In 2017, Conrad Colman became the first skipper to complete a Vendée Globe without using fossil fuels. He is also the first New Zealander in the IMOCA Class.
Conrad Colman grew up to the rhythm of the wind and waves. Born in New Zealand, he discovered sailing at an early age and honed his skills in local regattas. But it was in France, on the docks of offshore racing, that he made a name for himself as one of the most committed sailors of his generation.
In 2016, he set off on his first Vendée Globe aboard Foresight Natural Energy, with an unprecedented challenge: completing the round-the-world race without using fossil fuels. Mission accomplished. Despite a major setback—the breaking of his mast just 700 miles from the finish—he managed to complete the race under jury rig, becoming the first skipper to achieve such a feat.
In 2021, he purchased Maxime Sorel’s former IMOCA, the very boat that had inspired him to pursue offshore racing. He competed in multiple races in 2022, finishing 18th in the Route du Rhum. However, financial difficulties slowed his ambitions. In 2023, he secured initial support from Mail Boxes Etc. before finalizing a major partnership with MS AMLIN, his title sponsor for the 2024 Vendée Globe.
Just minutes before the start of the solo round-the-world race on November 10, 2024, a rope became tangled in his propeller, preventing him from disembarking his crew. The MS Amlin skipper had to wait before crossing the starting line but eventually set off. Three hours later, as the fleet was stuck in light winds, Conrad Colman made a strong comeback and even briefly took the lead! After a journey around the globe marked by technical challenges, the "Crazy Kiwi" crossed the finish line in a commendable 21th place.
2013: Atlantic Cup - 2nd (Class40)
2012: Global Ocean Race - winner (Class40)
2010: Route Du Rhum - 28th (Class40)
2006: Mini Transat - 24th
| Name | MS AMLIN |
|---|---|
| Sail number | NZL 64 |
| Architect | VPLP - Verdier |
| Construction | 2007, Indiana Yachting, Italie |
| Former names | Groupe BEL, IMAGINE, For Humble Heroes, Le Souffle du Nord, Kilcullen Team Irlande, V and B - Mayenne, MAIL BOXES ETC. |
| Length | 18,28 m |
| Beam | 5,5 m |
| Draught | 4,5 m |
| Weight | 8 tonnes |
| Mast height | 29 m |
| Mast type | Wing mast |
| Foils | No |
| Sail area max. | |
| Upwind | 365 m2 |
| Downwind | 700 m2 |
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