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A model of a racing yacht on a stand, with a black mainsail, the words ‘A RACE WE MUST WIN’ on the left and ‘CLIMATE ACTION NOW!’ on the right, colourful hull markings and a red keel.

Photo: Deutsches Museum, München | Andreas Kaufmann

Malizia II racing yacht (model)

Professional sailing meets marine research: The Malizia enriches the collection in the field of modern sports boats.

New addition to the collection: Scale model of the racing yacht Malizia II

In 2015, professional sailor Boris Herrmann founded Team Malizia, embarking on a mission that blends elite ocean racing with vital marine conservation. Racing over 100,000 nautical miles across three generations of IMOCA 60 monohulls, the yacht Malizia (also known as Seaexplorer) has become a prominent icon in modern competitive sailing.

Herrmann’s original IMOCA 60 boat (active 2017–2021) captured international attention in 2019 when it transported climate activist Greta Thunberg across the Atlantic zero-emission style. In 2020, Herrmann made history as the first German sailor to complete the Vendée Globe—the world's most grueling solo, non-stop circumnavigation—securing an impressive 5th-place finish, followed by a 3rd-place podium at The Ocean Race in 2023.

Beyond racing, the team pioneers ocean science. Malizia actively collects oceanographic CO₂ data during its voyages. Building on this mission, Malizia III features an automated laboratory that continuously measures water temperature, CO₂ levels, pH, and salinity, transmitting real-time data to ocean research institutes worldwide. Engineered for the extreme conditions of the Southern Ocean, the 18.28-meter vessel utilizes advanced hydrofoils to lift the hull out of the water, reaching top speeds above 40 knots.

Model Highlights & Collection Context

  • Functional Precision: Built by model maker Chris Engelhart in close collaboration with Boris Herrmann, this fully functional water model can lift onto its foils in sufficient wind and is fully modular for disassembly.
  • Collection Significance: The model fills a key gap in the collection's modern sports boat category by representing cutting-edge professional yacht design and environmental oceanography. Permanent exhibition is highly recommended.

Key figures

Title: Malizia II racing yacht (model)

  • Date of acquisition (method): 22 January 2026 (purchase)
  • Condition: a crack in the housing of the cover containing the solar panels; otherwise no visible damage
  • Hazardous substances: none

Contact

  • Eine Frau mit verschwommenem Gesicht steht vor einem großen maritimen Wandbild mit Schiffen und Kränen und hält zusammengefaltete Pläne oder ein gerolltes Papier; sie trägt einen weißen, strukturierten Pullover und graue Hosen.

    Daniela Menge

    Curator
    Exhibition project ships and the sea

    Deutsches Museum
    80306 Munich

    Telephone +49 89 2179 350
    Fax +49 89 2179 99350

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