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Boris Herrmann

Loïs Berrehar

Cole Brauer

Francesca Clapcich

Flore Hartout

We compete on the highest level in the toughest races, inspire action & create awareness and highlight solutions to the climate crisis.

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Ein Leben für das Segeln und den Schutz der Meere: Spitzensegler Boris Herrmann veröffentlicht am 22. Oktober 2025 sein neues Buch “Die Welt unter meinem Boot” und nimmt gemeinsam mit Co-Autor Walter Wüllenweber die Leserinnen und Leser mit auf eine faszinierende Reise unter die Wasseroberfläche.

– In seinem neuen Buch »Die Welt unter meinem Boot« berichtet Boris Herrmann über das, was ihn zum Ausnahmesportler gemacht hat und was ihm sein Engagement für Wissenschaft und Naturschutz bedeutet. Boris Herrmann und Co-Autor Walter Wüllenweber blicken unter die Wasseroberfläche und entführen die Leser und Leserinnen in eine faszinierende, bedrohte Meereswelt. »Die Welt unter meinem Boot« erscheint am 22. Oktober 2025 bei C.Bertelsmann und ist ab sofort 

Wie ist Boris Herrmann zu dem Ausnahmesegler geworden, der er ist? Welche Erlebnisse, welche Menschen haben ihn geprägt? Was ist ihm wichtig? Seit seiner Teilnahme an der Soloweltumseglung Vendée Globe im Winter 2020/21 ist Boris Herrmann auch Nichtseglern ein Begriff. Im Winter 2024/25 war er erneut bei dieser härtesten Regatta der Welt dabei und musste in 80 Tagen allein auf hoher See einige Herausforderungen meistern. Aus seinen Erinnerungen und Gesprächen mit Weggefährten, die Co-Autor Walter Wüllenweber geführt hat, entsteht das Bild eines Spitzensportlers, der sich nicht nur immer wieder Extremen aussetzt und an körperliche und mentale Grenzen geht, sondern der sich auch intensiv mit der gefährdeten Welt unter seinem Boot beschäftigt und sich für den Schutz der Meere engagiert.

Erstmals gibt er hier Einblicke in ein faszinierendes Projekt, das in enger Zusammenarbeit mit Meeresforschungsinstituten entsteht. Zahlreiche farbige Abbildungen im Text veranschaulichen eindrucksvoll die Botschaft der beiden Autoren.

Rezensionsexemplare können bei Susanne Meier (Penguin | C.Bertelsmann) angefragt werden: 

Boris Herrmann präsentierte sein neues Buch bei der Malizia Pressekonferenz zum Start des Ocean Race Europe 2025 in Kiel ©️ Ricardo Pinto | Team Malizia

, geboren 1981 in Oldenburg, ist der bekannteste deutsche Segler. Der Profisportler nahm 2020/21 erstmals an der Vendée Globe teil, einer Regatta für Solo-Segler, die nonstop um die Erde führt. Sein Buch über das Rennen, »Allein zwischen Himmel und Meer«, wurde ein großer Bestsellererfolg. 2023 startete Herrmann mit einer neuen Rennyacht und einem vierköpfigen Team beim Ocean Race. Die seit 50 Jahren durchgeführte Regatta um die Erde gilt als härtester Teamwettbewerb der Sportwelt. »Abenteuer Ocean Race« erzählt die spannende Geschichte dieses Rennens. Gemeinsam mit seiner Frau Birte Lorenzen-Herrmann und seinem Team Malizia betreibt er das internationale Bildungsprojekt »Malizia Ocean Challenge«. Von November 2024 bis Januar 2025 segelte Boris Herrmann erneut die Vendée Globe.

, Jahrgang 1962, ist Journalist, Buchautor und Segler. Er besuchte die Henri-Nannen-Journalistenschule in Hamburg, war Reporter der »Berliner Zeitung« und 30 Jahre Autor des Magazins »stern«. Zudem hat er Bücher verfasst: »Wir Fernsehkinder« (1994), »Die Asozialen« (2012) und »Frohe Botschaft« (2018). Als Journalist wurde Wüllenweber mehrfach ausgezeichnet, u.a. mit dem »Deutschen Sozialpreis« und als »Reporter des Jahres«, auch erhielt er mehrere Nominierungen zum Henri-Nannen-Preis. Mit seinen beruflichen Erfolgen können die seglerischen nicht ganz mithalten – doch zu ein paar Pokalen auf der Regattabahn hat es gereicht.

 ist nur durch das starke und dauerhafte Engagement seiner 

 möglich: die Zurich Gruppe Deutschland, Kuehne+Nagel, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hapag-Lloyd, Schütz, KPMG Deutschland, der Yacht Club de Monaco und EFG International. Diese Partner stehen hinter dem Team Malizia, um dessen Kampagne zu unterstützen. Jeder von ihnen arbeitet an Projekten in seinem Bereich, um innovative Lösungen für die Klimakrise zu finden.

