Globe40: OTTO WULFF at the French sailing hub Lorient

Dreams of circumnavigating the globe start in the marina of Lorient, a city of 60,000 – and that’s true for Lennart Burke and Melwin Fink with their project “Next Generation Boating – Around the World.” With OTTO WULFF’s support, the duo is taking on the Globe40 double-handed regatta from Lorient.

Before the prologue to Cádiz began, five of our colleagues (Jenny, Jan, Carsten, Karsten, and Taina) had the unique opportunity to travel to Brittany. In Lorient, we got an up-close look at the final preparations for the sailing adventure, supported Lennart and Melwin, and experienced the atmosphere of this very special place.

On Thursday morning, the OTTO WULFF-Lorient adventure got underway — bright and early. We caught a 6 a.m. flight to Paris, then continued by train to the west of France. Excitement was building all the way. We weren’t just heading anywhere, but to a place where sailing dreams come alive.

Once we arrived in Lorient, we quickly dropped our bags at the hotel and made our way straight to the harbour. From the very first glance, it was obvious: this place is something truly special.

Lorient really is a magical place for sailors. Every year, some of the biggest offshore races, like the Vendée Globe, get underway here. And it’s not your usual leisure boats you see – the harbour is full of ocean-going yachts built for serious racing.

Loads of top international sailing teams are based here, including Team Malizia, led by six-time circumnavigator Boris Herrmann. Boris, who’s from Hamburg, was on hand to give Lennart and Melwin advice and that last bit of encouragement to get going on their Globe40 adventure.

But Lorient isn’t just a logistical hub – it’s a meeting place, a hotspot for ideas, and full of energy when it comes to ocean sailing. You can feel it as soon as you arrive – there’s adventure in the air.

That evening, over dinner, we got the chance to meet the whole team and see another side of the project. Sure, the sailing tech and logistics are one thing, but what really makes it all work are the people. There’s so much going on behind the scenes that outsiders hardly notice – from planning and sponsorship to equipment and mental support.

What really stood out was the incredible team spirit. You could feel it in every conversation. It’s exactly this kind of teamwork that makes an adventure like the Globe40 possible.

For us, this visit was more than just a trip – it was an inspiring adventure full of passion and unforgettable moments. We didn’t just get to see cutting-edge sailing technology; we really felt what matters most: the people brave enough to take on this challenge and the community supporting them every step of the way.

We’re incredibly proud to back Lennart and Melwin on their journey and will be cheering them on as they set sail full speed on the Globe40.

Full speed ahead – we’ve got your back!

Text by Matthias Heidrich