Boris Herrmann doesn’t get going with his new boat at his solo premiere: As 27th among 34 Imoca yachts, he gives insights into life on board at the transatlantic race Route du Rhum. The Hamburger is also annoyed by a few of his decisions.
For the German top sailor Boris Herrmann, the prestigious transatlantic regatta Route du Rhum continues to drag on. Because Herrmann has technical problems with one of the sails on his yacht, he is approaching his destination on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe more slowly. As his team Malizia announced, Herrmann will definitely finish the race, but will probably not reach the finish line until next Wednesday. The Frenchman Charles Caudrelier had already crossed it last Wednesday as the winner, he covered the 3542 nautical miles in the record time of 6 days, 19 hours and 47 minutes.
“Of course it’s very disappointing that I’m no longer in full racing mode,” said Herrmann: “But I’ll finish the race so that I’m leading in the overall classification and qualify for the Vendee Globe 2024/25.” Herrmann caused a stir with his fifth place in the round-the-world race Vendee Globe 2020/21.
On Friday afternoon, the man from Hamburg was only 27th in the field of 34 Imoca yachts still sailing. At a press conference during the race, he said: “I can handle the deficit quite well.” Despite all caution, it was not the plan for the 41-year-old to sail towards the bottom third of the field. “I want to sail well, I’m also in full race mode. I took a few risks with the route. And I also made a few defensive decisions. I didn’t think it would have such a big impact. But I see let it go. It’s clearly not the boat. It’s my choice of route.”
It started with the fact that he “didn’t start properly”. Fearing collisions, he entered the race with a small headsail, while the competition opted for larger ones. Because Herrmann wants to start the Ocean Race with his team and the new boat on January 15, damage limitation has top priority for the skipper in addition to getting to know the yacht: “For me it’s a voyage of discovery. As long as I get there safe and sound, all goals met.” Herrmann says he has now overcome his initial problems with loneliness in the first solo race since the Vendée Globe final in January 2021.