Ein Leben für das Segeln und den Schutz der Meere: Spitzensegler Boris Herrmann veröffentlicht am 22. Oktober 2025 sein neues Buch “Die Welt unter meinem Boot” und nimmt gemeinsam mit Co-Autor Walter Wüllenweber die Leserinnen und Leser mit auf eine faszinierende Reise unter die Wasseroberfläche.   

Team Malizias Boris Herrmann veröffentlich mit Co-Autor Walter Wüllenweber "Die Welt unter meinem Boot"

 Boris Herrmann betrachtet in seinem neuen Buch »Die Welt unter meinem Boot«

After completing the longest leg of The Ocean Race Europe 2025, the fleet of seven IMOCA boats has set off on Leg 3, a fast and tactical sprint through the heart of the Mediterranean towards Nice, France. With a varied condition course ahead, Team Malizia led by skipper Boris Herrmann, and a fresh crew of Loïs Berrehar, Cole Brauer, Francesca Clapcich, and onboard reporter Flore Hartout, is aiming to make the most of every mile on their way to the only French stopover of the race.

– In the Spanish summer heat this Tuesday afternoon, the fleet of seven IMOCA boats waved goodbye to their shore teams and fans in Cartagena before taking the start of 

. At 15:00 local time (13:00 UTC), under hazy sunshine and 15–16 knots of east-northeasterly wind, the racing yachts set off on a fast and tactical 680-nautical mile sprint through the heart of the Mediterranean towards Nice, France.

“Our goal is always to achieve our full potential and to do as well as we can with this boat, the resources, and the team we have,” commented skipper 

 before the start. “This race seems tricky, so we need to stay in a good mood, keep the flow, and fight until the end. It won’t be over until it’s over, and there might be surprises at the finish.”

The German is back onboard as skipper of 

 for the remaining legs of The Ocean Race Europe 2025, racing in Leg 3 alongside co-skippers 

 (FRA/NED). “We’re happy with the strategy we made regarding crew changes, keeping fresh energy in every leg and having Will back fresh for the important final push,” he adds. “Of course, we’ll miss Will a lot; I already do. But it’s also exciting to sail with young sailors like Frankie and Loïs, with whom I haven’t sailed much yet. It feels like a new discovery and makes us stronger for the future.”

“It was definitely a short stopover here in Cartagena,” notes co-skipper 

. “It’s always a lot of work for the shore team, especially with so few days on the dock. There are events, partners, media, and fans to meet, but it’s part of the game. We knew the Ocean Race Europe would be a sprint around Europe, both on the water and on land. It’s been great so far, the village was full of people, the Spanish crowd loves seeing the boats and the offshore racing world, and we tried to rest. Now we are excited to get going!”

After focusing on taking a good start, which they did, the team set their sights on the 

. They opted for a bold southern route, involving fewer manoeuvres than the rest of the fleet, which stayed closer to the coast. In the first two hours of upwind racing, it remained unclear who would reach the scoring gate first. In the end, the strategy did not pay off for 

 took the lead, scoring the maximum points possible since the start in Kiel. “We actually had a really nice shift to the right, playing the right side with more wind,” commented Boris Herrmann after the gate. “It was close, and it could really have gone our way in a big way, but it didn’t unfortunately.”

The next opportunity to grab points will be at the arrival in Nice, but it won’t be a direct Cartagena-to-Nice trip either. “Race management made a recent amendment to change the course a bit and push us into specific areas to lengthen it,” says co-skipper 

. “Without that, these IMOCA boats would’ve been in Nice in no time! We’ll leave the Balearic Islands to starboard, head north, pass a waypoint near Saint-Tropez, sail down to the north of Corsica at Giraglia, then back up to Nice. I think the changes in the race course will make it interesting. I’m also excited to bring some new energy to the team, and I’m feeling confident we can bring home a podium finish, hopefully.”

“There are two key points in terms of weather and strategy”, explains co-skipper 

, who is responsible for the navigation in this leg. “First, two small secondary low-pressure systems between here and the Balearic Islands: we’ll have to cross them. Depending on how they move, it could be quick… or very slow, because there’s no wind inside them. Then, in the second part, further north, we’ll have the Tramontane, a strong wind coming from the Atlantic and down the French mountains. So the first half will be slower, the second half more full-on. This leg will probably be even more intense, and just because it’s shorter doesn’t mean it’s easier. With the current weather, there’s no chance of getting bored.” 

“Right now, we have a low-pressure system that we’re unsure about”, 

 adds. “The models aren’t very clear, and it could be an obstacle near Mallorca. The low might interfere there, and the strategy, whether to stay close to shore or go further out, is still uncertain. After Denia, there are still a few question marks about what happens afterward.”

