A race we must win

It is the only solo non-stop sailing race round the world without assistance: the awe-inspiring Vendée Globe. On the 8th November 2020, the 33 contenders will cross the line off Les Sables-d'Olonne, France, at the start of the ninth edition of this punishing race.

This is about more than just a trophy for me. I am sailing with a mission to raise awareness for the climate crisis!

BORIS HERRMANN

And once again, the Privilège shipyard is right at the heart of preparations, in the famous Vendée Globe village. Our connection to the world’s toughest race goes deeper than just the location; we both share the same founder in Philippe Jeantot. For it was he who brought his round-the-world sailing experience to the Privilège brand in 1985. Since then we have remained dedicated to bluewater sailing – albeit in the comfort of a luxurious catamaran. To honour the participants in this year’s race, our shipyard hall presents displays on each of the Vendée Globe skippers, while a giant screen shows live interviews and video footage.

For the first time ever, a German skipper will take on the challenge of the Vendée Globe: Boris Herrmann (Seaexplorer − Team Malizia, Yacht Club de Monaco). Being a committed environmental campaigner, he will collect scientific data about the oceans as he circumnavigates on his IMOCA "Seaexplorer". Privilège is delighted to be supporting his team as technical partner. Besides providing local equipment and know-how, we are also making space available on shipyard premises. In this way, we hope to help create awareness and inspire action in line with Boris’s motto “a race we must win”.

Boris Hermann described it as an honour to have Privilège as his technical partner for the Vendée Globe, adding: “This is about more than just a trophy for me. I am sailing with a mission to raise awareness for the climate crisis and to further our scientific knowledge of the CO2 levels in the Southern Ocean with my automated, on-board laboratory. Without all my partners, sponsors and team, this dream wouldn’t have become a reality. Thank you Privilège for your support.”

We wish Boris and all this year’s Vendée Globe skippers all the best!

© Team Malizia / Yacht Club de Monaco, Vendée Globe Challenge 1989-90 | Photo: Jean-Marie LIOT | Coll. Archives municipales des Sables d'Olonne (celle de Philippe Jeantot)