Boris Herrmann: “Catching up with Corentin? Never say never”

Conditions on board. “I’m now on the windward side of the low-pressure system. It’s like being in a car wash at the end of the cycle, when all the water pools on the windows and a fan blows on the car. That’s exactly what my windows look like right now. I’m optimistic about the race. I got off to a good start and I need to rest a bit after the low and its center have passed. I didn’t get much sleep last night. I think the race is full of surprises and a lot can still happen. But I’m happy with it and the boat is in great shape.”

Catch me if you can. “Catch Corentin? Never say never. He's pretty fast at the moment. I think his average speed is higher than mine, and with the sea state, I'm probably not going to be much faster. He's at the back of the swell, where the sea state is probably a bit better. But the race is far from over. I'm having a great time. Luckily, it's exciting. Of course, I enjoy it more when I'm well positioned. And when the boat handles like this, it's a real pleasure.”

The next 10 hours . “They're looking quite windy, so we'll have to hold on tight, avoid breaking anything while maintaining speed. It's always a challenge. And then, we'll have a few more transitions and a major low-pressure system. Some routing forecasts predict winds of 50 knots. It's a much tougher Route du Rhum than usual with the trade winds. I'm learning the best boat settings for solo sailing, how to balance the ballast and the foil. I'm trying to find my bearings and I already feel quite comfortable.”

1 day ago

2 min read

In the IMOCA class, Corentin Horeau (MACSF) still leads the pack. Behind him, Boris Herrmann (Malizia 4) made a significant leap, climbing back into second place. It was a tough battle with Francesca Clapcich (11th Hour Racing) and Sam Goodchild (MACIF Santé Prévoyance), as well as against the elements. He gave his report today.

Conditions on board. “I’m now on the windward side of the low-pressure system. It’s like being in a car wash at the end of the cycle, when all the water pools on the windows and a fan blows on the car. That’s exactly what my windows look like right now. I’m optimistic about the race. I got off to a good start and I need to rest a bit after the low and its center have passed. I didn’t get much sleep last night. I think the race is full of surprises and a lot can still happen. But I’m happy with it and the boat is in great shape.”

Catch me if you can. “Catch Corentin? Never say never. He's pretty fast at the moment. I think his average speed is higher than mine, and with the sea state, I'm probably not going to be much faster. He's at the back of the swell, where the sea state is probably a bit better. But the race is far from over. I'm having a great time. Luckily, it's exciting. Of course, I enjoy it more when I'm well positioned. And when the boat handles like this, it's a real pleasure.”

The next 10 hours . “They're looking quite windy, so we'll have to hold on tight, avoid breaking anything while maintaining speed. It's always a challenge. And then, we'll have a few more transitions and a major low-pressure system. Some routing forecasts predict winds of 50 knots. It's a much tougher Route du Rhum than usual with the trade winds. I'm learning the best boat settings for solo sailing, how to balance the ballast and the foil. I'm trying to find my bearings and I already feel quite comfortable.”