, who grew up in a town on the Adriatic Sea, knows how tricky the Mediterranean can be: “I think many people underestimate it. We don’t have massive weather systems like those coming from the middle of the Atlantic. Instead, it’s lots of local effects, sea breezes, small pressure systems that change quickly. I think that's almost the best part of The Ocean Race Europe, to race in waters we don’t often sail in, closer to the coast rather than fully offshore, and playing with the small shifts, pressures, sea breezes. It really makes you grow as a sailor.

And in August, it’s hot, life on board can be hard with all the maneuvers in high heat inside the cockpit. It’s a completely different environment compared to a transatlantic or round-the-world race, but it’s fun and special.”

 adds: “It will also be my first time sailing in race mode with Boris. I’m looking forward to sharing this with him. I have every reason to believe we’ll get on well, and I hope we’ll perform just as well. Often, the two go hand in hand. I loved sailing with Frankie on the last leg and I’m glad to have her on board again this time. It’s also my first race with Cole. In fact, there are a lot of new things for me: the boat, the format, still a bit the IMOCA in general, and the people… and I love that, it’s great!”

The fleet’s arrival in Nice marks the only French stopover of the race, and will be particularly special for Team Malizia, which was founded in Monaco. “Heading back to Nice feels a bit like coming home,” details

. “We were there earlier this year for the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) and for the christening of our research vessel, 

. As soon as we spot the coastline, that sense of familiarity will return. The waters around Nice lie so close to Monaco, and it truly feels like home waters to us. Over the past ten years, we’ve spent so much time here that seeing that stretch of coast always brings a special feeling.” While fans are glued to the tracker, the French Riviera is preparing to welcome the fleet, with boats expected to arrive on Friday, 29 August 2025, after less than three days of racing.

A Race We Must Win – Climate Action Now!

mission is only possible due to the strong and long-lasting commitment from its 

: EFG International, Zurich Group Germany, Kuehne+Nagel, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hapag-Lloyd, Schütz, KPMG Germany, and the Yacht Club de Monaco. These partners band behind Team Malizia to support its campaign, each of them working towards projects in their own field to innovate around climate solutions.

Team Malizia's final weather briefing this morning before the Leg 3 ©️ Marie Lefloch | Team Malizia

Boris Herrmann taking a team selfie moments before docking-off in Cartagena, Spain ©️ Marie Lefloch | Team Malizia

Team Malizia fans in Cartagena, Spain ©️ Marie Lefloch | Team Malizia

skipper for the rest of The Ocean Race Europe 2025 ©️ Marie Lefloch | Team Malizia

Leg 3 co-skippers Loïs Berrehar and Francesca Clapcich in Cartagena © Marie Lefloch | Team Malizia

Team Malizia and the rest of the fleet are off to Nice, France, in Leg 3 of The Ocean Race Europe 2025 ©️ Vincent Curutchet | The Ocean Race Europe

Team Malizia at the start of Leg 3 of The Ocean Race Europe 2025 ©️ Vincent Curutchet | The Ocean Race Europe

Team Malizia's crew for Leg 3 from Cartagena to Nice

Team Malizia and the rest of the fleet are off to Nice, France, in Leg 3 of The Ocean Race Europe 2025

 Leg 3’s Sprint In The Mediterranean: Team Malizia Off To Nice In The Ocean Race Europe 2025

Led by skipper Will Harris, the crew onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer fought tooth and nail from Portsmouth, UK, to Cartagena, Spain. After an intense 1,400 nautical mile race through the English Channel, the Bay of Biscay, a Fly-By in Portugal and the final push in the Mediterranean, Team Malizia secured valuable points with 5th place finish to see them 3rd on the overall ranking. With three more stages to go and Leg 3 starting in three days’ time, everything is still to play for.

– Team Malizia has completed Leg 2 of The Ocean Race Europe 2025, finishing in fifth place after a demanding 1,400-nautical-mile race from Portsmouth, UK, via Matosinhos/Porto, Portugal, to Cartagena, Spain. The crew, skippered by 

, crossed the finish line on Saturday, 23 August at 13:44 local time (11:44 UTC), after five days 19 hours, 44 minutes, and 11 challenging seconds at sea.

“It seems like only yesterday we were starting from Portsmouth, and now we’ve finished the longest leg of The Ocean Race Europe”, said skipper 

 moments after jumping on the dock in Cartagena. “There were so many different parts to it. In the first half to Matosinhos/Porto, we really felt like we were in the hunt with the top bunch. Then one small mistake cost us a place in the top three, and after that we were chasing hard to catch up.”

After a short stopover in Portugal where the team arrived in fourth place, collecting 4 points (Leg 2 is the longest leg and counts for double points, with 50% of the Leg 2 points awarded at the Fly-BY), the crew pushed at full speed downwind down the Portuguese coast before facing frustrating calms as they reach the Strait of Gibraltar. Morale was further tested when the team hit a large fishing net right after sunset, forcing Will Harris to dive at night to free the keel and rudders. 

