Circumnavigator Boris Herrmann remains a much sought-after and busy man. Between two training sessions off Kiel, he was the laudator for the "Best Programme" at the 2021 German Radio Award at Schuppen 52 in Hamburg harbour on Thursday evening. On Saturday morning, the 40-year-old will start the Welcome Race of Kiel Week, in which he will take part with his team Malizia and Susann Beucke, the silver medallist at the Olympic Games, on a fast GC32 catamaran.
This sporting endeavour marks the start of Herrmann's intensive home race in Kiel. The Vendée Globe fifth-placer, who is currently pushing ahead with his five-year campaign with participation in The Ocean Race (2022/2023), the second Vendée Globe start (2024/2025) and the construction of his new boat in France, will officially open Kieler Woche on Saturday afternoon and will also be close to fans during the nine-day event, which is Germany's oldest and largest regatta week. Official autograph sessions are planned on both Kieler Woche Sundays at Herrmann's team stand in the Kiel-Schilksee Olympic Centre: on 5 September between 12 noon and 1 p.m. and on 12 September between 11 a.m. and 12 noon. The Malizia team in Kiel will be showing the marine laboratory, which Herrmann used to collect valuable data for research in remote areas during the Vendée Globe, for nine days straight. The extended children and youth education programme and other commitments are also topics of the dedicated Kiel Week appearance.
Just two weeks before the publication of his very personal book "Alone between sky and sea" (read exclusive extracts in YACHT 19 and YACHT 20!)which was produced in a double feature with co-author Andreas Wolfers, former director of the Henri Nannen School of Journalism, Boris Herrmann spoke to YACHT online about the emotionally demanding work on his Vendée Globe report, the anticipation of the guest appearance in Kiel and the progress of his ambitious double project.
Mr Herrmann, you and your co-author Andreas Wolfers worked on your book "Zwischen Himmel und Meer" for more than a year. A different kind of challenge?
It wasn't easy at all to deal with the Vendée Globe so intensively again. The race was so intense, emotionally draining and exhausting. You really want to recover from that and not go through it again. Andreas Wolfers was in charge of managing the process. We also had a lot of discussions. The result was worth it all.
What did you discuss with your co-author?
He didn't have an easy time with me because, firstly, I know everything better, secondly, I'm the child of a German teacher and thirdly, we want to do more than just tell the story of the Vendée Globe.
What can your readers expect?
Definitely an honest book. I don't think there has ever been an author like Andreas Wolfers who has experienced and followed a race so closely with the team over such a long period of time. The book is written from a first-person perspective. He has made my observations his own. You have to trust yourself a lot. We did. The language of the book describes everything in such a way that you don't need any sailing expertise. It's for anyone who wants to relive the Vendée Globe and loves adventure.
Do other Vendée Globe starters also play a role in your book?
Yes, for example, the great Jean Le Cam with his exceptional performance as a 60-year-old, Kevin Escoffier, who was saved under dramatic circumstances. Or Alex Thomson, who had to endure so many setbacks.
How did you come up with the title?
This book is not a scientific treatise. We don't want to restrict, but to inspire. The sea, the horizon, the distance are important to me. The title leaves room for many things.
You are currently working on a double campaign, want to take part in The Ocean Race with your team and a good budget in 2022/2023 and compete in the solo round-the-world race Vendée Globe for the second time in 2024/2025. How are the preparations going?
Good! We will stick to our plan: On 19 July 2022, the launch of our new boat will take place at 12 noon on the dot in Brittany. We have strong and solid support from partners, we don't have to compromise.
So far, not many teams have signed up for The Ocean Race, formerly known as the Whitbread Round the World Race and the Volvo Ocean Race...
Officially registered are Team 11th Hour Racing and us as Team Malizia. Offshore Team Germany is halfway there. Everyone has high hopes that they will make it. There is a good chance of an exciting race with six or seven teams, but we would also sail around the world in a duel with 11th Hour Racing.
They will open Kiel Week on 4 September as star guests, following prominent predecessors such as former Federal President Theodor Heuss (1950/1951), Willy Brandt (1958), Chancellor Angela Merkel (2008), swimming star Franziska van Almsick (2009) and Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (2018).
I'm really looking forward to the moment and feel honoured to have been invited.
Before that, you and your team will take part in the Welcome Race and have your sights set on the record for the course from Kiel to Eckernförde on 4 September at the start of Kiel Week...
The record for the almost 30 nautical miles has been held by the trimaran "Musandam-Oman Sail" since 2014 with 1:47 hours and 22 seconds. It's a tough one and can only be beaten in ideal conditions. But we are really looking forward to the challenge and the home race at Kieler Woche. We are taking part with several boats, including the GC32 catamaran and a Flax27 from Greenboats. We will have a Team Malizia stand in , and will be showing our marine laboratory that we used during the Vendée Globe, among other things.
