Please select your home edition
Edition
Maritimo M50

Boris Herrmann (Seaexplorer-Yacht Club de Monaco) moves into 3rd

by Holly Cova 15 Jan 2021 17:28 PST 16 January 2021

He was briefly on the podium during the festive season, and now he's back. Boris Herrmann is in the throes of pulling off a flawless performance on Seaexplorer-Yacht Club de Monaco off the coast of Brazil by dislodging Thomas Ruyant (LinkedOut) and Damien Seguin (Apicil). Balmy airs have given the German skipper wings as he reveals his boat's full potential after his patient careful strategy in the Southern Oceans to preserve it. Today he's the quickest of the top six.

Grist to the mill

"We entered the final sprint in race mode. I have the conditions I dreamed off. I'm heading north at 1o. I am trying to use 100% of the boat's potential and my foils, unlike Thomas and Charlie whose foils are damaged. With 13 knots of wind, I am currently doing 15.6 knots and am super happy," said a delighted Boris.

"We are very close to the others. I am 39 nautical miles from Charlie (Dalin on Apivia) and just over 16 miles from Louis (Burton on Bureau Vallée 2). It's really exciting, with so much to play for and just under 4,000 nautical miles to the finish. But there's still a long way to go, including two decisive stages: getting through the Doldrums and sailing up the North Atlantic. It remains wide open and promises to be a very exciting end to the race!"

With thunderstorms being legion off Salvador de Bahia, competitors have to deal with zones of light wind and sudden squalls blasting into the mainsail, making it impossible to relax. With one eye on the chart, another on the horizon, all their attention will be focused on managing sudden changes in wind strength and direction.

Hanging in there

The weather is adding spice to the final sprint. The next big challenge for the top three is the Doldrums, extending 200 to 250 miles wide with the trade winds in the Northern Hemisphere seeming to converge with those from the south hinting at a steady easterly flow. The North Atlantic is close and the slightest tactical error could determine the rest of the race to Les Sables- d'Olonne.

Placings remain fluid, as evidenced by Yannick Bestaven's situation. The Maître CoQ IV skipper who led the race for nearly a month has slumped to 6th. Nothing is certain, even after 67 days of racing. The suspense is building and looks set to ramp up over the next ten to 12 days estimated for the first to finish.

Find out more...

Related Articles

VISIONF Yachts unveils Superfast 46
A new speedboat with 80 knots max speed VISIONF Yachts, renowned for its cutting-edge luxury power catamarans, has revealed the latest jewel in its performance portfolio — the VISIONF Superfast 46, a 14-meter, high-speed masterpiece capable of reaching a staggering 80 knots. Posted on 7 Jul
Inside Maritimo Newsletter - Take a Virtual Tour
Experience the unparalleled craftsmanship and innovative design that define Maritimo Take a moment to indulge in our immersive virtual tours, available through the form link below. Experience the unparalleled craftsmanship and innovative design that define Maritimo, all from the comfort of your own home. Posted on 4 Jul
Baglietto launch first DOM115 Superyacht
A 35-meter masterpiece by Stefano Vafiadis with interiors by Baglietto design team The first unit of the DOM115, the entry-level model of the line designed by Stefano Vafiadis, was officially launched in recent days. Posted on 3 Jul
Grand Trawler 63
A new benchmark in elegant voyaging With the launch of the Grand Trawler 63, BENETEAU sets a new benchmark in long-distance luxury cruising. Posted on 3 Jul
Palm Beach GT60 Jet Drive
A head-turning vision that sets a new standard in customization It's a question often asked by outsiders looking at Palm Beach Motor Yacht's vibrant new product introductions and development pipeline: What was the genesis for this particular design? Posted on 2 Jul
The new Beneteau Swift Trawler 37
The latest family cruiser from the world's leading marine brand The eye-catching new arrival in the fleet of BENETEAU's modern passagemakers is the Swift Trawler 37. The latest family cruiser from the world's leading marine brand replaces the Swift Trawler 35, balancing enhanced design and comfort on board. Posted on 2 Jul
Marine Auctions: Special July Online Auction
The bidding will end on Tuesday 22 July at 2pm AEST The alternative way of selling any type of vessel or marine asset with proven and successful results. Posted on 2 Jul
One thing. One big, very fast boat
One thing that opened the door, another made us enquire some more - 50 knots! Yes. It was one thing that opened the door, as it were. One thing that piqued the curiosity enough to go, ‘I'll take a look at that!' One thing that when you're trying to crack in excess of 50 knots... Posted on 30 Jun
Baglietto and Meyer Davis unveil concept Vesta56
A 56m superyacht collaboration Baglietto, the Italian shipyard with over 170 years of heritage and excellence, along with Meyer Davis, the multi-disciplinary design studio, announce a new creative partnership. Posted on 29 Jun
2025 Flotilla to Alaska Day 30
Explorer Basin to Red Bluff Bay So many more whales this morning, right off the bat as we exited Explorer Basin, outside of Tebenkof Bay. Posted on 28 Jun
Maritimo M75Palm Beach Motor Yachts