New podcast episode: Jochen Rieker on the construction of the "Malizia 4" by Boris Herrmann
Leonie Meyer
· 17.04.2026
"Applied physics and maths in a level of detail that has never been seen before on the scene" is how Jochen Rieker describes the ambitious Malizia project. The new designer Antoine Koch has developed a radically slimmer hull trimmed for speed with highly developed foils. The contrast to its predecessor could hardly be greater: While Boris Herrmann himself describes the "Malizia 3" as a "whale", he calls the new build "the slim one, the top". He wants to win The Ocean Race with this ship in 2027 and then the Vendée Globe 2028.
Strict secrecy
There are good reasons why Jochen Rieker has to keep quiet about many details in the podcast. The pressure to innovate in the IMOCA class is enormous, and photos and insights are strictly controlled. In addition, the Imocas of Thomas Ruyant Racing and Banque Populaire are also being built according to Antoine Koch's plans. The YACHT editor explains journalistic confidentiality, agreements with the team and how this even influences the design of the layout in the YACHT magazine.
Visit to Boris Herrmann
Jochen Rieker's insights into Boris Herrmann's preparation and way of thinking are particularly exciting. The professional sailor relies on intensive training, delegates specifically to experts and relies on state-of-the-art technology. In the podcast, our guest also answers questions about navigation, when to steer by hand and when the autopilot takes over, as well as which rules need to be observed when building a boat. The technical finesse of foils and rudders and the associated dangers are also discussed.
Our expert also categorises the new build and the development process and explains what lessons have been learned from the "Malizia 3". In the 68th episode, Jochen Rieker explains what worked well, what needed to be improved and, above all, what specific goal the team is pursuing. You can also find out when "Malizia 4" will go into the water and how much the project will cost.
Here you can listen to the YACHT sailing podcast with Jochen Rieker
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Leonie Meyer
Editor News & Panorama
