The Ocean Race 2022-23: Team Malizia skipper Boris Herrmann replaced for Leg 2 after burning foot

Updated 24/01/2023 at 09:02 GMT

Boris Herrmann has been replaced as Team Malizia skipper for Leg 2 of The Ocean Race after suffering a severe foot burn in the opening leg. Herrmann led his team to a third-place finish in Leg 1 but was advised against competing in the 4,600 nautical mile race to Cape Town due to the risk of infection. British sailor Will Harris steps in as skipper, while French sailor Yann Elies joins the crew.

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Team Malizia skipper Boris Herrmann will miss the Leg 2 of The Ocean Race after suffering a severe foot burn in the opening leg.

Herrmann led his crew to a podium finish in Leg 1, finishing behind winners Holcim-PRB and the 11th Hour Racing Team.

But Team Malizia have announced that he will be unable to take part in Leg 2 after burning his foot with boiling water and receiving medical advice to sit it out due to the risk of infection while at sea.

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“Boris is continuing to receive medical treatment and is recovering well,” said a note on the team’s website.

Leg 2 starts in Cabo Verde on January 25 and covers a distance of 4,600 nautical miles to Cape Town in South Africa.

Will Harris will now skipper the team in Hermann’s absence, while French sailor Yann Elies joins the crew.

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“I’m really sad not to sail this leg with my team, especially after the success of Leg 1," Herrmann said.

“I am more motivated than ever to compete but I don’t want to jeopardise my participation in Leg 3 or risk inhibiting our performance in Leg 2.

“Luckily, world-famous and our long-time coach Yann Elies will jump in to cover for me in this part of the race. I will now travel directly to South Africa to be with my wife and daughter and recover in order to be ready to take on the challenge of Leg 3 in the Southern Ocean.

“I will use the time onshore to work closely with our performance group, analyse the boat data and prepare the debrief for the sailor’s arrival in Cape Town. I’m excited to welcome the team in a strong position in South Africa.”

British sailor Harris was originally pencilled in to take on skippering duties for Leg 4, but the 29-year-old will now take on the responsibility sooner than expected.

“It was always the plan for Leg 4, which was the leg Boris did not intend to do,” he said.

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“I wish it would have been in different circumstances but our team spirit is high and we will make Boris and our team proud.

“I am looking forward to sailing with Yann again, it was great to do the delivery from Guadeloupe to Alicante with him onboard, he brings a lot of experience to the team.”

Elies said: “I am super motivated to join the crew on this second leg of The Ocean Race.

"We crossed the Atlantic together recently, we are ready to give it our all, push the boat, and fight for a great position in the race.”