Image Bank

Press Kit

Press Releases

Press Reviews

Radio Content

Media

Educational Material My Ocean Challenge

Educational Material

Subscribe to our My Ocean Challenge Newsletter

Scientific Mission Statement

Malizia Mangrove Park

Resources

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Twitter

TikTok

YouTube

Podcast

Follow The Team

Imprint

Privacy Policy

Privacy

Cookies

Contact

Legal

Boris Herrmann

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

Home

After sailing approximately 100,000 nautical miles, completing two circumnavigations of the globe, and finishing six transatlantic crossings, the Malizia - Seaexplorer is now being handed over to Team Francesca Clapcich Powered By 11th Hour Racing, who are setting their sights on the 2028 Vendée Globe.

- Boris Herrmann’s Malizia - Seaexplorer race yacht will be handed over to Team Francesca Clapcich Powered By 11th Hour Racing. Francesca’s team will take over the race yacht after The Ocean Race Europe 2025 and will embark on a four-year journey to qualify for the Vendée Globe, where the Italian-American aims to become the first sailor to compete in all four of the major sailing events: the Olympics, the America's Cup, The Ocean Race, and the Vendée Globe.

Boris Herrmann commented on the transition, ‘I am incredibly proud of this boat and what we have achieved together, it will be sad to say goodbye after all the time, energy and work we put into her. On the other hand I am excited to be handing her on to a sailor like Frankie, someone with so much drive, passion and ambition and with a strong sponsor like 11th Hour Racing behind her. I can not wait to see what she will achieve in the Vendée Globe 2028 with Malizia - Seaexplorer. On top of that we will be working together on the technical side to ensure Frankie has the best possible boat for her races! We have similar goals uniting us on sustainability and the Ocean and working together across these topics is going to be the next adventure.’

Designed by VPLP and launched in 2022, the Malizia - Seaexplorer features a rounded spoon bow for skimming the Southern Ocean's waves and a closed cockpit with standing height. Initially met with skepticism, the design quickly proved its capabilities, particularly during The Ocean Race 2022-23. There, a strong strategy and a fast boat allowed Team Malizia to recover a 500nm deficit in the long Southern Ocean leg and ultimately win that leg of the race. Over the past two years, Team Malizia and the Malizia - Seaexplorer have earned respect as top competitors in the world’s toughest offshore races.

Beyond racing, the Malizia - Seaexplorer has also served as a platform for climate action and ocean protection. It will now continue this dual mission under Clapcich’s “Believe, Belong, Achieve” campaign designed to bring equity and climate justice to the sport of sailing and beyond. "Belief and belonging are critical to success. If my parents, coaches, and teachers hadn't believed in me, I wouldn’t be here today announcing my Vendée Globe campaign. I want to ensure others have those same opportunities,” said Clapcich.

Clapcich, who won The Ocean Race 2022-23 with 11th Hour Racing Team becoming the first Italian in the 50-year history of the race to lift the coveted trophy, has for the past year been skipper of UpWind by MerConcept, the first all-female team in the Ocean Fifty Series. Along with her Title Sponsor, 11th Hour Racing, she is committed to increasing inclusion in sailing. "Belief and belonging drive better performance, both individually and in teams. Alongside my sporting campaign, I’m collaborating with academics, experts, and creatives to promote solutions that will help people achieve their lifelong ambitions," she added. The campaign’s efforts include education, advocacy, and collective action, and last week the team announced a research partnership with the Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University in the UK.

Though changing hands, the Malizia - Seaexplorer will maintain ties to Team Malizia, which remains involved as Clapcich’s Technical Partner to help run the shore side of the racing program. “We chose Team Malizia because they know the boat inside and out and can best prepare me for solo IMOCA offshore sailing. Their commitment to ocean health and sustainability also aligns with our mission,” Clapcich explained.

Fans of the Malizia - Seaexplorer can therefore continue following its journey, albeit with a new skipper at the helm and under a new name, with a full IMOCA race season ahead. The boat will be handed over after The Ocean Race Europe and the four year race for the Vendée Globe qualification will start with the Transat Café L'Or, departing Le Havre, France, on the 26th of October 2025, bound for Fort-de-France, Martinique. 

A Race We Must Win – Climate Action Now!

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

: Schütz, 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.

Boris Herrmann’s Maliza - Seaexplorer race yacht handed over to Team Francesca Clapcich Powered By 11th Hour Racing 

Der German Offshore Award wird jährlich von einer Jury aus Vertretern der führenden Hamburger Segelclubs unter der Leitung des Hamburgischen Segler-Verbandes an die beste deutscher Hochseeyacht bei internationalen Regatten verliehen. Die Auswahl erfolgt anhand eines Punktesystems, das die Schwierigkeit der Regatta, die Anzahl der teilnehmenden Yachten, die Wetterbedingungen und die Endplatzierung im Rennen berücksichtigt. Der Zweitplatzierte in diesem Jahr war die TP52 Red Bandit, die die jüngste Ausgabe des Rolex Middle Sea Race für sich entscheiden konnte. In einer äußerst knappen Entscheidung verpasste sie den Sieg um weniger als einen halben Punkt im Jury-Ranking.