“As we reached Gibraltar, hoping for stronger winds to close the gap, the breeze dropped, and Allegrande MAPEI Racing caught us from behind", said the 

. "Still, we were sailing the boat really well, finding new modes, and having a great time together on board. Then came another challenge, getting stuck in a fishing net right after Gibraltar and that made it tough to fight for more than fifth place and scoring 3 additional points. But the last 36 hours were amazing: racing through the Med in everything from 35 knots at Gibraltar to just one or two knots near the end, always trying to keep the boat moving. It was a whole adventure, it was really fun to sail, with so many different phases, and I’m really proud of the team. This leg also offered unforgettable moments with incredible landscapes and lots of marine wildlife.”

As the team rounded Cape Finisterre, they encountered pods of dolphins and pilot whales every few hundred meters. Team Malizia reported sightings to the Marine Mammal Advisory Group to support research on whale migration and help define exclusion zones for marine protection. Besides running their OceanPack, the crew also deployed a 

 in the Bay of Biscay. Smaller, lighter, and made with less plastic, this new model aims to make Ocean observation more affordable and sustainable, transmitting real-time Ocean current data via satellite.

Now, the team will take a short break to rest and enjoy a few days in Spain, with Francesca Clapcich almost a local there, speaking perfect Spanish and ready to share the best of the local culture, food, and sunshine with the team. But the break will be short: in just three days, the fleet will line up again for 

, a 650-nautical-mile sprint from Cartagena to Nice, France, via the Cabo de Palos scoring gate. 

 returns as skipper. He will be joined by co-skippers 

“The Mediterranean is always full of surprises”, notes 

. “It’s some of the trickiest sailing we do, with unpredictable winds and local effects that can change everything in minutes. It makes the racing intense, but also really rewarding. What keeps us going is knowing the incredible job the shore team does to keep the boat in top shape; they work so hard, the boat is in perfect condition and we want the results to reflect their effort as much as ours.”

“This team has the talent, the spirit, and the boat to fight back, and I’m really proud of them”, comments

 for the remaining legs of The Ocean Race Europe. “We are ready to come back stronger and we are looking forward to returning to Nice and Monaco, where we were earlier this year for the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) and the christening of our research vessel, 

. It’s a beautiful place to finish the leg, and maybe that makes the battle to arrive among the firsts, and score more points in the process, even more exciting.”

: the Yacht Club de Monaco, EFG International, Zurich Group Germany, Kuehne+Nagel, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hapag-Lloyd, Schütz, and KPMG Germany. These partners band behind Team Malizia to support its campaign, each of them working towards projects in their own field to innovate around climate solutions.

The Mediterranean, as tricky as it gets ©️ Flore Hartout | Team Malizia

Team Malizia encountered lots of marine wildlife during Leg 2 of The Ocean Race Europe 2025 ©️ Flore Hartout | Team Malizia

 during Leg 2 of The Ocean Race Europe 2025 ©️ Flore Hartout | Team Malizia

Skipper Will Harris and co-skipper Francesca Clapcich during Leg 2 of The Ocean Race Europe 2025 ©️ Flore Hartout | Team Malizia

 off the coast of Cartagena in Leg 2 of The Ocean Race Europe 2025 ©️ Marie Lefloch | Team Malizia

Team Malizia's Francesca Clapcich, Will Harris and Justine Mettraux at the Leg 2 arrival in Cartagena, Spain ©️ Marie Lefloch | Team Malizia

Allagrande MAPEI Racing's Thomas Ruyant congratulating Team Malizia's Loïs Berrerar after a neck and neck battle in Leg 2 ©️ Marie Lefloch | Team Malizia

Team Malizia's crew for Leg 2 from Portsmouth to Cartagena

Canada Ocean Racing - Be Water Positive – 6 points (not completed Leg 2 by time of publication)

Team AMAALA – 4 points (not completed Leg 2 by time of publication)

Team Malizia flying to the Leg 2 finish in Cartagena in The Ocean Race Europe 2025

Team Malizia Battles Through Longest Leg 2 of The Ocean Race Europe, Secures Points and Eyes Comeback

After an intense race that stretched from the tricky waters of the Solent to the Bay of Biscay and a push down the Portuguese coast, Team Malizia crossed the line of the Leg 2 Matoshinhos/Porto Fly-By in fourth place. Following a short three-hour stopover, the crew has already set off again on the second stage of the leg, racing towards Cartagena, Spain, where The Ocean Race Europe 2025 battle continues.

20 August 2025, Matosinhos/Porto, Portugal 

 of The Ocean Race Europe 2025, bringing their 

 after a nail-biting race from Portsmouth, UK. Led by skipper 

, the team arrived in Matosinhos/Porto at 12:30 local time (11:30 UTC), after 2 days, 19 hours, 30 minutes, 20 seconds at sea. Just over three hours earlier, Biotherm crossed the line first and extended their overall lead, followed by Team Paprec Arkéa arriving in Portugal in second and Team Holcim-PRB in third.

