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.
Colman discovered his passion for sailing as a child in New Zealand. His competitive career began in local regattas, where he quickly demonstrated his talent and determination.
One of Conrad Colman's most notable achievements was his participation in the 2016-17 Vendée Globe aboard Foresight Natural Energy. Indeed, he completed the race without using fossil fuels, a first in the history of this solo round-the-world race. Despite the technical challenges, including his mast breaking just 700 miles from the finish, he achieved the remarkable feat of bringing his IMOCA back safely to port.
Buying Maxime Sorel's former IMOCA in 2021, the very boat that had inspired him to take up ocean racing, the Lorient-based New Zealander took part in all the races in 2022, finishing 18th in the Route du Rhum.
In 2023, after financial difficulties, he joined forces with the Mail Boxes Etc. company, with his sights set on the next Vendée Globe.
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 |
There are 40 skippers and their boats already at the Vendée Globe race village in Les Sables d’Olonne ahead of the start on November 10th, and all of them have their tales to tell of triumphing over adversity to take par…
•••The 2020 edition of the Vendée Globe has generated unprecedented interest. As a result, the organisers decided to increase the number of places at the start to 40 for the 2024 edition. 44 skippers applied for this 10th e…
•••At the halfway point, Conrad Colman, skipper of the IMOCA MS Amlin, gives us an update on what's happening at sea. Strategy, weather forecasts, conditions on board... you'll know it all!
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