After a year out whilst competing in The Ocean Race, Team Malizia returned to Monaco from 18-22 March 2024 for Monaco Ocean Week. Once again, the topic of ocean conservation took centre stage, with international experts, scientists and key stakeholders all gathering to network and debate the major issues of the day.
Team Malizia has a strong historical connection with Monaco. Boris Herrmann and Pierre Casiraghi, Vice President of the Yacht Club de Monaco founded the team there in 2016 and EFG was one of the first companies to come on board, marking the start of a long and successful partnership.
As part of a hectic schedule, Boris Herrmann took time out to meet children from the academy of the Yacht Club de Monaco and inspire them with his passion for sailing and love of the ocean. EFG’s commitment to sailing is underpinned by a shared belief in nurturing the next generation of talent and we know the important role that sailing academies play in enabling young sailors to fulfil their ambitions.
Another highlight was Team Malizia’s ‘My Ocean Challenge’ event at the iconic Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. 120 children gathered to hear stories of their sailing adventures and watch a series of live scientific experiments designed to demonstrate the impact of climate change and importance of ocean conservation. ‘My Ocean Challenge’ has educated over 75,000 children worldwide and we have joined forces with Team Malizia on this fantastic initiative, with our internal volunteering programme reaching over 650 children and counting!
Finally, Boris Herrmann dropped into EFG’s Monaco office, and there was plenty to discuss. 2024 promises to be another epic year full of challenges, especially with the Vendée Globe on the horizon. Team Malizia’s boat, Malizia – Seaexplorer is back in the water after an intense winter re-fit. A new set of foils have been installed, designed to improve performance, and a wind generator has been added to achieve greater energy efficiencies.
Training will then commence in the build-up to Boris Herrmann’s first single handed race of the year, the Transat CIC from Lorient to New York on 28 April 2024. A month later, he races back across the Atlantic to Les Sables d’Olonne, France, in the New York Vendée race. Malizia – Seaexplorer will then undergo a final summer re-fit ahead of the Défi Azimut in September and Boris Herrmann’s second Vendée Globe, the iconic, solo, non-stop, round the world race, which sets sail on 10 November 2024.
Team Malizia’s ‘A Race We Must Win’ mission has a double meaning. It reflects their desire to compete competitively and also signifies an ongoing commitment to ocean conservation and climate protection. We are delighted to support Boris Herrmann and Team Malizia as they embark on their journey around the world in 2024 and will publish regular updates on their progress.