The race began in Portsmouth with the exit out of the Solent, followed by a compression of the fleet and a position reset off Ouessant yesterday. Once clear of the light winds, the teams entered the Bay of Biscay, which delivered a long tack resulting in long hours of trimming, tweaking, and hand-steering in a tightly packed group. Throughout the past 2,5 days, Team Malizia fought hard to stay in the leading pack. At times, less than five miles separated the top five boats, with constant position changes, making for a suspenseful race.

“We really felt in the fight all the way until last night and then one small mistake cost us, “ said skipper 

as he stepped on the dock. “We expected a bit more from the first half of the leg and this really shows how close the racing is. The team is sailing super well, we have proven we are one of the fighters and maybe even surprised a few others, especially in these light winds. That first night had stronger winds and better conditions, but it wasn’t the deciding factor at all; the lighter wind moments were clearly the more tactical and more important ones. Coming into Porto, we lost a few extra miles on the Top 3 but looking ahead, I think there are still opportunities to catch up, and we are really motivated to be hunters again.”

Half of the Leg 2 points are awarded based on fleet positions at the Matosinhos/Porto Fly-By, while the remaining 50% will be decided at the finish in Spain. With Leg 2 also counting for double points, Team Malizia’s arrival in fourth-place today means that they secured four points mid-leg. As each boat crossed the line in Matosinhos/Porto, a three-hour countdown began. After a quick hour ashore for media interviews, crews returned onboard to cross the line exactly three hours later, powering into the second half of Leg 2 toward the Mediterranean and the finish in Cartagena.

, who’s been working hard on the tricky navigation in the past few days, commented: “As we leave Matosinhos, we’ll likely restart in a solid northwesterly breeze with strong downwind sailing. That means plenty of jibes and maneuvers as we work our way along the Portuguese coast. Gibraltar looks uncertain and could even mean a restart, so there’s still everything to play for. We know we can fight for a better result and gain some valuable points.”

Throughout The Ocean Race Europe 2025, as in every race, training, and delivery, Team Malizia has continuously run their OceanPack to collect vital sea-surface data on CO₂, temperature, and salinity, contributing to Ocean science. In addition, the team deployed a prototype drifter buoy in the Bay of Biscay yesterday morning. Unlike the heavier, more expensive buoys usually used, this new model is lightweight (just 4 kg vs. 20 kg), made with only a few hundred grams of plastic, and built from easily sourced components. It is also far more affordable, costing a few hundred euros instead of several thousand.

“The drifter buoy sends its GPS position via satellite every 15 minutes to the SOOP programme in Hamburg, allowing scientists to track surface currents”, explains 

. “With a lifespan of two months and without the atmospheric sensors of its larger counterparts, it is very much a test, but a promising one, showing how future buoys could be both more sustainable and more accessible.” After assembling and signing the buoy, Will Harris and Flore Hartout, both with backgrounds in oceanography and a passion for connecting Ocean science with offshore racing, deployed it into the Bay of Biscay as instructed by the scientists. The aim is for the buoy to drift out into the Atlantic, and Leg 2 provided the perfect opportunity for this release. 

Science and observation continue alongside racing down the Portuguese coast. “As we rounded Cape Finisterre, we saw loads of dolphins and then pilot whales, like every 50-100 meters either side”, commented the 

, still amazed. “We had actually lost a few miles at that point, so it was really fascinating to see all this marine life and those awesome moments brought smiles to our faces.” To support research on whale migration and to help define exclusion zones that protect these animals, the teams have been reporting sightings to the Marine Mammal Advisory Group. 

Now, heading into the Strait of Gibraltar, they will enter an area known not only for heavy marine traffic and challenging winds but also for possible encounters with orcas. These intelligent and curious marine mammals make headlines for their occasional interaction with yachts and while the reasons behind this behavior remain unclear, such situations can be stressful and carry risks for both animals and sailors. Team Malizia recalls a past encounter on their return delivery from The Ocean Race 2022-2023, with no damage or consequence, but certainly not something a team wishes to face, particularly in the middle of a race. With this in mind, the team stays alert and hopes for a smooth passage, seeing both these remarkable creatures and their competitors only in the rearview mirrors.

Passing Gibraltar, the IMOCA boats will leave the familiar Atlantic behind and enter the Mediterranean, where they will sail for the rest of The Ocean Race Europe. Taking it step by step, Team Malizia is focused on finishing Leg 2 strong and securing valuable points in Spain. “I was born and raised by the Adriatic Sea, so it feels a bit like going back home”, 

reflects. “But people don’t really realise how tricky the Mediterranean is. Everybody asks about the Southern Ocean, but the hardest sailing I’ve ever done? It’s in the Mediterranean. The weather is unpredictable, especially in August, so it will take a lot of mental strength to get through it but there’s also the opportunity to gain some miles, we’ll see!” The fleet is expected to arrive in Cartagena on Saturday, 23 August 2025.

