Boris Herrmann, the renowned German sailor, is experiencing Christmas aboard his yacht, Malizia, during the highly anticipated Vendée Globe race — but it's far from the traditional holiday. On this Day 42 of the grueling solo sailing competition, Herrmann finds himself celebrating of all places, near Point Nemo, the point on Earth furthest from any land, approximately 2,688 kilometers away from the nearest coastline.
While most people are enjoying cozy family gatherings, Herrmann is faced with the wild and unpredictable conditions of the South Pacific. He has, nonetheless, made efforts to bring some festive spirit aboard. A teddy bear wearing a red Santa hat serves as his holiday mascot, and he even packed some cinnamon stars to savor. “I have more surprises planned for Christmas. Otherwise, I get some holiday feelings when I call home,” Herrmann shared, highlighting his determination to stay connected with loved ones during this unusual holiday.
This year’s race has proven to be challenging, pushing Herrmann through both exciting and harrowing moments. Just days before Christmas, Herrmann engaged with swirling seas at high speeds when his yacht encountered what he later described as the “worst seaway ever.” The sheer force of the waves tested his skills to the max, yet his seasoned experience allowed him to regain control of the yacht after nearly capsizing. “I had the feeling: 'Oh, that's not normal. Something will happen,'” he explained, detailing the shocking moment he lost control as the bow of the yacht punched through the waves.
Herrmann’s Malizia sailed with its forward hull digging deep, coming perilously close to disaster when it tilted alarmingly. “It was not easy to figure out what to do within seconds,” he noted. Fortunately, the morning light helped him navigate the crisis, and with quick thinking and decisive action, he managed to keep the mast intact and the sails from tangling, avoiding serious damage.
Even amid the chaos, Herrmann found moments of joy. Before the harrowing incident, he recorded himself dancing to Toto’s “Africa,” visibly enjoying the exhilarating ride on turbulent waters, stating, “It’s chaotic out here, but I’m feeling great!” His lighthearted attitude seemed undeterred by the stressful nature of solo racing, transforming what could be grim circumstances at sea, particularly at Christmas time, with laughter and celebration.
The spirit of competition remains strong among the sailors, including encounters with fellow racer Yannick Bestaven. The two competitors share camaraderie even as they vie for position. “When we crossed paths, we cheered each other and filmed the moment — quite the celebration after weeks of solitude at sea!” Herrmann expressed, showing the sportsmanship integral to this intense race.
Meanwhile, not all competitors have fared well. British sailor Pip Hare was forced to retire from the race after suffering significant damage to her boat, Medallia. “I don’t know what happened,” Hare said tearily. “Medallia took off, and when it landed, the mast came down — this is the end for our Vendée Globe adventure.” Herrmann commented on the unpredictability and danger of the ocean racing scene, acknowledging the risks involved.
After experiencing such stress and near disaster, Herrmann is focused on moving forward. “I want to make sure I don't do another pirouette, neither tonight nor at any point during the race,” he vowed firmly, reflecting his resolve to navigate these treacherous waters carefully.
Although separated from family and friends during this holiday season, he remains inspired. “This gives me Christmas feelings,” he said, referring to the fresh snowfall he encountered at sea, offering him unusual but welcomed Christmas joy.
Currently, Herrmann is steering his way toward Cape Horn, where he hopes to arrive before New Year’s Day. His current standings show him positioned around seventh place, with the experienced French racers Yoann Richomme and Charlie Dalin leading the pack. Herrmann navigates the harsh realities of solo sailing with optimism, determined to finish the race strong, hoping to share stories of his adventures — and misadventures — once back on solid ground.
