In the world of solo round-the-world yacht racing, few events can rival the prestige and the challenges presented by the Vendee Globe. This grueling race pushes sailors to their absolute limits, both physically and mentally, as they battle through vast oceans, unpredictable weather, and mechanical breakdowns. For New Zealand’s Conrad Colman, the 2024 edition of the Vendée Globe was a race like no other – a journey filled with triumph, setbacks, and moments of pure exhilaration.
Colman, known for his determination and tenacity, made a remarkable comeback after facing multiple technical challenges and fierce competition. As the fleet raced towards the final stages, Colman found himself engaged in a fierce battle for the podium with legendary sailors. But what makes his story so compelling is not just the racing – it’s the relentless perseverance and emotional rollercoaster that defined his experience.
An Unpredictable Start: A Blessing in Disguise
For Colman, the race started with an unexpected turn of events. On the first day, as the boats prepared to leave, a small mistake during the final sail change set him back when a line got caught around the propeller, forcing him to start an hour later than the rest of the fleet. While this might have spelled disaster for many, Colman turned it into an opportunity. As the fleet ventured into the open ocean, Colman found himself in fresh wind conditions, allowing him to push ahead and briefly take the lead in the race.
“To be leading the race, even if it was just for a couple of hours, was an incredible memory,” Colman reflects. “It’s rare enough to participate in the Vendée Globe, but to lead it – even for a short time – was truly special.”
However, this early triumph was just the beginning of a rollercoaster ride that would test Colman’s resolve.
Technical Setbacks: A Test of Resilience
Ocean racing is notorious for the relentless nature of its demands, and the Vendée Globe is no exception. For Colman, it wasn’t just the weather that posed a challenge – it was the equipment. Shortly after the initial sail change mishap, Colman’s boat faced a series of mechanical failures, including issues with the sail bag and a major electrical problem that impacted his autopilot and keel control systems.
Colman recounts the intense moment when he had to hand-pump the keel system after it failed. “The keel system on these boats is critical for balance, and without it functioning properly, everything can go wrong quickly. I had to pump the keel by hand, which was a massive task – especially with everything else going on.”
In an event where every second counts, these failures could have been catastrophic. But Colman’s quick thinking and problem-solving skills ensured he was able to get back on track.
“There were moments when I felt like everything was falling apart,” he admits. “But when you’re in the middle of the Southern Ocean, you can’t afford to dwell on the setbacks. You have to keep your mind clear, focused on fixing the problems and pushing forward.”
The Battle with Nature: Encountering Icebergs and Wild Winds
As the race continued, Colman faced some of the harshest conditions in the world. Sailing through the Southern Ocean, he encountered powerful storms, 45-knot winds, and the ever-present threat of icebergs. For many sailors, these icebergs are a major hazard – invisible at night, they can be a fatal collision waiting to happen.
In fact, Colman had one close encounter with an iceberg, coming within just two miles of it. “When you see a massive chunk of Antarctica floating out there, two miles feels like nothing,” he says. “It’s like playing Russian roulette with nature. You’re racing, you’re pushing hard, and then you suddenly realise just how fragile everything is.”
Despite these extreme conditions, Colman pressed on, even managing to overtake several boats in the South Pacific as he pushed through the strong winds. For Colman, this was where he thrived – in the toughest, most demanding conditions.
“I feel most at home when the wind picks up,” he explains. “It’s in those conditions that I know I can make up ground on the competition. The stronger the wind, the better I perform.”
The Emotional Rollercoaster: Staying Strong in the Face of Adversity
The mental challenges of the Vendée Globe are as significant as the physical ones. Colman admits that there were times during the race when he struggled with his emotions. He recalls a particularly difficult stretch in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, where the pressure of the race and the isolation began to take a toll on him.
“There was a point in the middle of the Pacific when I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders,” he says. “The loneliness, the constant battles with the boat – it all started to feel overwhelming. But I knew I had to push through, for myself and for my team.”
One of the most touching moments in Colman’s journey came as he neared the finish line. “Racing towards the end, you start to realise how much you’ve been through. You’re still fighting for the podium, after 85 days at sea, and you’re going toe-to-toe with a legend of ocean racing, Jean-Luc. It’s an incredible feeling.”
A Podium Finish: A Remarkable Achievement
Colman’s persistence paid off as he finished the race in fourth place, just 13 minutes and 31 seconds behind third-place finisher Jean-Luc. This close finish was the closest in the history of the Vendée Globe – a fitting testament to the intensity and excitement of the race.
“It was a bittersweet moment,” Colman reflects. “I was so close to the podium, but at the same time, I was incredibly proud of what I had achieved. To be racing against such an experienced fleet, and to finish in the top four, was a huge accomplishment.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Conrad Colman?
Now that the race is over, Colman’s thoughts turn to the future. While he is physically and emotionally exhausted, he’s already thinking about his next challenge. “I’m looking at doing another Vendée Globe, but next time, I want to be on an equal footing with the top teams,” he says. “I’ve out-sailed the boat I’ve had, and now I’m aiming to build or acquire a more competitive vessel.”
With his experience and determination, there’s no doubt that Colman will be back on the start line for the next Vendée Globe – ready to take on the world once again.
A Story of Passion
Conrad Colman’s journey through the 2024 Vendée Globe is a testament to the spirit of ocean racing. From the highs of leading the race to the lows of technical failures and emotional exhaustion, Colman’s resilience and passion for the sport shine through. His story is not just about racing, but about overcoming challenges, pushing boundaries, and striving for greatness – values that resonate with all who share a love for the sea.