: KPMG Germany, the Yacht Club de Monaco, EFG International, Zurich Group Germany, Kuehne+Nagel, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hapag-Lloyd, and Schütz. These partners band behind Team Malizia to support its campaign, each of them working towards projects in their own field to innovate around climate solutions.

Team Malizia and Biotherm at the Matosinhos/Porto Fly-By ©️ Ricardo Pinto | Team Malizia

Team Malizia's Leg 2 crew in Matosinhos/Porto, from left to right: Flore Hartout (onboard reporter)

, Justine Mettraux, Francesca Clapcich, Will Harris, and Loïs Berrehar ©️ Ricardo Pinto

Team Malizia's Leg 2 crew in Matosinhos/Porto ©️ Ricardo Pinto | Team Malizia

 in Leg 2 of The Ocean Race Europe 2025 ©️ Flore Hartout | Team Malizia

Skipper Will Harris before deploying the prototype drifter buoy in the Bay of Biscay on 19 August 2025 © Flore Hartout | Team Malizia

Onboard reporter Flore Hartout capturing photos yesterday of Team Malizia's frequent companions, the dolphins © Flore Hartout | Team Malizia

Arrival order of boats in Matosinhos/Porto:

Team AMAALA (not arrived at time of publication)

Provisional overall leaderboard at the Leg 2 Matosinhos/Porto Fly-By: 

Canada Ocean Racing - Be Water Positive – 6 points

Team AMAALA – 3 points (not counting Leg 2 points yet as not arrived by publication)

Team Malizia flying in front of Matosinhos/Porto in Leg 2 of The Ocean Race Europe 2025

Team Malizia Flies By Matosinhos/Porto And Pushes Towards Spain in The Ocean Race Europe 2025

At 17:00 local time in Portsmouth, UK, Team Malizia led by skipper Will Harris, set off on Leg 2 of The Ocean Race Europe. The fleet of IMOCAs will cover 1,400 nautical miles to Cartagena, Spain, on the longest stage of the race. With double points at stake and conditions ranging from strong Solent currents to light Bay of Biscay winds and unpredictable Mediterranean weather, every mile will count.

17 August 2025, Portsmouth, United Kingdom

 - After only four days in Portsmouth, United Kingdom, Team Malizia has set sail in Leg 2 of The Ocean Race Europe 2025. Starting this Sunday 17 August afternoon at 17:00 from the iconic Royal Yacht Squadron line off of Cowes, the fleet of seven IMOCA boats is now racing 1,400 nautical miles to Cartagena, Spain, with a Fly-By stop at Matosinhos/Porto, Portugal. As the longest leg of the race, with double points on the line, every decision and mile will be crucial. Onboard 

, the crew skippered by Will Harris is aiming to put in another strong performance. The fleet is expected to arrive in Cartagena on 23 August after six days of racing. 

As the gun went off, Team Malizia took a conservative start in 10-14 knots of breeze but soon made their way to second place as the fleet headed west along the Solent. Lead by British sailor 

, hoped to use Will Harris’ local knowledge to exit the Solent in the front pack of the fleet. With both spinnakers up, Team Malizia and leader Biotherm raced along the south side of the course, while the rest of the fleet stayed closer to the north shore. A favourable tide swept the fleet down the Solent, setting the scene for a fast and dramatic start to what promises to be a tactically demanding leg. The first two points went to Biotherm, who passed the Needles and scoring gate first and extended their overall lead following their victory in Leg 1.

“Leaving the Solent is always special, it’s home waters for me”, says 

, the only British skipper in this edition of the race. “It’s amazing to see the crowd supporting us and wishing us well off the Royal Yacht Squadron line. It’s a very famous starting point and I first experienced The Ocean Race here back when it was the Volvo Ocean Race. I came with my parents in 2005 to watch the skippers. Now, 20 years later, I’m here as skipper of one of these boats. That sends little shivers down my spine sometimes.”

 are sitting out this leg as planned, making the most of the bigger squad to rotate sailors, manage energy, and trial different crew setups with The Ocean Race 2027 in mind. “I couldn’t think of a better team for this leg”, comments 

Will knows these waters perfectly, having just won the Admiral's Cup here. Together with Justine, Loïs, and Francesca, who all know the Atlantic and Mediterranean well, I feel really solid about them. I’m looking forward to welcoming them in Spain, hopefully with a strong result and maybe even a leg win.”

We’ve got 50% new crew this time. Justine is back as navigator, we work really well together, bouncing tactical ideas off each other. Francesca is joining us; she’s already an Ocean Race winner and brings huge experience and a great crew mindset. And we’ve got Loïs, a very strong French sailor with a great Figaro background. He knows these Western European waters inside out and is fantastic tactically. I’m excited to see what we can achieve against six very competitive teams. It’s also great to see Team Holcim-PRB and Allagrande MAPEI Racing rejoin the fleet after repairing the damages to their boats. Truly a huge effort, and fantastic to have them on the start line for Leg 2.”

