Boris Herrmann Climbs to Second in Imoca Class as Storms Hit Route du Rhum
The 13th edition of the Route du Rhum has claimed three major multihulls in fierce storms off Saint-Malo, forcing veteran skippers to abandon the 3,452-nautical-mile solo transatlantic race. Among 115 starters spread across six classes, German skipper Boris Herrmann has steered through the treacherous opening nights to secure second place in the Imoca class, welt.de reported.
Sailing his new boat, the Malizia 4, the 45-year-old Hamburg native capitalized on heavy attrition in the fleet. Herrmann now sits behind French leader Corentin Horeau, who campaigns the boat MACSF. While the fastest trimaran leaders approach Guadeloupe ahead of the weekend, the Imoca fleet—including Herrmann—is tracking roughly a week behind.
High-Profile Casualties in the Atlantic Storms
The race continues to test solo sailors to their physical and structural limits. Former Vendée Globe champion Armel Le Cléac’h became the most prominent casualty in the early hours of Thursday, welt.de reported. His 32-meter trimaran, Maxi Banque Populaire XI, capsized approximately 550 nautical miles northwest of the Azores.
Le Cléac’h awaited rescue inside the capsized hull. The 49-year-old French sailor experienced a similar disaster during the 2018 edition of the race. Alongside Le Cléac’h, veteran sailor Francis Joyon and competitor Matthieur Perraut also lost their boats when their respective multihulls, Océans and Elvest, capsized. A passing freight vessel rescued Joyon from the water, while Perraut awaited rescue off his overturned craft.
Preparation Ground for Upcoming Global Races
For Herrmann and his shore crew, the Atlantic dash serves as a key performance test ahead of The Ocean Race, which sets off on January 17. The German team’s ultimate objective remains the Vendée Globe 2028/2029, marking Herrmann’s third entry in the non-stop, unassisted solo race around the world.
Questions Facing the Fleet
Can Boris Herrmann maintain his podium pace aboard the Malizia 4 as the Imoca fleet contends with the remnants of the Atlantic gales? Die schnellsten Boote der Route du Rhum werden vor Guadeloupe erwartet, während Boris Herrmann in der Imoca-Klasse den Führenden Corentin Horeau jagt.
