Alone around the world, for 80 days, and in the final third almost everything breaks. Boris Herrmann solves one problem after another and makes it home.
On 29 January 2025, Boris Herrmann crossed the finish line of the Vendée Globe off Les Sables-d’Olonne. The German sailor had set off on 10 November 2024 with 39 other boats, alone and without stopping. After 80 days, 10 hours and 16 minutes, he finished 12th on “Malizia – Seaexplorer”. Before the start, according to the organisers, he had said that anything outside the top ten would be a disappointment. The weeks before the finish show the Quality of Problem Solving.
Across wavy lines a golden zigzag course passes three marked obstacles on its way to the finish point – like Boris Herrmann solving one problem after another at sea.
01
The climb up the mast
Situation
In early January 2025, off the coast of Brazil, Herrmann had to climb the 29-metre mast. A line controlling the backstay tension needed repairing. According to the magazine “Yacht”, he said of it: “I am afraid of heights.” He went up anyway, with new climbing gear and guidance from his team.
Link to the quality
Problem solvers do not wait until a problem becomes pleasant. They name their limit openly and get hold of the aids that make the step possible. The same applies in everyday leadership: an unpleasant problem does not get smaller by being put off.
02
Lightning strike off Brazil
Situation
In the night of 6 to 7 January 2025, lightning struck close to the boat near Cabo Frio. The autopilot, navigation displays and radar failed. With his team on shore, Herrmann got the autopilot and wind instruments working again. The radar stayed broken, and he had to operate many things by hand.
Link to the quality
When several things fail at once, an order of priority helps. First comes whatever keeps the ship steerable; the rest can wait. Leaders do not resolve crises with one big answer, but with the right first one.
03
Two days for a headsail
Situation
On 10 January, according to the organisers, the halyard lock of a headsail broke. The repair took two days. A few days earlier, Herrmann had still been fighting for sixth place.
Link to the quality
Good problem solvers take the time a clean solution needs. Two days of repair cost speed in a race; a sail that does not hold costs more. Those who lead sometimes have to give up ground in the short term in order to reach the goal at all.
04
The destroyed foil
Situation
On 16 January 2025, around 900 nautical miles off Brazil, the boat collided with an unidentified object. The port foil was beyond repair. Herrmann secured it and sailed on, but dropped back to 13th place. The organisers quote him in English to the effect that it could always be worse, the boat was safe, he was unhurt, and he was carrying on.
Link to positive attitude
A positive attitude does not mean playing down the damage. Herrmann calls it a difficult day and then lists what still works. Leaders can adopt this order: first say honestly what is, then turn the focus to what can be done.
Key takeaways
Key lessons
01
Tackle a problem before it picks you.
02
Say openly what you find hard, and get help.
03
First secure whatever keeps you able to act.
04
Take your time for a solution that holds.
05
After a setback, list what still works.
Summary
Boris Herrmann missed his goal of the top ten. Even so, his race shows what problem solving means: four serious disruptions in ten days, each one worked through on its own. He stayed open about his situation and held on to finishing. Of 40 boats that started, 32 reached the finish as ranked finishers.
