route that risks encountering drifting pack ice, icebergs or growlers – small masses of ice floating in the water. The zone is constantly monitored by satellites to identify pack ice movements and broken icebergs. The zone may change if race management is notified of drifting ice on the course.
Felt Christmas tree and a hearty stew
After stressful days in chaotic seas, a scary moment with a near capsize and lots of maneuvers, Herrmann wants to make himself look nice on board for the holidays. A teddy bear with a red pointed hat stands on a shelf next to his Advent calendar; just in time for the festival, he experienced snow on the high seas for the first time a few days ago.
“I have a small Christmas tree on board made of felt that you can also decorate, gifts and, like at the last Vendée Globe, a special Christmas dish,” he said. To celebrate the day there is cassoulet, a hearty French stew. “I’ll have a nice day and think of my loved ones at home.”
View of Cape Horn in daylight?
After a disappointing and disastrous phase at the start in the Atlantic, the circumnavigator is now focused on further improving his ranking. The first two seem uncatchable – but what happens behind them? It’s still a long way to the start and destination port of Les Sables-d’Olonne.
Cape Horn is the next big landmark, a place of longing for Herrmann that he should reach this year. And maybe his wish will come true and he can catch a glimpse of the iconic rock again. It would make a nice belated Christmas present.
This topic in the program:
Sports current | 12/27/2024 | 9:17 a.m
