After a good start, the ocean-going sailor from Hamburg struggled with engine problems in the legendary transatlantic regatta – and with a lack of sleep.
The first regatta with his new boat is very strenuous for Herrmann right from the start. Exhausted, the 41-year-old reported for the first time on Thursday evening after starting the solo adventure, which leads over 3,542 nautical miles (6,562 kilometers) from the Breton port city of Saint-Malo to Pointe-à-Pitre on Guadeloupe, from aboard the “Malizia-Seaexplorer “.
“I’m super tired and also a little worried because at the moment I really don’t know if I can make it. There are problems with the engine,” said the man from Hamburg. “I still haven’t really slept, just little bursts of five or ten minutes here and there.”
Difficulty keeping the engine running
On the first night of the regatta, it took a lot of effort to keep the engine running. “A fuse blew, I found water in the machine and only a liter of engine oil on board. That’s quite worrying because energy on board is obviously important.” But he thinks everything will be fine and is now trying to get some sleep, said the native of Oldenburg. “Then the world will look different again.”
The engines are an essential component on board the high-tech racing yachts because they drive the alternators, which in turn charge the batteries.
Currently in 19th place
After a good start, Herrmann lost touch with the leading group. He is currently 19th in the Imoca class. Favorite Charlie Dalin (France) has so far controlled the field with the Apivia. The German-French Isabelle Joschke is twelfth with her “MACSF” as the best woman.
The overall leader of the fleet is the Frenchman Charles Caudrelier on the trimaran giant “Maxi Edmond de Rothschild”. His early start and the associated time penalty of four hours has now been lifted after his team appealed.
Out for Paralympic champion Seguin after a collision
Two days after the start there are also the first failures. This also includes the French Paralympics winner Damien Seguin, for whom a nightmare came true: On Friday night, a cargo ship rammed him 250 nautical miles west of Les Sables d’Olonne. The mast of his yacht “Apicil” broke. Seguin was unharmed, did not ask for outside help and turned back.
This topic in the program:
sports club | 11/13/2022 | 10:50 p.m
