Boris Herrmann awarded German Cross of Merit
by Team Malizia 14 Mar 2024 15:45 PDT
Team Malizia's Boris Herrmann was awarded the German Cross of Merit today. State Councillor Christopher Holstein (left) presented the recognition to the German skipper © Marie Lefloch / Team Malizia
Team Malizia's Boris Herrmann received one of Germany's most prestigious recognitions today in a ceremony at Hamburg City Hall. The skipper was awarded the Cross of Merit for his achievements in climate action and sports.
Boris Herrmann's sailing career already had many highlights: the Team Malizia skipper was the first German to ever compete in the Vendée Globe round the world non-stop solo race, he circumnavigated the world five times, sailed Greta Thunberg across the Atlantic in 2019, collected the first full lap of Ocean CO2 data around the world and was recently appointed ambassador of the German committee of the Ocean Decade. But today marks yet another milestone. Boris Herrmann was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit, one of Germany's most prestigious recognitions.
State Councillor Christopher Holstein presented the Cross of Merit to Boris Herrmann on behalf of Senator for the Interior and Sports Andy Grote in a ceremony at Hamburg City Hall this afternoon. The offshore sailor received the Cross of Merit for his efforts in protecting the environment and climate, as well as for his merit in bringing the sport of sailing closer to the general public. The combination of these two points led to the recognition of Boris Herrmann's achievements with the Cross of Merit, one of the highest recognitions awarded by the Federal Republic of Germany for services to the common good and outstanding achievements.
"I am deeply moved by this extraordinary recognition, which I am accepting on behalf of the entire Team Malizia and all supporters of our campaign", said Boris Herrmann. "I am delighted to receive this Cross of Merit and to be recognised for what lies behind us. But there is also a lot ahead of us and of me right now: This year is all about single-handed sailing. We have two more solo races across the North Atlantic and on 10 November I will be on the start line of the Vendée Globe, where we will be competing as a German team and of course flying the Hamburg flag."
As he competes in the toughest offshore races like the Vendée Globe and The Ocean Race and tries to perform at his best on the water, Team Malizia's skipper Boris Herrmann promotes and inspires people to take action for climate protection. As part of his team's A Race We Must Win - Climate Action Now! mission, he collects ocean data onboard his Malizia - Seaexplorer race yacht to further ocean research, engages with children through the Malizia My Ocean Challenge educational programme used in schools around the world, and works on sustainability projects with each of the team's main partners to tackle the climate crisis.
Boris Herrmann added: "Our sport offers a unique platform for campaigning for more climate and Ocean protection. We are also active in many societal initiatives, as part of the UN Ocean Decade, in the area of promoting sustainable shipping and, of course, particularly in the field of marine science. Team Malizia has built up a comprehensive campaign dedicated to very specific projects. This is why I accept this Cross of Merit on behalf of the entire Team Malizia and supporters who made this all possible."
Senator for the Interior and Sports Andy Grote said ahead of the ceremony: "Beyond his extraordinary sailing adventures and achievements, Boris Herrmann has earned great merit through his commitment to environmental and climate protection. He lets people take part in spectacular regattas and manages to combine a spirit of adventure with a sense of responsibility for the protection of the oceans and our planet in a special way. This makes him an important ambassador for Germany in the world of sport and beyond."
Team Malizia's A Race We Must Win - Climate Action Now! mission is only possible due to the strong and long-lasting commitment from its seven main partners: MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hapag-Lloyd, Schütz, the Yacht Club de Monaco, EFG International, Zurich Group Germany, and Kuehne+Nagel. These partners band behind Team Malizia to support its campaign, each of them working towards projects in their own field to innovate around climate solutions.