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Before the race of his life, there are 1,150 kilometres separating Boris Herrmann and his wife. However, in their hearts and their actions they are one. Interview with Birte Lorenzen-Herrmann.

As Boris Herrmann starts the Vendée Globe on Sunday, 8 November 2020 at 1.02 pm off the coast of Les Sables-d’Olonne, his wife Birte Lorenzen-Herrmann, 1,150 kilometres away in Hamburg, is just as excited as he is. Their original plans have changed due to the corona pandemic, and she is staying at home with their four-month-old daughter Marie-Louise. Above all to protect her husband, whom she married in Hamburg in March. They originally pictured this pre-start phase very differently, planning to be in France with their families, friends and partners. However, like so many other people they have accepted the reality of COVID-19 – and are acting accordingly.

While Boris Herrmann has spent the final days before the start in strict isolation with the family’s pet dog Lilli in Les Sables-d’Olonne, in a small apartment right on the seafront, his 36-year-old wife has been taking care of their baby. Formerly a maths and art teacher, in 2018 she started working full-time on the »My Ocean Challenge« programme, which combines sailing, science and education. Currently on maternity leave, she runs the programme on a voluntary basis from their apartment in Hamburg’s HafenCity, or at her parents’ home in Kiel.

Combined with the worldwide regattas in which Boris Herrmann and his Team Malizia are participating, the children’s and youth education programme initiated by Birte Lorenzen-Herrmann is an intensive, prestigious passion project for the couple and Team Malizia. The goal of the »My Ocean Challenge« education programme is to focus on climate change and ocean health in particular and thus the education and awareness of future generations, while simultaneously inspiring them with sailing adventures. It brings ocean-related topics to schools worldwide to create awareness of climate change. And now they are facing the greatest adventure of all.

Ms Lorenzen-Herrmann, your husband is starting the race of his life on Sunday. What are your hopes for him in this solo sail around the world, as the first German Vendée Globe skipper in history?

I hope that the Vendée Globe will be a great personal success for Boris. Of course, I want him to make it to the finish, and for it to be a sporting success, but also for him to have some wonderful experiences and spread his message about the climate.

Do you worry about your husband when he’s out there at sea?

I actually don’t when he’s sailing, because when we were together on the boat, he gave me such a strong feeling that this is his home and he knows exactly what he’s doing. He’s not a daredevil who would risk everything to win. He would not put his own life in danger. I don’t worry when he’s on the boat. When he’s driving long-distance from Hamburg to France, on the other hand …

How much contact do you have with your husband? How will you be following the race?

It’s important to Boris that we talk on the phone every day. And we do. It’s good to hear the other person’s voice once a day. And we write a lot of emails. I’ll be following the race intensively. The tracker is sure to be running while I’m feeding the baby during the night (smiles).

Are you yourself a sailor?

I’m not a regatta sailor like Boris. More of a fairweather sailor. I grew up in Kiel and sailed a lot in the yachting school there, where I learned to appreciate the beauty of the sea. I’ve always been fascinated by the adventure of sailing.

Did you meet through sailing?

No, we met outside the sailing world. It was in 2014, in a café in Hamburg-Ottensen. At the time I had no idea what he did for a living. His name didn’t ring a bell at all. But I remember describing him to a girlfriend as »a ten out of ten« (grins). Later, my mother told me that the adventurous type really suits me, and that we enjoy experiencing new things together.

Do you go sailing with your husband now and then?

Quite often in the beginning. Sometimes the outcome was a little bloody (laughs). One time we were on a catamaran off Fehmarn and I ended up under the trampoline. I injured myself but didn’t want to let it show. When we had the situation under control again, he asked me if we should keep on sailing. I gritted my teeth and said yes. Only when I took my trousers off later did I see the blood from my little mishap. I’ve been on the Malizia with him several times as well …

Malizia is now known as Seaexplorer – Yacht Club de Monaco and is starting in the Vendée Globe on Sunday. What are your memories of sailing on this Imoca rocket?

I was on board under all sorts of conditions. It’s a very different sailing experience. Absolutely fascinating. When the boat really gets going, you first hear the foils humming gently. Then you take off, feel the wind. You almost feel like you’re flying. Which you are, in a way. It’s liberating, to be moving only by the power of the wind. If the conditions are perfect, you can’t help whooping. But I wouldn’t want to change places with Boris. And I’m full of admiration for Greta Thunberg, whom Boris sailed across the Atlantic last year. For a non-sailor her achievement cannot be overstated, and she has my total respect.

You and your husband are very committed to the fight against climate change and for the protection of the seas. In Team Malizia, your shared goal is also reflected in the slogan »A race we must win«. What is your role?

Officially, the »My Ocean Challenge« project began in 2018. But it actually started much earlier. As a school-teacher I introduced topics such as the Jules Verne Trophy to my pupils in order to test whether a global sailing adventure like this can get them interested in subjects such as protecting the seas. It worked surprisingly well. They were so enthusiastic. Then I did a lot of research into what was already available for children and young people. I was astonished at how little there was. I delved into the topic as if it were a little online course. Then we developed »My Ocean Challenge« step by step, first nationally and later expanding it internationally, contacted scientific institutions such as the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology and the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research in Kiel, and we now receive support from a number of foundations. I’m looking after the project on a voluntary basis during my maternity leave.