Die 18. Ausgabe des Preises ehrte Boris Herrmanns herausragende Leistung im New York-Vendée Race, das als Paradebeispiel für die perfekte Symbiose zwischen Mensch und Technik gewürdigt wurde. Staatsrat Christoph Holstein hob die Leistung hervor: „Das New York-Vendée Race war ein Hochgeschwindigkeitsrennen über mehr als 3.000 Seemeilen, bei dem Malizia - Seaexplorer ihr volles Potenzial entfalten konnte.“

Während Herrmann und Team Malizia auf höchstem Niveau in einigen der härtesten Hochseerennen der Welt konkurrieren, sammeln sie gleichzeitig wichtige Ozeandaten mit einem an Bord installierten Forschungslabor. Diese Daten liefern wertvolle Erkenntnisse über den Klimawandel der Ozeane und werden von wissenschaftlichen Partnern des GEOMAR Helmholtz-Zentrums für Ozeanforschung Kiel und des Max-Planck-Instituts für Meteorologie analysiert, bevor sie in weltweite Datenbanken eingespeist werden. Die Ergebnisse trugen bereits zu bedeutenden wissenschaftlichen Berichten bei, darunter der IPCC-Bericht und zuletzt im Jahr 2024 das Global Carbon Budget.

Seit Jahren setzt sich Herrmann mit Team Malizia für die Kampagne „A Race We Must Win“ ein, um ehrgeizige Klimaschutzmaßnahmen durch Bildung, Aufklärung und die Förderung konkreter Lösungen für die Klimakrise voranzutreiben.

In seiner Dankesrede lenkte Herrmann den Fokus daher vom physischen Rennen über die Ozeane auf das dringende Rennen um den Klimaschutz - zum Schutz der Ozeane und unseres Planeten. Angesichts der politischen und sozioökonomischen Entwicklungen der letzten Jahre, Monate und Wochen bekräftigte Herrmann erneut die entschlossene Haltung von Team Malizia für den Schutz und die Bewahrung der Ozeane. Er erinnerte an ein denkwürdiges Erlebnis wenige Tage vor dem Start des New York-Vendée Race, als ihn die weltbekannte Ozean-Schützerin und Meereswissenschaftlerin Dr. Sylvia Earle fragte: „Boris, weißt du eigentlich, welche Welt unter deinem Boot liegt?“ Von dieser Frage tief bewegt, erklärte er dem Publikum: „Diese Frage und die Emotion, mit der Sylvia sie stellte, werden mich für immer begleiten - und mich mehr denn je dazu motivieren, für unseren blauen Planeten und unser globales Klima einzutreten.“

Mit Blick auf die kommenden Rennen in diesem Jahr, darunter die Ocean Race Europe, die im Spätsommer stattfindet, betonte Herrmann das Hauptthema der Regatta: „Connecting Europe“, ein Motto, das auch politisch interpretiert werden kann.

Ein weiteres zentrales Thema des Abends war die Nachwuchsförderung: Nur wenige junge deutsche Talente wagen den Schritt auf die internationale Bühne. Wie Herrmann in seiner Dankesrede betonte, erhält er regelmäßig Initiativbewerbungen von jungen Segler:innen – doch deutsche Bewerber:innen sind kaum darunter. Es habe bereits Versuche gegeben, deutsche Wassersportler:innen in Offshore-Rennteams wie das bevorstehende Ocean Race Europe 2025 zu integrieren, „aber bisher hat das noch nicht gefruchtet“, so Herrmann. „Wir müssen also weiter daran arbeiten, den Nachwuchs zu fördern und mehr Aufmerksamkeit für diese Chancen zu schaffen.“

In diesem Zusammenhang hob Herrmann die Gewinner des Wehring & Wolfes Youth Awards 2025, Melwin Fink und Lennart Burke, hervor und betonte: „Das sind zwei starke Aspiranten, die in diesem Bereich bereits sehr erfolgreich sind.“

Zu den weiteren Stars des Abends zählen die nominierten Yachten für die Beste deutsche Offshore-Yacht gehörten Carl-Peter Forster mit der TP52 Red Bandit (Bayerischer Yacht-Club), die Elliott 52 "Rafale" und die Neo 430 "Neomind" (beide vom Verein Seglerhaus am Wannsee) sowie die "Lucky Five", geskippert von Leif Petersen (Neustädter Segelclub).

Der Lifetime Achievement Award wurde an Carl Friedrich Schott verliehen, der seit Jahrzehnten die internationale Kooperation zwischen Segelclubs fördert und als erfahrener Wettfahrtleiter aktiv ist.

Den Wehring & Wolfes Youth Award erhielten Melwin Fink und Lennart Burke, die zusammen äußerst erfolgreich mit der Class 40 “Next Generation Boating” an einer gemeinsamen Offshore Karriere arbeiten.  

