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The Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and Hamburg's political celebrities have congratulated professional sailor Boris Herrmann on his arrival at the Vendée Globe in Les Sables-d'Olonne.

“Congratulations my great friend, Boris Herrmann, on finishing the toughest race in the world in the top 5!

Solo non-stop around the world.

We couldn't be more proud of you!

Welcome home! ”Wrote the 18-year-old on Thursday afternoon on Twitter.

Herrmann sailed Thunberg across the Atlantic to New York on a yacht in late summer 2019.

Thunberg had decided not to use an airplane for reasons of climate protection.

Greta Thunberg and Boris Herrmann in August 2019 in Plymouth, England, before crossing to New York together

Source: AFP via Getty Images / BEN STANSALL

“World class sailing for a good cause.

Respect for your performance.

Greetings from Hamburg, come back home safely! ”Tweeted Hamburg's Mayor Peter Tschentscher (SPD).

The interior and sports senator Andy Grote (SPD) also praised Herrmann's achievement on Twitter: “To finish the toughest solo regatta in the world Vendee Globe in the top 5 against all odds is an outstanding achievement!

We are proud and look forward to your return to Hamburg! "

The fishing boat sails under the Spanish flag

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Herrmann reached the finish line in front of the French Les Sables-d'Olonne in fifth place on Thursday morning with his yacht "Seaexplorer - Yacht Club de Monaco" after 80 days, 20 hours, 59 minutes and 45 seconds.

With a time credit of six hours, he moved up one place in the provisional classification.

Only in the course of the day will it be decided whether he will stay fourth.

Due to a collision with a fishing trawler the previous evening about 90 nautical miles from Les Sables-d'Olonne, he lost his chances of victory.

“Nevertheless, he managed to secure the boat and finish the race in the top five.

A real hero! ”Said Thunberg.

According to the French sailing website “Voiles et Voiliers”, the fishing boat is the Spanish trawler “Hermanos Busto”.

The ship is about 30 meters long and eight meters wide.

On Wednesday afternoon at 5:06 p.m. the red and white trawler set sail in Lorient, France, and then collided with Herrmann's yacht in the evening.

You can see a photo of the ship here.

Because of the damage to his yacht, Herrmann was only able to continue his journey at reduced speed.

The winner of the ninth edition was the Frenchman Yannick Bestaven after over 28,000 nautical miles.

Bonfire despite the missed victory: Boris Herrmann crosses the finish line

Source: dpa / -