In 2017, Conrad Colman became the first skipper to complete a Vendée Globe without using fossil fuels.In 2017, Conrad Colman became the first skipper to complete a Vendée Globe without using fossil fuels.
By buying Maxime Sorel's former IMOCA boat in 2021, the very boat that inspired him to take up ocean racing, the Lorient-based New Zealander will be taking part in all the races in 2022, finishing 18th in the Route du Rhum.
It will be an opportunity to improve my ranking with a view to selection for the Vendée Globe and, as I've spent a lot of time in the yard this year, every day of sailing is precious, especially single-handed. With the Vendée Globe approaching, I'm looking to make the most of the sweat, blood and tears I've shed to convert all that work into pleasure and learning about the boat. It's very interesting to finish a year of double-handed racing with a solo event.
When I arrived in France in 2009, Lorient La Base was my 'light' because I dreamed of doing the Vendée, but I had no home port, no knowledge of the area and I was looking for the best place to put down roots for the long term. I came here by chance for the first time when a Mini 6.50 race was diverted here and I nearly fell to the ground when I arrived, amazed by the maxi-trimarans and other racing boats. I had reached the Holy Grail of ocean racing. So I'm very happy to be able to return to the pontoon at La Base this winter, which is a bit of a victim of its own success and unfortunately can't accommodate all the fleet wishing to settle in Lorient. In the meantime, I'm at Kernevel, overlooking La Base on the Larmor side where I live, which means I can cycle to my boat after dropping my children off at school. And it's so close to everything.
Our ability to recover is going to be fundamental in our race management, which is why I'd like to start the Transat Jacques Vabre in the best possible conditions, both physically and technically, so that I have as little as possible to do in Martinique. Weather-wise, I'm expecting a good mix of upwind conditions, lows and surf. These conditions should favour the daggerboard boats, which often do quite well in mixed conditions and headwinds. I'm looking forward to playing with my mates in conditions that will be favourable to me!
2022
Route du Rhum - 18e
Défi Azimut - 18e
Vendée Arctique - 18e
Guyader Bermudes 1000 Race - 10e
2016
Vendée Globe - 16e
Transat NY - Vendée - 12e
2015
Barcelona World Race - 7e
2013
Atlantic Cup - 2e
2012
Global Ocean Race - Vainqueur
2010
Route Du Rhum - 28e
2006
Mini Transat - 24e
Architect: VPLP Verdier
Building: 2007, Indiana Yachting, Italie
Launching: 09/05/2007
Previous names: Groupe BEL, IMAGINE, For Humble Heroes, Le Souffle du Nord, Kilcullen Team Irlande, V and B - Mayenne
Lenght: 18,28m
Beam: 5,50m
Draught: 4,50m
Weight: 8 tonnes
Mast height: 29m
Mast type: Wing-mast
Foils : no
Upwind : 365 m²
Downwind : 700 m²
Today, Conrad is still looking for committed partners to finalise his budget and take part in the Vendée Globe in 2024.