Die Mission von Team Malizia „A Race We Must Win - Climate Action Now!“ ist nur dank des starken und langfristigen Engagements seiner sieben Hauptpartner möglich: MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hapag-Lloyd, Schütz, Yacht Club de Monaco, EFG International, Zurich Gruppe Deutschland und Kuehne+Nagel. Diese Partner stehen hinter Team Malizia und unterstützen die Kampagne, wobei jeder von ihnen in seinem eigenen Bereich Projekte vorantreibt, um innovative Klimaschutz-Lösungen zu entwickeln.

Hamburg, 6. März 2025  -  Die IMOCA "Malizia - Seaexplorer" und ihr Skipper Boris Herrmann wurden beim 18. German Offshore Award als Beste deutsche Offshore-Yacht 2025 ausgezeichnet. Die feierliche Zeremonie fand im Großen Saal des Hamburger Rathauses statt und würdigte den sensationellen 2. Platz im New-York Vendée Rennen 2024.

Boris Herrmann mit dem Deutschen Offshore Award 2025 im Hamburger Rathaus ausgezeichnet

 The German Offshore Award 2025 was celebrated in the Great Hall of Hamburg City Hall on the evening of Thursday, 6th of March 2025. This year’s award for Best German Offshore Yacht went to the Imoca "Malizia - Seaexplorer" and skipper Boris Herrmann. This recognition is presented annually to the best yacht sailing in international regattas under the German flag by a jury of representatives from the major Hamburg sailing clubs, chaired by the Hamburg Sailing Association. 

The winning yacht is determined using a formula that considers multiple factors, including the regatta's difficulty, the number of competing yachts, prevailing weather and wind conditions, and the final overall ranking.

This year’s runner-up was the TP52 Red Bandit, which had claimed victory in the most recent edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race. In an incredibly close contest, it finished just behind Malizia - Seaexplorer, missing out on the top spot by less than half a point in the German Offshore Award jury’s ranking. 

The eighteenth edition of this award honoured Boris Herrmann’s outstanding performance in the New York-Vendée race aboard Malizia - Seaexplorer, celebrating it as a prime example of how seamlessly a yacht can sail when man and vessel operate as a perfect unit. In his speech, State Councilor Christoph Holstein highlighted the achievement, stating, “The New York-Vendée race was a breakneck sprint over more than 3,000 nautical miles, where the yacht was able to fully showcase its performance.”

While competing at the highest level in some of the world’s toughest Ocean races, Herrmann and Team Malizia also gather crucial Ocean data through a laboratory installed onboard the Malizia - Seaexplorer racing yacht.This data provides valuable insights into Ocean climate change and is analysed by scientific partners at the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel and the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology before being submitted to the worldwide databases. The findings have contributed to significant scientific reports, including the IPCC report and, most recently in 2024, the Global Carbon Budget.

For years, Herrmann and Team Malizia have championed the “A Race We Must Win” campaign, driving ambitious climate action through education, awareness and the promotion of tangible solutions to the climate crisis.

In his acceptance speech, Herrmann therefore shifted the focus from the physical race across the Ocean to the urgent race for climate action - to protect our Oceans and the planet. He acknowledged the political and socio-economic shifts of recent years, months and even weeks, but reaffirmed Team Malizia’s unwavering commitment to Ocean protection and conservation. Underlining the importance of this mission, he shared a memorable encounter just days before the start of the New York-Vendée, when world-renowned Ocean advocate and marine scientist Dr. Sylvia Earle asked him, “Boris, do you actually know what world lies beneath your boat?” Reflecting on the impact of her words, he told the audience, “That question, and the emotion with which Sylvia asked it, will stay with me forever and, above all, motivate me to do more for our blue planet and our global climate.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming races this year, including The Ocean Race Europe set to take place in late summer, Herrmann emphasised the race's main theme, "Connecting Europe," a slogan that can also be interpreted through a political lens.

Another key topic in Herrmann's acceptance speech was the integration of more young German sailors into the international sailing world, noting that only a few German talents dare to step onto the global stage. As Herrmann explained, he regularly receives applications from young sailors - but rarely from German applicants. Efforts to integrate German water sports athletes into offshore racing teams, such as the upcoming Ocean Race Europe 2025, have also been unsuccessful so far. "So far, it hasn't borne fruit," Herrmann admitted. "We need to keep working on promoting young talent and raising awareness of these opportunities."

Other stars of the night included the nominees for this prestigious award Carl-Peter Forster with his TP 52 Red Bandit (Bavarian Yacht-Club), the Elliott 52 Rafale and the Neo 430 Neomind (both sailing for the Seglerhaus am Wannsee), as well as Lucky Five, skippered by Leif Petersen from the Neustädter Sailing Club. The ceremony also presented the Lifetime Award to Carl Friedrich Schott, a longstanding advocate for international collaboration between yachting clubs and an active race officer for many decades. This year's Wehring & Wolfes Youth Award went to Melwin Fink and Lennart Burke, who have been sailing successful races with their Class 40 Next Generation.

Team Malizia’s A Race We Must Win - Climate Action Now! mission is only possible due to the strong and long-lasting commitment from its seven main partners: the Yacht Club de Monaco, EFG International,  Zurich Group Germany, and 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.

