In this week’s episode of the Malizia Vendée Show host Holly Cova is joined by Will Harris, Cole Brauer and Special Guest Pifou Dargnies, Team Malizia Technical Director - First streamed live on 23/12/2024

The episode dives into Boris Herrmann’s journey through the challenging Southern Ocean as he passes the remote Point Nemo. Will provides an in-depth weather analysis, highlighting the unpredictable conditions and upcoming strategy shifts as Boris and the fleet approach Cape Horn. Pifou explains the technical challenges onboard, including the foil rake issues, emphasising Boris’s resilience and the team's preparation for such scenarios.

A key highlight includes Boris passing Yannick Bestaven, with both sailors exchanging cheerful greetings amidst towering waves. The crew reflects on the friendship and respect between competitors, the harsh realities of the Southern Ocean, and the significance of maintaining morale during the holidays.

The team also shares their personal Christmas traditions at sea, from Cole’s traveling Christmas tree, to Will’s dedication to razors for his “non-beard.” As the show closes, the team reflects on the unique challenges and triumphs of Ocean racing, looking ahead to the critical moments yet to come as Boris and the fleet approach Cape Horn.

Pifou Dargnies is the Technical Director at Team Malizia, overseeing the technical aspects of the Malizia-Seaexplorer campaign. With over a decade of experience, Pifou previously led the Charal IMOCA programme, achieving standout results scuh as third place in the 2022 Route du Rhum. His career began as an engineer with Roland Jourdain, and he competed in the 2013 Mini Transat. A longtime friend of skipper Boris Herrmann, Pifou focuses on optimising the yacht’s performance for events like The Ocean Race and the Vendée Globe.

Learn more about Pifou here: www.team-malizia.com/press-releases/pierre-francois-pifou-dargnies-joins-team-malizia-as-technical-director

Music by Rex Banner from Artist.io
Recorded by Holly Cova, Will Harris, Cole Brauer & Pifou Dargnies
Produced by Holly Cova & Dani Devine
Edited by Dani Devine

Copyright Team Malizia SAS and Boris Herrmann Racing GmbH