Vendee Globe Skipper Says Bulker Captain ‘Needed Some Convincing’ in High Seas Crossing Situation

Update: Boris Herrmann Involved in Collision with Fishing Boat

A Vendee Globe skipper says a bulk carrier Captain needed some convincing to change course in order to avoid a potential collision on the high seas.

The incident was reported on the YouTube channel of Germany’s Boris Herrmann, skipper for team Seaexplorer-Yacht Club De Monaco, as the racers crossed commercial traffic somewhere off the coast of the Azores on Sunday.

“I asked the Captain to change course 30 degrees to starboard. They did after a bit of convincing!,” said Herrmann.

“As if we didn’t have enough stress, this adds to the stress,” he added. “Half an hour of checking, convincing him. ‘Get out of my way, I’m a sailboat. I have right of way!’ Ha!”

Herrmann identified the bulk carrier as the Hannah Oldendorf, which automatic identification system (AIS) data shows is underway to Port Said.

Boris Herrmann is currently in third place in the race to the finish line in Les Sables, expected some time on Wednesday after more than 80 days of racing.

Check out Herrmann’s video below:

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