Boris Herrmann celebrates Christmas aboard his yacht, Malizia – Seaexplorer, while competing in the Vendée Globe in the Southern Ocean. Despite the isolation, he maintains a festive spirit, sharing moments with fellow sailors through holiday messages. As he prepares a traditional cassoulet and reflects on family, he navigates close behind competitors, with Cape Horn as a significant milestone ahead. Herrmann’s experience highlights the unique blend of competition and camaraderie in the challenging world of solo sailing.
Christmas at Sea: Boris Herrmann’s Unique Holiday Experience
In the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean, away from his family in Hamburg, Boris Herrmann finds himself celebrating the holidays aboard his vessel, Malizia – Seaexplorer, as he competes in the solo round-the-world sailing race known as the Vendée Globe. Despite the isolation, the festive spirit remains alive.
A Glimpse of Holiday Cheer Amidst the Waves
As Christmas approaches, the typically turbulent Southern Ocean has granted Herrmann a moment of respite. “The winds have calmed, the skies are a touch brighter, and the waves are less daunting,” he shared from his boat. “Today feels manageable, allowing us to reflect on our loved ones.” He mentions a camaraderie among fellow solo sailors, all of whom are competing yet remain connected through messages of holiday cheer.
Currently, Herrmann is trailing his former navigator, Nicolas Lunven, by a mere 40 nautical miles, while competitors like Sam Goodchild and Paul Meilhat are also within striking distance. The leaders, Yoann Richomme and Charlie Dalin, have already made remarkable progress by passing Cape Horn in record time.
This marks the tenth edition of the thrilling Vendée Globe, and for Herrmann, it’s his second time participating. For the latest updates on the race, fans can tune into the live blog featuring crucial information.
Feeling optimistic about his performance, Herrmann expressed, “I’m managing well with the race, and that’s a personal victory for me.” The isolation he feared has turned into a source of motivation as he sails past Point Nemo, the most remote spot on Earth.
The Antarctic Exclusion Zone, a protective measure to keep sailors away from dangerous ice formations, is closely monitored to ensure safety. This precaution enables competitors to navigate the seas without the threat of icebergs or drifting packs.
To celebrate the holidays, Herrmann has created a festive atmosphere on board. Alongside a small felt Christmas tree and an Advent calendar, he recalls experiencing snow at sea for the first time recently. He plans to prepare a traditional cassoulet, a hearty French stew, to mark the occasion, all while keeping thoughts of his family close to his heart.
As he continues to push through the race, Cape Horn looms ahead as a significant milestone for Herrmann. “Seeing Cape Horn and navigating through the Strait of Le Maire is my biggest aspiration this year,” he adds, reminiscing about the last time he spotted snow-capped peaks in 2009. Achieving this would undoubtedly serve as a beautiful belated Christmas gift for the sailor.
Cape Horn, often regarded as the most treacherous rock in the sailing world, is a legendary point that every sailor dreams of conquering. As the Vendée Globe competitors navigate toward this iconic landmark, their journey becomes a testament to the challenges and triumphs of solo sailing.