New Zealand sailor Conrad Colman, known for his resilience and deep connection to the natural world (to the point where he is totally committed to not starting his motor for anything, at any point during the Vendée Globe race), has delivered a glowing report from his Vendée Globe campaign. As he navigates under a stunning moonlit sky, Colman’s enthusiasm for the sport and his strategy shines as brightly as the conditions he describes.
A Night to Remember
In his latest update, Colman painted a vivid picture of his nocturnal voyage. With clear skies and a radiant moon lighting his path, he revelled in the beauty of the open ocean:
“Just look at this night—it is so spectacularly beautiful. It’s really amazing. This Moon… my God, I haven’t needed to turn on my headlamp all night. I could literally read a book here in the cockpit. It’s just so, so bright.”
Sailing at 12 knots with only 9 knots of wind, Colman demonstrated the impressive efficiency of his IMOCA yacht. Rigged with a full main, Code Zero, and J3 jib, he has maximised his sail area to harness every bit of energy from the breeze.
“These boats are just amazing—they can pull speed from anywhere. I’ve been doing this for a long time, but sometimes I struggle to believe how cool it is.”
Strategic Gains in the East
Beyond the breathtaking scenery, Colman expressed satisfaction with his tactical decisions. Positioned to the east of much of the fleet, he’s found a balance between solid boat speed and a direct southern route, staying aligned with his long-term strategy.
“Speaking of bright, well, this option seems to be working out so well at the moment. I’m pretty happy here in the East, making good speed and heading due south, which I think is where we need to be going.”
This calm yet deliberate approach mirrors Colman’s hallmark style—combining deep technical expertise with a sailor’s instinct for reading the ocean and weather.
The Joy of Solo Sailing
As one of the most experienced sailors in the Vendée Globe, Colman’s reflections underscore why he remains a favourite among fans. His passion for the sport and the natural environment fuels his determination to tackle the challenges ahead.
Colman’s ability to find joy and inspiration even in the gruelling conditions of solo, non-stop ocean racing is a testament to his love of the sea. For fans, his updates offer a window into the magic and endurance that define the Vendée Globe.
Hashtags for Engagement
#ConradColman #VendeeGlobe #SoloSailing #SailingNZ #AdventureAtSea #MoonlitVoyage #OceanRacing