The Imoca "Malizia - Seaexplorer" and skipper Boris Herrmann received the award for Best German Offshore Yacht 2025 at the eighteenth German Offshore Award on the evening of 6 March 2025. The ceremony took place at Hamburg City Hall and honoured the sensational 2nd place in the New-York Vendée Race 2024.

Boris Herrmann awarded The German Offshore Award 2025 in Hamburg City Hall

From welcoming US solo sailor Cole Brauer as co-skipper to preparing for a crewed racing calendar filled with firsts, the next six months promise to be particularly exciting for Team Malizia. With new challenges on the horizon, including The Ocean Race Europe, the team is gearing up for another intense season of offshore racing and Ocean advocacy.

 - Following Boris Herrmann’s successful completion of his second Vendée Globe, Team Malizia is gearing up for an action-packed six months, featuring an ambitious racing calendar, exciting team updates, and continued efforts in Ocean science and education. With 

undergoing a refit to transition back into crewed mode, the team is looking forward to the busy 2025 season. 

Cole Brauer, Team Malizia’s new co-skipper

, who joins Team Malizia as co-skipper, alongside skipper Boris Herrmann and co-skipper Will Harris.

Cole Brauer made history as the first American woman to race solo nonstop around the world, finishing second in the 2023–2024 Global Solo Challenge aboard her Class40 

. Her journey was not only a feat of endurance and skill, but she also captivated the public, bringing the adventure and challenges of solo offshore racing to a new audience. 

Her achievements have redefined what is possible in the sport, inspired countless sailors and fans worldwide, and have earned her the prestigious Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year 2024 award. Over the past months, Cole Brauer has been

 mentored by Boris Herrmann through The Magenta Project. 

"Becoming part of Team Malizia is truly a dream come true," says Cole Brauer. "Today is actually my last day on 

, which I’ve sold, and it also marks the start of a new chapter as co-skipper with this great team I’ve gotten to know over the past year. The first time I experienced foiling on 

 was in New York last year. The feeling was unbelievable! Now, I get to race on this amazing boat, bring my own experience to the team, and fully join the Malizia family. I’m so excited to learn from this remarkable group of people and take part in exciting races of the IMOCA circuit.”

“Cole is a truly talented sailor and her journey aligns perfectly with our mission to push boundaries and inspire people”, Boris Herrmann comments. “Sailing solo around the world on an old and tricky Class40 is an incredible achievement. She’s inspiring, determined, and brings a fresh perspective to our team. While I had the chance to mentor her, I actually ended up learning a lot from her. I’m excited to race alongside Cole and Will this year, and to take on new challenges together!"

With this new addition to the sailing crew, Team Malizia is pleased to announce its participation in the

 a new event on the IMOCA circuit starting and finishing in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France. The race will set off on 29 June 2025 with a mixed-gender crew, including an onboard reporter, and will count towards the IMOCA Globe Series championship. The competitors will cover nearly 2,000 nautical miles around the British Isles over a period of 5 to 8 days. This race will kick off the crewed racing season and will be the first race onboard 

 since the Vendée Globe, with the crew to be confirmed in the next months. 

Soon after rounding the British Isles, the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) and Team Malizia sailors will embark on a historic first in the

. Organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), the Admiral’s Cup is one of the world’s most prestigious sailing competitions. Making its grand return after an absence of over two decades, the race will take place from 17 July to 1 August 2025, in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight. The competition attracts the world’s elite sailors for a demanding series of inshore and offshore races, including the legendary Rolex Fastnet Race. The Yacht Club de Monaco will write a new chapter in its sporting history, competing for the first time in the event, with Team Malizia playing a key role in this challenge. The Monegasque team will field two boats: the TP52 

, skippered by Peter Harrison, a YCM member, in the IRC Big Boat class, and the Carkeek 40 

, helmed by Pierre Casiraghi, Team Malizia founder and Vice-president of the Club. Team Malizia’s Boris Herrmann, Will Harris, Cole Brauer, and Oakley Marsh will be part of the Monesgasque crew.

As this summer promises to be one of many firsts, Team Malizia is particularly thrilled to take part in 

for the first time. Following their experience in the round-the-world race in 2023, the team is looking forward to the shorter format in European waters. The second edition of The Ocean Race Europe will set off from Kiel on 10 August 2025 and conclude six weeks later in Boka Bay, Montenegro. Under the banner of “Connecting Europe”, it will take the fleet of IMOCA boats from the Baltic Sea, through the North Sea and English Channel, into the Atlantic, and finally through the Mediterranean to the Adriatic.

Boris Herrmann says: “I’m really excited about The Ocean Race Europe 2025. While I love the challenge of racing solo, there’s something truly special about racing with a crew. I’m looking forward to being back on board 

with a great team, each member bringing their own strengths and motivating us to improve and push our limits.” He adds: “I’ll be skippering our great boat and when I’m not on board for certain legs, Will Harris will take over as skipper, as he did on two legs of The Ocean Race. He’s a talented sailor, a strong leader, and knows this boat like the back of his hand. He’ll do a brilliant job pushing both the boat and the crew. A particularly exciting addition is having Cole Brauer as co-skipper. As for the rest of the crew, including sailors and media man/woman, we’ve got some exciting prospects lined up, which we’ll announce this spring.”

