The Ocean Race: German team announced double event entry
by The Ocean Race media 17 Jun 2019 10:04 BST
17 June 2019
Bermudes 1000 Race - Boris Herrman sur Malizia © Yvan Zedda
One of the top ranked IMOCA60 sailors Boris Herrmann, and his Team Malizia, plan to tackle the fully-crewed around the world race starting in the autumn of 2021, following his solo campaign in the 2020 edition of the Vendée Globe.
"The Ocean Race is one of the 'big four' sailing races alongside the Vendée Globe, the America’s Cup and the Olympic Games and is therefore potentially attractive for our German automobile partner BMW as well," says Herrmann. “This is a unique opportunity for us and the entire sport of sailing in Germany.
The German-flagged illbruck Challenge won the 2001-02 edition of what was then called the Volvo Ocean Race, famously leading the fleet into a home finish in Kiel, Germany.
Herrmann has called it a pivotal moment for him as a young sailor.
“At that time I was 19, I had just finished the Mini Transat, and it inspired me to continue on to become a professional sailor,” he said in a video interview with The Ocean Race earlier this year.
“Boris and his team, with a full offshore race programme scheduled in the lead up to The Ocean Race, are well positioned to carry on that legacy and they continue to be a strong advocate for ocean health and sustainability which is a big focus area for The Ocean Race as we shape the event for the future,” said Richard Mason, the Executive Director of The Ocean Race.
More news from teams registering to compete in The Ocean Race is expected over the coming weeks.