The team are spread wide in this episode on the Malizia Vendée Show, with Holly Cova dealing in from Tenerife, Will Harris joining from the UK, Cole Brauer joining from the Southern Ocean and Dr. Léa Olivier joining from onboard Polarstern, a German research icebreaker that is used to study the Arctic and Antarctic - First streamed live on 06/01/2025

As always, Will provides updates on Boris’ race strategy, the current fleet positions, and the impact of South Atlantic weather patterns on the race dynamics. Cole shares her recent challenges in the Southern Ocean, including adjusting to lighter winds and preparing her boat for the tougher conditions ahead.

Léa shares the importance of data collected by boats like Malizia-Seaexplorer, explaining how it’s used to track CO2 absorption in the Ocean. Her anecdotes about life on a research ship, spotting penguins and albatrosses, and deploying deep-sea instruments painted an engaging picture of science in action.

Boris was also a big focus, with updates on his mental resilience and an upcoming mast climb to fix a vital component of the running backstay. Will broke down the technicalities of the repair and its significance for Boris’ performance. The conversation turned reflective, with Cole sharing her own experiences of solo mast climbs and the mental strength required.

The show wrapped up on a light note, with everyone sharing their favourite sailing books.

Dr. Léa Olivier is a scientist at the Alfred Wegener Institute, specialising in ocean and climate research, with a focus on the Southern Ocean's carbon sink and its response to climate change. Her work investigates how physical Ocean processes impact CO₂ exchange between the Ocean and atmosphere. Dr. Olivier collaborates with Team Malizia by utilising data collected through their onboard scientific equipment, such as the Ocean Pack, which measures Oceanic CO₂ levels. Her expertise bridges scientific research and offshore sailing, contributing valuable insights to global climate studies.

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

Copyright Team Malizia SAS and Boris Herrmann Racing GmbH

In this episode of the Malizia Vendée Show, the focus is on audience Q&A. Holly is joined, as always, by Will Harris and Cole Brauer, who this week calls in from 600 nautical miles off Brazil - First streamed live on 30/12/2024

This week the team explore key topics such as the fleet’s positioning, the tactical challenges the competitors face, and the unpredictable weather systems shaping the race. Will delivers an in-depth weather analysis, offering insights into strategies for tackling low-pressure systems. Cole shares her current onboard experiences, including preparing for the Southern Ocean by securing the boat and managing anxiety as conditions intensify.

Audience questions covered everything from personal challenges, like sleep deprivation, loneliness, and the immense effort it takes to balance life at sea, to the importance of preparation, both physical and mental. Additionally, the team answer questions about career paths in sailing, onboard safety, and life after a solo race, offering heartfelt insights into the sacrifices and resilience required.

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

Copyright Team Malizia SAS and Boris Herrmann Racing GmbH

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