The second solo lap is complete: Boris Herrmann has finished the Vendée Globe 2024-2025, his second time racing in the iconic solo, non-stop, unassisted round-the-world race. He crossed the storm line offshore Les Sables d’Olonne this Wednesday night at 23:18 local time (22:18 UTC) in 12th place after 80 days, 10 hours, 16 minutes and 41 seconds at sea.

Boris Herrmann Finishes His Second Vendée Globe In 12th Position

Boris Herrmann onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer getting ready for the arrival.

Now sailing in very rough weather conditions in the Bay of Biscay, Boris Herrmann is expected to cross the finish line in Les Sables d’Olonne this evening or during the night. Due to the weather, he will cross the virtual ‘storm line’ and we don’t know yet when Boris will be able to enter the channel. Get ready to follow the arrival.

How To Follow The Arrival - Day 80 - Vendée Globe

Boris Herrmann on the Vendée Globe 2020 arrival.

Off the coast of Cape Finisterre, Boris Herrmann and Sam Davies are holding on and persevering despite epic conditions. They are expected to cross the finish line in Les Sables d’Olonne tomorrow evening or overnight. The upside? Experiencing the storm just as the residents of western France are this week. As we’re swept by gusts, drenched by relentless rain, standing in puddles, and staring at the angry sky, we get a small taste (just a hint) of what the skippers are enduring offshore. It offers us a (very vague) glimpse into the chaos that Boris and Sam Davies are navigating through.

One Of The Last Days On The Vendée Globe - Day 79 - Vendée Globe

While Storm Herminia batters the French Atlantic coast, the final stretch of the Vendée Globe is proving exceptionally tough for Boris Herrmann. An intense low-pressure system is creating extremely challenging conditions in the Bay of Biscay and around Cape Finisterre.

Herrmann Vs Herminia - Day 78 - Vendée Globe

Boris Herrmann onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer

While Benjamin Dutreux crossed the finish line of the Vendée Globe 2024-2025 today, with Clarisse Crémer soon to follow, both skippers will head to La Rochelle for shelter, as a violent storm sweeping through Les Sables d’Olonne prevents them from entering the channel. Meanwhile, Boris Herrmann is pushing to complete the race as quickly as possible, but the Bay of Biscay’s treacherous storms, 8-metre waves, and unpredictable weather make this final stretch exceptionally challenging and uncertain.

Aiming For The Weather Window - Day 77 - Vendée Globe

As the Vendée Globe enters its final stages, Boris Herrmann continues his relentless journey towards the finish line, navigating through challenging weather near the Canary Islands, he faces unpredictable forecasts. While his ETA at Les Sables d’Olonne remains uncertain, Boris is prioritising safety and resilience, determined to complete the race despite setbacks. The coming days will test both his strategic decision-making and endurance, as the Vendée Globe reminds us why it is the ultimate test of human and nautical limits.

“I’ve Never Experienced Conditions Like That!” - Day 75 - Vendée Globe

Boris Herrmann in the cockpit of his high-tech IMOCA racing yacht Malizia - Seaexplorer

As the Vendée Globe pontoons prepare to come alive once again with the arrival of competitors this weekend, Boris Herrmann is facing a major depression as he approaches the Bay of Biscay, threatening the final miles of his journey. Now, the entire Vendée Globe fleet is back in the Atlantic. Thrills, strategies, and suspense: the show is far from over, both on the water and at Port Olona!

Les Sables d’Olonne Soon On The Horizon - Day 74 - Vendée Globe

Storms and damage in the final days near the finish of the Vendée Globe are not uncommon. Boris Herrmann, like many sailors, is contending with a fatigued boat and the toll of weeks at sea, facing challenging conditions as ETAs are pushed further back on this race.

Sam Goodchild mast camera

Storms and damage in the final days near the finish of the Vendée Globe are not uncommon. Boris Herrmann, like many sailors, is contending with a fatigued boat and the toll of weeks at sea, facing challenging conditions as ETAs are pushed further back on this grueling race.

It’s Mega Rough Out Here - Day 73 - Vendée Globe

With a damaged port foil, Boris Herrmann is now navigating the Vendée Globe with asymmetric performance and going slower than normally. As if this wasn’t enough, he will now face very challenging conditions in the coming days…

Not An Easy Week Ahead - Day 72 - Vendée Globe

Day 71 of the Vendée Globe, and it’s not getting any easier for Boris Herrmann as he faces challenging conditions with his damaged foil. Boris’ main focus is on getting home safe and sound. The broken foil presents a significant challenge, slowing him down, especially on starboard tack. He is sailing carefully, knowing he may face strong winds ahead, possibly up to 50 knots near the finish, requiring caution. For now, it’s about managing the boat and taking things day by day. Despite the setbacks, Boris’s resilience and determination to finish the race remain unwavering.

One Day At The Time - Day 71 - Vendée Globe

Many fishing practices, such as bottom trawling, do not specifically target a single species but indiscriminately catch a wide range of marine life. Here officials in the Pacific inspect illegal bycatch. 

On New Years Eve, Boris saw numerous boats sailing under asian flags off the coast of Argentina. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg: countless vessels turn off their AIS systems to go undetected. 

