How data drives decision-making

Racing solo on an IMOCA like Malizia – Seaexplorer is a high-stakes endeavor where both the skipper and the boat are pushed to their absolute limits. The boat itself is a cutting-edge prototype, designed to tackle the most challenging weather conditions imaginable. However, in races like the Vendée Globe, the key to winning isn’t just speed—it’s ensuring that you and the boat make it to the finish line intact.

For a solo sailor like Boris Herrmann, data guides almost all of the decisions on board. Whether it is to know how fast you are going, to decide when to do a maneuver, or to monitor how much you can push your boat, data plays a crucial role in both risk management and performance optimization. Alarms triggered by load data help prevent catastrophic failures, while weather data informs navigational decisions, balancing speed, safety, and opportunities to gain miles on competitors.

This data-driven approach allows Boris to assess his current situation and explore his options, making informed decisions that weigh risk against reward. In addition to guiding immediate actions, the data logged throughout the race can be analyzed post-race and contributes to long-term insights, helping Boris and our team to optimize the performance of boat and skipper for future races.

But what specific tools does Boris have on board his Malizia – Seaexplorer? And how are the various types of data assisting him in successfully crossing the finish line in Les Sables d’Olonne next January? – Full report

Race updates – Tracker – Ranking – Facebook

The Vendée Globe, raced in the 60-foot IMOCA, is the elite race round the world, solo, non-stop, and without assistance. On November 10, 40 skippers started the 2024-25 edition which begins and ends in Les Sables d’Olonne, France.

Armel Le Cléac’h, winning in 2017, holds the record for the 24,300 nm course of 74 days 03 hours 35 minutes 46 seconds. Only one sailor has won it twice: Michel Desjoyeaux in 2001 and 2009. This is tenth running of the race.