Team Malizia has confirmed its full crew for the Ocean Race Atlantic 2026, a new transatlantic event for IMOCA yachts. Skipper Boris Herrmann will be joined by co-skippers Cole Brauer, Justine Mettraux and Julien Villion. Gauthier Lebec will sail as onboard reporter.
Boris Herrmann (GER), skipper of Team Malizia, prepares aboard the IMOCA yacht ahead of the Ocean Race Atlantic 2026. Photo: Dani Devine | Team Malizia
The race will start from New York on 1 September and finish in Lorient after approximately 3,000 nautical miles.
Herrmann said the event marks an important step for the team. “A new boat, a new race, and as much motivation as ever,” he said.
The race will be the team’s first outing on its new IMOCA yacht. It also forms part of preparations for the next edition of The Ocean Race in 2027. Organisers confirmed the race will feature fully crewed teams with equal gender representation.
Herrmann said the selected crew brings experience and balance. “It feels like a really strong and balanced line-up for this race,” he said.
Brauer said the start location holds personal significance. “Racing from home waters to Lorient feels quite special,” she said. The fleet is expected to complete the crossing in eight to nine days.
Team Malizia said it will continue its environmental research programme during the race, collecting ocean data onboard.
