Boris Herrmann has released the full seven-episode documentary series “Born To Race” on YouTube, giving sailing fans an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the construction and launch of his brand-new IMOCA 60 racing yacht for Team Malizia.
The German skipper, who captured the hearts of the sailing world with his dramatic 2020-2021 Vendée Globe campaign, couldn’t contain his excitement about the finished product. “I couldn’t stop looking at the boat during the interview,” Herrmann admitted, his passion for the new machine evident in every frame of the series.
A New Machine for Ocean Racing’s Biggest Challenges
The “Born To Race” series, produced by Sergi Vi for Team Malizia with photography by Flore Music, traces the entire lifecycle of the IMOCA from initial design concepts through construction and ultimately to the water. For fans of solo and short-handed ocean racing, such documentary access to the birth of a state-of-the-art IMOCA is a rare and valuable window into one of the most complex and secretive processes in professional sailing.
IMOCA 60 design has evolved at a blistering pace in recent years, with foiling technology transforming these offshore machines into some of the fastest monohulls on the planet. Each new generation pushes the boundaries of naval architecture, materials science, and human endurance. The decision to build a new boat rather than campaign a modified existing design represents a significant investment and a clear statement of ambition from Team Malizia.
Herrmann’s Journey to the Top of Ocean Racing
Boris Herrmann first rose to international prominence when he sailed Greta Thunberg across the Atlantic aboard the Malizia II in 2019, but his credentials as a world-class offshore racer were cemented during the 2020-2021 Vendée Globe. In that edition of the legendary solo non-stop round-the-world race, Herrmann was in contention for the podium in the final miles before a heartbreaking collision with a fishing vessel off the coast of France. He ultimately finished fifth, earning widespread admiration for his resilience and seamanship.
He returned to the Vendée Globe in the 2024-2025 edition with Malizia – Seaexplorer, continuing to establish himself as one of the most formidable competitors in the IMOCA fleet. His commitment to building a brand-new boat for the next cycle signals that Herrmann and Team Malizia are fully focused on challenging for victory in the sport’s most demanding races.
Inside the Build Process
The seven-episode format of “Born To Race” allows viewers to appreciate the extraordinary complexity involved in bringing an IMOCA 60 from blueprint to reality. Modern IMOCA construction involves advanced carbon fiber composites, complex foil geometries, and systems engineering that rivals aerospace programs. Every decision — from hull shape to appendage configuration to deck layout — has profound implications for performance in conditions ranging from the doldrums to the Southern Ocean.
Team Malizia has consistently emphasized its commitment to ocean conservation and climate science alongside its racing ambitions, carrying onboard sensors that collect oceanographic data during races and training passages. The new boat is expected to continue this dual mission of high-performance racing and environmental advocacy.
What Comes Next
With the full series now available, fans can follow the complete story of the boat’s creation at their own pace. For the competitive sailing community, the release offers both entertainment and insight into the cutting edge of IMOCA design — and a clear signal that Boris Herrmann and Team Malizia intend to be serious contenders in every major event on the ocean racing calendar in the years ahead.
