The Ocean Race 2022-23: Boris Herrmann on thrilling battle against Team Holcim-PRB – ‘We are faster’

Published 31/03/2023 at 14:57 GMT

Team Malizia skipper Boris Herrmann says his crew are currently faster than Team Holcim-PRB as both crews fight for victory on Leg 3 of The Ocean Race. Holcim-PRB had a big lead of over 500 nautical miles but Malizia have closed the gap and taken the lead at various points over the last fortnight. The expected time of arrival in Itajai is Sunday afternoon.

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Boris Herrmann believes his Team Malizia crew are currently faster than Team Holcim-PRB as the pair battle it out for victory in the third leg of The Ocean Race.

Last week, the two boats opened up a big lead over 11th Hour Racing and Biotherm to establish a two-horse race in the record-breaking leg to Itajai.

With approximately 48 hours' more racing to go, as the winning boat is expected to reach Itajai on Sunday afternoon, less than three nautical miles split Malizia and Holcim-PRB, in the latter’s favour.

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However, Herrmann says his crew are currently faster when asked about the status of the race entering Friday afternoon.

"Holcim-PRB is just here," he said at one point, pointing slightly behind. "I'm happy to see them there, and not there," he adds, moving his arm slightly forward.

"We can see a 10-minute average speed on the computer and see if we are faster - green - or slower - red. For the moment we are faster."

Holcim-PRB had a big lead three weeks ago of over 500 nautical miles, before the chasing pack closed the gap and made the bridge.

Kevin Escoffier’s crew have a perfect record so far after winning two legs and crossing the scoring gate earlier on this leg in first place.

His crewmate Sam Goodchild says Malizia are “staying close like a shadow”.

“We can see them on the computer, but we can also just see them out the window," Goodchild concluded.

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Watch live coverage from every leg of The Ocean Race 2022-23 with Eurosport and discovery+

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