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VENDÉE GLOBE 2020
When a legendary race

plays its part in ocean

science

Aboard his laboratory vessel, skipper Boris Herrmann took samples from
the Southern seas looking for signs of climate change.

During his lone 80-day odyssey, the German sailor
Boris Herrmann collected precious oceanographic
data from the perilous Southern seas. This unique set
of information should help explain the impacts of cli-
mate change in the most distant corners of the globe.
For this top sailor who came in 5 place, the finish line
th
did not end at Les Sables-d’Olonne: the race conti-
nues in the European laboratories processing the
data sent by the laboratory on board the monohull
yacht Malizia II.
Fitted with the latest generation of sensor, Ocean-
LAB focuses on CO levels, changes in pressure,
2
temperature and salinity of the water. The spor-
ting challenge of Vendée Globe was coupled with a
high-precision scientific adventure in partnership with
the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology (Hamburg),
the Geomar research centre (Kiel, Germany) and Ifre-
mer (Brest), which use the results for long-term pro-
grammes. A hectic and dedicated ocean journey, re-
cognised by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco during a
press conference at the end of Monaco Ocean Week
on 26 March 2021, in honour of the sailor who raced
on behalf of the Principality. Boris receiving a lifetime member’s certificate for Monaco Yacht
Club from Prince Albert II of Monaco. © MESI

“The biggest change is what we cannot see, like rising temperatures or
IN CO levels in the ocean. That is why we installed a laboratory on board.
2
And when you see this data and understand the implications, you realise
SIGHT that there is absolutely no time to waste to take action”, Boris Herrmann.