Boris Herrmann has announced his intention to return to around the world racing, signaling another ambitious campaign for one of offshore sailing’s most prominent figures. The German skipper, who has become a household name in ocean racing circles, shared his excitement about the upcoming project, declaring that he and his team “can’t wait to race around the world again.”
A Career Defined by Global Ocean Racing
Boris Herrmann first captured the world’s attention during the 2020-2021 Vendée Globe, where he became the first German sailor ever to compete in the legendary solo non-stop around the world race. Sailing his IMOCA 60 Seaexplorer – Yacht Club de Monaco, Herrmann finished fifth in a dramatic conclusion that saw him collide with a fishing vessel in the final hours of the race while holding a podium position. Despite the setback, his achievement resonated far beyond the sailing world, earning him widespread recognition in Germany and establishing him as a leading figure in the IMOCA class.
Herrmann went on to compete in the 2024-2025 Vendée Globe, further cementing his credentials as one of the most experienced and determined solo offshore sailors of his generation. His Team Malizia operation, backed by the Yacht Club de Monaco and aligned with ocean conservation and climate science initiatives, has grown into one of the most professional and visible campaigns in the IMOCA fleet.
What Lies Ahead
While specifics of the campaign remain to be confirmed, the announcement in March 2026 places Herrmann’s team well within the typical planning window for major around the world events. The next edition of The Ocean Race, the fully-crewed circumnavigation formerly known as the Volvo Ocean Race, and the subsequent Vendée Globe cycle both represent potential targets for the German skipper.
The IMOCA class continues to evolve rapidly, with foiling technology pushing boat speeds to unprecedented levels and new builds incorporating the latest in naval architecture and sustainable design. Any new campaign from Herrmann would likely involve either a cutting-edge new boat or a significant refit of an existing platform to remain competitive against an increasingly strong international fleet.
Broader Significance for German Sailing
Herrmann’s continued presence at the highest level of offshore racing is significant not only for his own legacy but for the growth of ocean racing in Germany. His previous campaigns brought unprecedented media attention to the sport in a country traditionally more focused on dinghy racing and inshore events. Through Team Malizia, Herrmann has also carried onboard scientific instruments measuring ocean data for the Max Planck Institute, reinforcing the connection between competitive sailing and marine science.
The confirmation that Herrmann is preparing to race around the world once more will be welcomed by fans and competitors alike. As the next cycle of global ocean racing takes shape, the German skipper’s experience, determination, and growing infrastructure position him as one of the key contenders to watch.
Further details on boat choice, race entry, and campaign partners are expected to emerge in the coming months as the project moves from announcement to preparation.