For Boris Herrmann, the hugely successful Fly-By in Kiel on the penultimate leg of The Ocean Race 2022-23 was a special moment. On their way to rounding the turning mark in the Kieler Fjord, Boris Herrmann and his Team Malizia were escorted by an incredible amount of spectator boats and tens of thousands of people cheering from the shoreline. The German skipper had the chance to race for the first time in his home country onboard his new IMOCA race yacht. Back then, he compared the emotions created by the Kiel Fly-By to the passage of Cape Horn. 

“We are all really happy and excited to have The Ocean Race Europe starting in Kiel this year!”, says the German sailor. “Kiel feels like home to me and I grew up sailing there over the years. It’s also home to Geomar and our science partners. This will be an amazing chance for the public to come and meet the team, see the boat and get in touch with our 

education programme in 2025. For me, our team, and our partners, this will definitely be a highlight and we can’t wait to compete in the race!”

Combining sailing, science, and education

While constantly striving to perform at their best on the water, Team Malizia is equally dedicated to raising awareness about the Ocean and climate change through their 

 education programme has reached over 80,000 children worldwide, sparking curiosity about the Ocean, marine life and its vital role in the global climate system through the adventure of sailing. Thanks to the support of the 

, all educational resources, including a booklet, newsletter and YouTube series, are available for free and in many languages for students and educators to engage with. 

In exciting news, Team Malizia is partnering with 

 to promote children’s rights and environmental protection through a digital lesson organised around this year’s World Ocean Day. On 18 June 2025, students are invited to join in person or virtually for a special kids’ event at Hamburg’s Deichtorhallen art museum and livestreamed on Zoom. Aimed at children aged 8 to 12, the event will be held in German, with more details on timings, sign-ups, and attendance to be announced soon.

A Race We Must Win – Climate Action Now! 

: Schütz, the Yacht Club de Monaco, EFG International,  Zurich Group Germany, and 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.

Cole Brauer joins Team Malizia as co-skipper ©️ Dani Devine / Team Malizia

Cole Brauer joins as co-skipper, alongside skipper Boris Herrmann and co-skipper Will Harris, who takes the role of skipper when Boris Herrmann is not onboard © Thomas Deregnieaux / QAPTUR / Team Malizia

The Carkeek 40 Jolt 6, will be helmed by Pierre Casiraghi in the 2025 Admiral's Cup, marking the Yacht Club de Monaco and Team Malizia's first participation in race © Christophe Jouany / Richard Mille

Boris Herrmann's Team Malizia will return to Kiel for the start of The Ocean Race Europe 2025 after an increbidly successful fly-by in The Ocean Race 2022-2023 © Sailing Energy / The Ocean Race

The My Ocean Challenge programme has reached over 80,000 children worldwide and educational materials are available to download for free in 11 languages © Christoph Sorenti / Team Malizia

Team Malizia looks forward to six thrilling months ahead and kicking-off the 2025 crewed season

Team Malizia Welcomes Cole Brauer As Co-Skipper And Looks Forward To Six Thrilling Months Ahead

The Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) is set to write a new chapter in its sporting history as it prepares to compete for the first time in the Admiral’s Cup, one of the world’s most prestigious sailing competitions. Team Malizia will play a key role in this challenge, with the Monegasque crew including Pierre Casiraghi, our team founder and Vice-president of the Club, Boris Herrmann and Will Harris. Cole Brauer, who is being mentored by Boris through The Magenta Project will also join the crew.

Organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), the event will take place from 17th July to 1st August 2025, in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight. Created in 1957 and often referred to as the “Unofficial World Cup of Offshore Racing”, the Admiral’s Cup makes its grand return after an absence of over two decades with the last edition taking place in 2003. The competition attracts the world’s elite sailors for a demanding series of inshore and offshore races, including the legendary Rolex Fastnet Race.

A visionary project led by Pierre Casiraghi and Peter Harrison

The initiative to enter the Admiral’s Cup was spearheaded by Peter Harrison, a YCM member and owner of the Jolt boats, with the enthusiastic backing of Pierre Casiraghi, Vice-President of the Club and founder of Team Malizia. “Peter (Harrison) is a great sailor with a great team. When he suggested that we take part in the Admiral's Cup with the Jolt boats, I immediately accepted this incredible challenge,” said Pierre Casiraghi.

The Monegasque team will field two exceptional boats: the TP52 

, skippered by Peter Harrison in the IRC Big Boat class, and the Carkeek 40 

, helmed by Pierre Casiraghi. “We have a solid training programme, high-performance boats, and a determined team. Consistency will be key: two bad races, and everything becomes complicated. We’ll have to stay focused and approach each day as a new challenge,” adds Pierre Casiraghi.