“Even though it was a tight first leg, and we had only four days to recover and prepare for the next stage, I feel good”, says 

“There’s still a little bit of fatigue, but that’s part of the game when you’re racing back-to-back. I’m feeling ready. The second-place result from Leg 2 definitely gives us energy. It was a strong start and a good confidence boost for the overall race. Getting that result and fighting for every place motivates us all to do well in the next stage.”

As Leg 2 will test the teams with a wide mix of conditions, 

You can win or lose many miles depending on your strategy. Conditions look strong tonight with fast downwind sailing toward northwest France, which really suits Malizia. The challenge will be getting through the light winds in the Bay of Biscay, then along the Portuguese coast where we’ll likely see strong northwesterlies again. After that, heading into the Med, it could be anything, light or strong winds, so sail choice and adaptability will be key. It’s tactical and full of opportunities, which I really enjoy.”

, agrees: “After following Leg 1 from home on the tracker, it feels great to finally be on board. It was amazing to watch the team last week, and now the pressure is on to deliver the same result or better. Leg 2 will be fun, with very different conditions, and I’m really looking forward to giving it everything. Of course, it’s a long leg with double points at stake, but for me the approach stays the same: focus on performance. If we do the right things from start to finish, the result will take care of itself.”

She adds: “I’ve spent time in Portsmouth before, and I’m also looking forward to arriving in Spain, where I’ve lived for a few years. The leg will be full of transitions and mixed conditions, long and tiring, but also very exciting.” As the fleet exits the Solent, the main challenge will be crossing a zone of light winds off the Brittany coast. “The boats that reach it first will gain a bit of an advantage”, explains 

. “So we’ll need to navigate the opening part of the course well and make the right decisions to get through it quickly.”

 brings Figaro and offshore racing experience, which he hopes will help during this leg’s many tactical transitions. “The crew is very experienced, so I’ll also learn a lot,” he says. “I’ll share my input with humility while observing and learning. The Brittany and Portuguese coasts are familiar, but entering and leaving Porto can be tricky, so it’s important not to underestimate it.” He adds: “Joining this crew is fantastic. I’m discovering new ways of working and improving my English after seven years racing Figaros in France. It’s a great opportunity to grow, both in sailing and in language. There’s so much to learn, and I’m excited for it all.”

As the boats arrive in Matosinhos/Porto, a three-hour countdown will begin. Crews will head ashore for interviews with media and partners before the final push into the Mediterranean and the finish in Cartagena. Half of the Leg 2 points will be awarded based on fleet positions at the Matosinhos Porto Fly-By, while the remaining 50% will be decided at the finish in Spain. The official Leg finishing positions (not points) will be those recorded at Cartagena. With a total of 16 points up for grabs, the teams have plenty to play for.

While Team Malizia navigates Leg 2, they are also excited to contribute to Ocean science. The team is continuously running their OceanPack throughout the race to collect valuable Ocean CO2, temperature and salinity data. Additionally, they will deploy a prototype science buoy in the Bay of Biscay. Smaller, lighter, and more affordable than traditional drifter buoys, it measures sea currents by sending GPS positions via satellite as it floats along. Amid the racing action and scientific work, onboard reporter Flore Hartout will capture it all, sharing Team Malizia’s journey in The Ocean Race Europe with fans worldwide.

: Schütz, KPMG Germany, the Yacht Club de Monaco, EFG International, Zurich Group Germany, Kuehne+Nagel, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, and Hapag-Lloyd. These partners band behind Team Malizia to support its campaign, each of them working towards projects in their own field to innovate around climate solutions.

Skipper Will Harris and co-skippers Francesca Clapcich and Loïs Berrehar during the Sailors Parade ©️ Jean-Louis Carli | The Ocean Race Europe 2025

Onboard reporter Flore Hartout capturing co-skipper Loïs Berrehar at the helm of 

Malizia - Seaexplorer has set sail in Leg 2 of The Ocean Race Europe 2025

 Team Malizia, Skippered by Will Harris, Sets Off on The Ocean Race Europe 2025’s Longest Leg 2

This Thursday, Team Malizia claimed a podium finish in the opening leg of The Ocean Race Europe 2025, completing a tight battle from Kiel, Germany, to Portsmouth, United Kingdom. Skippered by Boris Herrmann, the crew onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer fought relentlessly to the very end, grabbing second place in the final moments of the leg, earning six points, and kicking off their European campaign with a strong start.

