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He's been on the road for four weeks.
Once around the world - alone in a sailing boat.
Boris Herrmann is the first German who has ventured into the great adventure Vendee Globe.
It's pushing its limits:
O-Ton Boris Herrmann >> I think physically I am actually still quite good. The hands hurt a little. It is a permanent habit to get used to these conditions. I believe the human mind can get used to anything. But the conditions are tough. My goodness. Damn it, I'll be glad to be home again. <<
Herrmann has covered around a third of the 45,000 nautical miles.
He won't be there before mid-January.
Until then he will fight against the forces of nature.
Original sound Boris Herrmann >> Of course, the perception of the race changes, also with the failures. There is some humility and there is great hope. I really want to arrive, a great longing to arrive, to get through here safely. Of course, the regatta is important to me, but it sometimes takes a back seat. I definitely don't want to risk anything. <<
Only 47% of the participants in the Vendée Globe achieve the goal on average.
It is considered the toughest solo regatta in the world.
Why did Boris Herrmann experience at the beginning of this week at the latest.
The Frenchman Kevin Escoffier was in distress.
The Frenchman stayed on a small life raft in the ten degrees cold sea for almost twelve hours.
His compatriot Jean Le Cam was finally able to save him.
Original sound: Jean Le Cam >> I stood in front of him on the windward side, I saw Kevin, and Kevin asked me, are you coming back, I said no, we will do it now! I tossed him the lifebuoy and he caught it and then he managed to catch the transmission rod and that was it. <<
Boris Herrmann also took part in the search.
He has apparently overcome the initial shock by now.
O-Ton Boris Herrmann >> I have processed it, I think, at least I left it behind me. It doesn't bother me that much anymore. I am now more concerned with my own fortunes: How do I get through the day? How do I cope with my mood? With my sleep? How is my boat doing and, above all, how do I get it back to a better speed. That kept me busy until yesterday. I also shed a tear again
.
The thing was just on a knife edge. <<
Boris Herrmann also had to experience the limits.
A halyard lock on the foresail no longer worked properly, so he had to climb the 29 meter high mast in the dark.
Original sound Boris Herrmann >> I'm afraid of heights. I'm scared of climbing masts at all. You can use it to hunt me. Abseiling down any steep face, even if it doesn't wobble. You really have to go very far out of your comfort zone. <<
He made three crosses when he got back downstairs, says Herrmann.
As a reward there was a piece of chocolate.
Constant contact with the outside world is very important for Herrmann.
Even if he chose this solo regatta, he is not a loner.
For the 2nd Advent he will read all the WhatsApp messages and wishes that reach him again.
It's his way of relaxing.