This initiative is part of the Yacht Club de Monaco’s sporting strategy, driven by the vision of its President, HSH Prince Albert II, with the ambition of promoting high-level sailing and inspiring younger generations. “

We have all followed Boris Herrmann’s journey in the Vendée Globe with pride, admiring his commitment and courage. This new project embodies our sporting vision. These challenges inspire us and spark new vocations

For this new collective challenge, the Monegasque crew will benefit from the expertise of renowned sailors, including Boris Herrmann and Will Harris from Team Malizia, as well as Cole Brauer, the first American woman to complete a solo, non-stop circumnavigation and runner-up in the 2024 Global Solo Challenge. Cole is also being mentored by Boris through The Magenta Project. Oakley Marsh from Team Malizia will complete the crew.

Peter Harrison shares this enthusiasm: “The Yacht Club de Monaco is a major force in world sailing. Competing in the Admiral’s Cup offers a unique opportunity to showcase our expertise and passion.”

The Admiral's Cup 2025 will bring together more than 15 teams representing prestigious clubs such as the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and the New York Yacht Club, three-time winners. Australia, represented by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, is the defending champion, having won the last edition in 2003.

The format will alternate between technical inshore racing and challenging offshore courses where consistency and overall crew performance will be key. By entering this competition, the Yacht Club de Monaco reaffirms its ambition to guide its members towards excellence and to strengthen its influence on the international stage. A great challenge that the Monegasque team is ready to take on with determination and passion.

The Monegasque team will field two exceptional boats: the TP52 Jolt 3, skippered by Peter Harrison (left) in the IRC Big Boat class, and the Carkeek 40 Jolt 6, helmed by Pierre Casiraghi (right) © Renaud Corlouer / Richard Mille

The Carkeek 40 Jolt 6, will be helmed by Pierre Casiraghi in the 2025 Admiral's Cup, marking the Yacht Club de Monaco and Team Malizia's first participation in race

The Yacht Club de Monaco & Team Malizia Sailors embark on a historic first in the Admiral's Cup

This Wednesday night, Boris Herrmann crossed the finish line of the Vendée Globe 2024-2025 in 12th place at 23:18 CET after 80 days, 10 hours, 16 minutes and 41 seconds at sea. Today, the Team Malizia skipper got to celebrate this great achievement and experience the iconic and emotional channel passage with his team and the cheering crowds of Les Sables d’Olonne.

 - “I feel great and relieved, and I am very happy”, said 

 earlier today after successfully finishing his second Vendée Globe. Also known as the “Everest of the Seas”, the Vendée Globe is considered the greatest challenge in sport. The legendary solo, non-stop, unassisted, round-the-world race started on 10 November 2024 with a fleet of 40 boats. Before this edition, only 114 sailors had ever completed the race out of 200 who started, and Boris Herrmann made history in 2021, when he became the first German to compete in the race.

The course starts and finishes in Les Sables d’Olonne, France, leading the fleet down the Atlantic, around Antarctica, passing the iconic Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin, and Cape Horn, before returning north through the Atlantic. This Wednesday 29 January 2025, Boris Herrmann onboard 

completed his second solo lap around the world after 80 days, 10 hours, 16 minutes and 41 seconds at sea. The 

 crossed the finish line at 23:18 local time (22:18 UTC) in 12th place, having raced 29,201 nautical miles over ground at an average speed of 15,13 knots.

Difficult weather conditions and an exceptionally competitive field marked this 2024-2025 edition. Unlike the previous race where the competition appeared less homogenous, Boris Herrmann faced a significant number of high-level skippers this time around. “The level of the whole fleet has also improved”, repeated 

 before the race. “Every aspect has gone up a notch in the space of four years.”

There were many key moments during the German sailor’s race, who has now sailed around the world six times (crewed and solo), including clocking

 up yet another Cape Horn crossing, the seventh in his career! An emblematic stage in “race” mode for the skipper who rounded it just 31 seconds ahead of 

). Fierce competition coupled with unpredictable weather conditions jangled competitors’ nerves as they dealt with a range of scenarios over the miles. 

Although weather conditions were not the same as in 2020-2021, and the boat design not always the determining factor, 

 played a key role in the most demanding phases. Designed to sail at speed, the boat was much more stable allowing Boris Herrmann to stay competitive throughout the race and stay in contact with other famous skippers like 

Justine Mettraux, Samantha Davies and Paul Meilhat

. “Compared to the previous one, my boat has a rounder shape, it’s smoother. We did not want a boat that was brought up short by every wave,” he had confided before the start.

However, after sailing over three-quarters of the Vendée Globe with minimal issues, Boris Herrmann faced a series of setbacks in the past three weeks. Although these included technical challenges that could have jeopardised his chances of finishing, nothing could shake his determination. 

One of the big successes for the skipper was how he managed two major personal challenges: fear of heights (when climbing the mast) and loneliness at sea which had such a big impact during his first Vendee Globe in 2020/2021. 