Squid Jiggers lure their prey to the surface with bright lights - ironically whilst often "going dark" on the AIS system. 

The Argentinian Navy watches as a vessel leaves the EEZ of Argentina and enders Mile 201. 

Earlier in the race, on New Year's Eve, Boris Herrmann was sailing along the coast of Argentina after rounding Cape Horn and leaving the Pacific behind him just days before. After nearly a month in the Southern Ocean, with no other humans in sight, and with the final sprint up the Atlantic to Les Sables d’Olonne ahead of him before being reunited with “society,” Boris was surprised to discover a different kind of civilisation on the Ocean: hundreds of fishing vessels, equipped with miles and miles of nets, lines and search systems, turning the sea into an uneven battleground between marine life and the relentless pursuit of catch.

Mile 201: Where exploitation thrives and marine life dies

Push, Push, Push

Not long now, and Boris will arrive in Les Sables d’Olonne after an extraordinary 24,000 (and a few extra!) nautical miles around the globe as part of the Vendée Globe. Throughout his journey, we’ve celebrated his highs, supported him during his lows, and spotlighted uplifting stories from the regions he sailed past. In this final stretch, the Superredaktion brings you one last week of good news  - a welcome reprieve from the usual headlines. Enjoy!

Climate Hope Week 10

No news is good news, and last night was a relatively quiet one for the fleet. With little change in the standings, most competitors are steadily making their way north, sailing their own races while pushing forward and hoping for no new unexpected challenges. Next week should bring the next wave of arrivals!

No news is good news - Day 69 - Vendée Globe

Entering the Vendée Globe is as much about mental strength as it is about sailing skill - preparing for the long, lonely journey ahead.

Setbacks, storms and struggles and still he continues. 

Of course every sailor wants to win this race but the winning mindset isn’t about being the fastest to the finish line; it’s about being strong enough to weather the storms, mentally and emotionally, no matter what the outcome.


Entering a race like the Vendée Globe isn’t just about physical prowess or sailing skills. It’s about cultivating a mindset that prepares you for the long, lonely, and grueling journey ahead. To push your limits and tackle obstacles with resilience, you need more than just a well-trained body; you need a winning mindset.

A Winning Mindset - The Mental Edge for Vendée Globe Sailors

A Winning Mindset  - The Mental Edge for Vendée Globe Sailors

A Winning Mindset – The Mental Edge for Vendée Globe Sailors

Boris Herrmann, skipper of Malizia - Seaexplorer

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

Malizia - Seaexplorer during the Défi Azimut 2023

Tying The Knot - Gleistein And Team Malizia Announce Partnership

After discovering significant damage to his port foil yesterday, Boris Herrmann successfully managed to keep the foil onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer by retracting it into the boat and securing it with a rope system. As he continues his Vendée Globe race, Boris faces another week at sea ahead of him. Let’s hope for smooth sailing in the days to come.

Bringing Her Home: That’s The Deal Now - Day 68 - Vendée Globe

This morning, Team Malizia’s skipper Boris Herrmann informed his team and race management about serious damage to the port foil of his Malizia - Seaexplorer racing yacht 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). 

Boris Reports Damage to Port Foil - Day 67 - Vendée Globe

With the podium of the Vendée Globe 2024-2025 now decided, Boris Herrmann continues his push toward Les Sables d’Olonne, determined to catch up with Justine Mettraux and Thomas Ruyant while skillfully navigating around the challenging sargasso seaweeds.

Keep Pushing Boris - Day 66 - Vendée Globe

Charlie Dalin winner of the Vendée Globe 2024 - 2025

While Charlie Dalin crossed the finish line last night, Boris Herrmann marked a significant milestone of his own by crossing the Equator! Boris returned to the Northern Hemisphere, ticking off one of the last milestones along the Vendée Globe race course. Sailing over the virtual line in 9th place, the German sailor stays focussed on the 3,200 nautical miles remaining and the battle to break into the top five.

Welcome Back In The Northern Hemisphere - Day 65 - Vendée Globe

After a tough and eventful week, we’re hoping for calmer seas and smoother sailing for Boris Herrmann on Malizia-Seaexplorer. Now racing in 9th place and nearing the Equator, Boris is giving it his all, staying focused and determined to close the gap with the leaders. With trade winds ahead, he’s pushing hard to climb the rankings and finish strong in the Vendée Globe. Stay tuned for the latest on his inspiring journey!

New Week, New Opportunities  - Day 64 - Vendée Globe

After an intense week of repairs, mast climbs, and even a lightning strike, the rollercoaster seems to have settled for Boris Herrmann. Our skipper has just crossed his own wake from earlier in the Vendée Globe, marking a symbolic milestone. However, the race is far from over. Boris still faces a distance equivalent to the Transat Jacques Vabre before reaching Les Sables d’Olonne. He remains determined, pushing hard to break into the top five.

The Loop Is Complete - Day 63 - Vendée Globe

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Boris Herrmann

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

As Boris sails around the globe, we’re reminded of how vast and connected the community of sailors, Ocean lovers and climate action enthusiasts truly is. Every day, we’re inspired by hundreds of messages from supporters across the world - each one a testament to the global impact of this journey. 