14 August 2025, Portsmouth, United Kingdom

 - After an intense and closely fought race from Kiel, Germany, to Portsmouth, United Kingdom, Team Malizia crossed the finish line of Leg 1 of The Ocean Race Europe 2025 in second place, the crew visibly elated after days of hard work at sea. Skipper 

(FRA/NED), arrived in Portsmouth on this Thursday 14 August 2025 at 12:44 local time (11:44 UTC) after 3 days, 21 hours, 54 minutes, and 50 seconds at sea. 

r, they chased the leaders relentlessly, finishing just 1 hour, 56 minutes, and 20 seconds behind Leg 1 winner Biotherm. After holding third place for most of the leg, the crew found the extra push in the final miles to overtake Team Paprec Arkéa, securing second place and six valuable points, a strong start to their overall Ocean Race Europe campaign. 

“It was a fun and intense race, I’m very happy,” skipper 

said moments after stepping on land. “It’s great, not only for us but also for the race, as it got really exciting at the end, particularly since we were the only boat to overtake another. It was an amazing morning for us, hoisting the kite and seeing if we could sail deeper with our spinnaker than they could with their sail, and that’s ultimately how we managed to overtake them. This leg was tough but I really enjoyed racing in these waters with this crew.”

“It’s really exciting to be here in Portsmouth, in my home waters, especially after such an intense start to The Ocean Race Europe”, said 

. “Everything happened in that first leg: We had really strong winds at the start, a lot of action, then a light-wind transition, and finally finishing along the English coast. The winds were absolutely crazy, and we were fighting hard to come back to second place. I’m really happy we managed it in the end and arriving in the UK in second is an incredible feeling.”

The Ocean Race Europe kicked off in Kiel with a spectacular start as seven IMOCA boats lined up in 15-20 knots of breeze, each fighting for the best position and aiming to be first to the nearby scoring gate. Biotherm reached it first to claim two points, with Team Paprec Arkéa following in second to take one point. Team Malizia’s start was hampered by a technical issue with a furler, preventing the strong getaway they had hoped for. Minutes later, the action turned dramatic when Allagrande Mapei Racing and Team Holcim-PRB collided shortly after crossing the line. Both crews were unharmed, returned to the dock, and began repairs in the hope of rejoining the race as soon as possible.

“The start in Kiel was quite intense, with little room and little time, and on top of that there was a technical issue with our furler”, 

 recalls. “So we were a bit behind at the start. But the team managed it really well, everyone worked together perfectly, great teamwork. The passage through the Baltic Sea up to Skagen was quite fast and intense. I’d describe the North Sea as a bit less intense, as the gaps between the boats were bigger and initially not much was possible. It got really exciting last night, when the course opened up and we could choose different options, tacking with and against the currents every six hours.”

On Wednesday evening, Race Management announced that the course would be extended by approximately 60 nautical miles to ensure the leading boat finished in daylight. The extension required two extra laps in the Solent, rounding marks back and forth before crossing the finish line off Portsmouth. 

Overnight, Team Malizia closed the gap to Team Paprec Arkéa, briefly moving ahead before the French team regained the advantage. In the final hours, as both battled through the extended course, Boris Herrmann’s crew gybed away to break free, turning a 1.5-nautical-mile deficit into a 1.5-nautical-mile lead. “When the course was extended, we had already closed a lot of the gap to Team Paprec Arkéa”, 

 comments. “We had pushed really hard yesterday to see if we could get past them and ended up sailing side by side, but couldn’t quite cross ahead. Then, with the extension, we hoisted the spinnaker, which played to our advantage. That gave us a wind shift, and we managed to get in front and hold the lead all the way to the finish.” 

Holding a margin of less than 2 nautical miles, Team Malizia kept their position to the line to claim second place on the podium, with Yoann Richomme’s 

 finishing just 7 minutes and 24 seconds behind. 

adds: “The last 36 hours have been some of the most intense sailing I’ve done, with hardly any sleep, but that is what we are here for and I’m really happy with our performance as a team. We’re really happy with such a strong start. It’s a tough fleet out here, everyone is pushing all the time, so taking second place gives us confidence that we are a fast boat and can be in the fight for the top spots. The fact that we were the only boat to overtake another shows the fighting spirit we have on board.”

“I’m really happy with the result and with how we finished the race”, commented 

. “I feel good, though a bit tired, it was really intense. There’s some pain in the shoulders and arms from all the maneuvers and grinding, but overall it was a good but demanding race, with lots of coastal racing, boats to avoid, many hazards, shores, and buoys. There were constant maneuvers and things to pay attention to. Even though it was a short leg, I think it was quite demanding on the sailors but the mood was really good.”

 adds: “Everyone pushed hard right until the end of the race. For me, it was also the first time racing with the team and sailing alongside Cole, Boris, and Will. It was great to spend more time on the boat, find my marks, see how everything works, and observe how everyone works together. I think it all came together really smoothly, and we’re all really happy with how it went.”

 comments: “I think we all worked really well together, giving each other the freedom to explore the boat and figure her out. She’s not easy to sail, but nobody was micromanaging, it was more like: you feel what you feel, make it happen. That’s why we worked so well as a team; we could just experiment.”