First, he had to climb the 29-meter mast to fix a critical rigging issue. Soon after, a nearby lightning strike damaged key systems, and the hook of his J2 broke, rendering his most used headsail unusable until he managed to repair it, requiring another mast climb. Despite these challenges, Boris Herrmann maintained a strong and positive mindset. 

“What’s great about the Vendée Globe is how you dig deep to find new inner resources. By confronting complex challenges, you discover surprising things about yourself”.

Unbowed, Boris Herrmann never gave up, even after his collision with an OANI (unidentified animal or object) which damaged his port foil on 16 January. Knowing his boat wouldn’t be as competitive anymore, and fearing that the foil, which he had secured, might move and damage the hull, he quickly had to switch his goals to “bringing her home safe”. Soon after, a 

huge storm in the Bay of Biscay with gusts exceeding 65 knots and waves of 8 to 10 metres forced him to slow down in the last days of the race, adding to an already strenuous few weeks. Just over three hours before crossing the finish line, Boris Herrmann sent a photo of a rip in his main sail. He quipped: “Just to spice things up a bit more. We don’t want the finish of this race to be boring, do we?”. As he’s said many times before: “

It proves nothing is finished until the finish line!”

Throughout the race, and supported by his team and their seven main partners, Boris Herrmann had a dual mission: 

raising awareness for Ocean and climate protection 

and collecting vital Ocean data in the most remote areas of the world. 

 "Like in every race, delivery or training we do, I have the 

 onboard. This automated laboratory very precisely measures Ocean CO₂ concentrations, temperature, salinity, and oxygen data. We’ve gathered one of the largest accessible datasets, which is freely available for scientists to use to better understand the role of the Ocean in the climate system.”

 Boris Herrmann also deployed a weather buoy measuring atmospheric pressure, temperature and surface current offshore Cabo Verde.

This Wednesday night , Boris Herrmann finally completed his second solo lap around the world, a success in itself. For this special moment, the Team Malizia skipper wasn’t truly “alone”, as his team and friends joined a live video call when he crossed the finish line, celebrating this achievement with him. Due to extreme weather in Les Sables d’Olonne, with strong winds and massive swell, the shore crew couldn’t board 

until daylight several hours later and Boris Herrmann spent another night alone onboard.

“Boris showed exceptional resilience throughout the race, especially on the final stretch. He overcame technical and logistical challenges with courage and determination, particularly from the Equator onward. Completing a Vendée Globe is an incredible achievement in itself, but it's even more remarkable in these conditions”, comments 

, vice-president of the Yacht Club de Monaco and founder of Team Malizia, who came to meet the sailor for his arrival.

At 15:00 local time, Boris Herrmann onboard his 

, joined by Pierre Casiraghi, his team, many surrounding boats, and cheering crowds finally entered the iconic channel of Les Sables d’Olonne. He had a nice surprise for the occasion: 

, two-time America's Cup winner and skipper of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, whom Boris Herrmann had followed with great enthusiasm during the last edition.

“What fantastic energy here along the long channel we’re sailing through”, said Boris Herrmann today. “Many thousands of people are truly excited, cheering us on, making small posters, holding banners and flags, lots of German flags too. It’s amazing to see how much enthusiasm this race generates.”

After 80 days at sea, several highs and lows, including Storm Herminia, Boris Herrmann was reunited with his wife Birte, their daughter, the entire Team Malizia, partners, and friends with great emotion. “There are things I will miss, the incredible beauty of nature. But I was especially looking forward to those emotional moments of arrival, most of all to returning to the world, seeing people again, and reuniting with friends and family.” Now, another adventure awaits him: the 

, which is captivating Germany, passionate about its most famous offshore sailor.

: Hapag-Lloyd, Schütz, the Yacht Club de Monaco, EFG International,  Zurich Group Germany, and Kuehne+Nagel, and MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company. 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. 

First hug in 80 days - Co-skipper Will Harris, Boat captain Stuart Mclachlan, and Boris Herrmann this morning ©️ Will Harris / Team Malizia

Jimmy Spithill, Pierre Casiraghi, and Boris Herrmann onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer at the Vendée Globe 2024-2025 arrival ©️ Ricardo Pinto / Team Malizia

Boris Herrmann and Samantha Davies celebrating their respective 12th and 13th place finishes this afternoon © Mark Llyod / Vendée Globe

Boris Herrmann sucessfully finished his second Vendée Globe

Team Malizia’s Boris Herrmann Celebrates His Second Vendée Globe Finish

The renowned rope manufacturer Gleistein and the successful German sailor Boris Herrmann, together with his Team Malizia, announce their future collaboration.

17 January 2025, Bremen - With two centuries of history at its founding location in Bremen-Nord, Gleistein produces 

 designed to meet the highest demands – exactly what passionate climate advocate and multiple Vendée Globe competitor Boris Herrmann needs. He grew up less than 20 nautical miles from Gleistein’s research and production site. Now his Team Malizia and the rope experts are joining forces - a perfect connection. 

