“Now it’s done”
Herrmann finishes Ocean Race with a coup
06/27/2023 2:57 p.m
The Ocean Race comes to an end on the water with a surprise victory for Boris Herrmann and his team Malizia. However, the overall winner is not determined even after all boats have sailed across the finish line.
Boris Herrmann’s team Malizia finished the 14th Ocean Race with a stage win. The crew around the circumnavigator from Hamburg prevailed on the seventh and final leg from The Hague to the Italian port of Genoa after 11 days, 19 hours, 2 minutes and 51 seconds in light wind poker against Team Biotherm and Team Holcim-PRB, who were still fighting for rank two on the section fought.
“There was tension until the end, but now it’s done. Super cool,” said 42-year-old Herrmann. Then he and his entire team jumped off board the “Malizia – Seaexplorer” into the Ligurian Sea. The last victory in the 32,000 nautical miles (about 60,000 kilometers) long race across the seven seas came as a small satisfaction for Herrmann: It was a little surprising that “Malizia – Seaexplorer” was able to prevail in the light wind showdown off Genoa. The boat had so far impressed, especially in strong winds.
Winner is not yet determined
The race around the world ended on the water. The decision in the battle for overall victory will be made by an international jury on Thursday after hearing all the teams. Because the boat of the leaders from the US team 11th Hour Racing was severely damaged in a crash caused by Team Guyot off The Hague shortly after the start, the Americans had to abandon the final stage.
For Herrmann it was clear after his fifth circumnavigation: “We are third. The crash took the music out of the race at the end. Otherwise, at least theoretically, we could have played for second place. And Holcim-PRB for first place. That’s how it has to be 11th Win Hour Racing.” According to Herrmann, the jury’s decision can only be compensation in the form of the average of the previously achieved placings for 11th Hour Racing.