Boris Herrmann is currently taking on the Vendée Globe – the toughest single-handed, non-stop regatta around the world. In this ultimate endurance test for both people and equipment, every one of the roughly 4,000 metres of rope on a fully equipped IMOCA is crucial. Gleistein already has multiple Vendée Globe campaigns under its belt. The Danish Olympic team, too, has relied on their ropes to achieve victories for many years, and Italy’s Sugar III continues to secure one ORC championship title after another. It’s for these reasons that, 

, Herrmann and his team will place their trust in Gleistein’s ropes.

“The partnership with Gleistein strengthens our mission to inspire people to commit to a healthier planet through innovation and dedication”, comments 

. “Gleistein’s use of modern technologies and the development of tailored solutions using sustainable raw materials are key elements that align perfectly with our campaign. Together, we demonstrate that progress and ecological responsibility can go hand in hand.

Boris Herrmann pairs his sporting ambitions with a constant mission: 

. On his races, he gathers data for climate research. “Boris Herrmann inspires with his dedication to our planet and is an outstanding sailor. His achievements at the Vendée Globe show what passion, endurance, and courage can achieve,” says 

 of Gleistein, who looks forward to announcing the partnership with Team Malizia this weekend at boot Düsseldorf.

: MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hapag-Lloyd, Schütz, the Yacht Club de Monaco, EFG International,  Zurich Group Germany, and Kuehne+Nagel. 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. 

Malizia - Seaexplorer during the Défi Azimut 2023

Tying The Knot - Gleistein And Team Malizia Announce Partnership

Der renommierte Seilhersteller Gleistein und der erfolgreiche deutsche Segler Boris Herrmann mit seinem Team Malizia geben ihre künftige Zusammenarbeit bekannt.

 - Mit 200-jähriger Geschichte am Gründungsort Bremen-Nord fertigt Gleistein 

 für höchste Ansprüche – und die kann der leidenschaftliche Klimaschützer und mehrfache Vendée-Globe-Teilnehmer Boris Herrmann gut gebrauchen. Keine 20 Seemeilen vom Entwicklungs- und Produktionsstandort entfernt ist er aufgewachsen. Jetzt bündeln sein Team Malizia und die Tauwerkprofis ihre Kräfte. Eine perfekte Verbindung! 

Boris Herrmann, kämpft sich gerade bei der Vendée Globe, der härtesten Einhandregatta der Welt, ohne Zwischenstopp um den Globus. Bei diesem ultimativen Härtetest für Mensch und Material kommt es auf jeden der rund 4000 Meter Seil an Bord einer voll ausgerüsteten IMOCA 60 an. Auch Gleistein bringt bereits mehrfache Vendée-Globe-Erfahrung mit, aber auch das dänische Olympia-Team siegt schon seit vielen Jahren mit Gleisteins Seilen und die italienische Sugar III holt eine ORC-Meisterschaft nach der anderen. Deshalb setzen Herrmann und sein Team 

“Die Partnerschaft mit Gleistein stärkt unsere Mission, durch Innovation und Engagement Menschen zu inspirieren, sich für einen gesünderen Planeten einzusetzen”, kommentiert 

. “Gleisteins Einsatz moderner Technologien und die Entwicklung maßgeschneiderter Lösungen mithilfe nachhaltiger Rohstoffe sind entscheidende Elemente, die perfekt zu unserer Kampagne passen. Gemeinsam zeigen wir, dass Fortschritt und ökologische Verantwortung Hand in Hand gehen können.”

Boris Herrmann verbindet seinen sportlichen Anspruch mit einer andauernden Mission: 

. Auf seinen Reisen sammelt er Messdaten für die Klimaforschung. “Boris Herrmann inspiriert mit seinem Engagement für unsere Erde und ist ein herausragender Segler. Seine Erfolge bei der Vendée Globe zeigen, was mit Leidenschaft, Ausdauer und Mut möglich ist”, sagt 

von Gleistein und freut sich, die Partnerschaft am Wochenende auf der boot in Düsseldorf gemeinsam mit Team Malizia bekannt zu geben.

Die Mission von Team Malizia „A Race We Must Win – Climate Action Now!“ ist nur dank des starken und langfristigen Engagements seiner sieben Hauptpartner möglich: MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hapag-Lloyd,  Schütz, Yacht Club de Monaco, EFG International, Zurich Gruppe Deutschland und Kuehne+Nagel. Diese Partner stehen hinter Team Malizia und unterstützen die Kampagne, wobei jeder von ihnen in seinem eigenen Bereich Projekte vorantreibt, um innovative Klimaschutz-Lösungen zu entwickeln.

Gleistein und Team Malizia kündigen Partnerschaft an

 - This morning, on Thursday 16 January 2025, Team Malizia’s skipper Boris Herrmann informed his team and race management about serious damage to the port foil of his 

Boris Herrmann has reported significant damage to the port foil of Malizia - Seaexplorer following a collision with an OANI (abbreviation of a French term for “unidentified object or animal” used when the skipper does not know what he collided with) at 02:31 UTC. The incident occurred approximately 900 nautical miles off Brazil’s northeast coast while sailing at 13.7 knots. Boris is safe and unharmed, and the boat remains seaworthy.