Life at sea is anything but predictable, and for Vendée Globe skipper Conrad Colman, the past few days have been a stark reminder of the highs and lows of solo offshore racing. From battling fierce winds and repairing ballast tanks to savouring moments of peace over a perfectly brewed coffee, Colman’s journey showcases the resilience and resourcefulness required to thrive in one of the world’s toughest sailing competitions.

An unwelcome passenger: water in the ballast tank

Colman’s first update revealed a persistent problem that added significant weight—quite literally—to his race. Over three relentless days, water infiltrated one of the leeward ballast tanks, forcing him to pump out a staggering one-and-a-half tonnes of seawater multiple times a day. This weight imbalance was more than just inconvenient; it could have significantly impacted the boat’s performance.

“I discovered the source of the water coming through one of the aeration vents,” Colman shared. “After several unsuccessful attempts to stop the inflow, I finally slammed a wooden bung into the hole and hammered it in.” With the ballast tank now dry, Colman has reclaimed his focus on racing, but the ordeal took a toll.

The combination of heavy seas, variable winds gusting up to 48 knots, and a bumpy sea state tested both skipper and boat. “I feel like the boat is suffering a little bit, and I’m certainly suffering too,” Colman admitted. Sleep deprivation and fatigue were evident, yet his determination shone through. “It’s not terribly fun right now, but it’s good for progress.”

Crossing the doldrums

Fast-forward to a sunnier chapter in Colman’s journey: the crossing of the Intertropical Convergence Zone, or doldrums—a notorious region where weather conditions can change in the blink of an eye. Despite missing the “black line” of the equator for the umpteenth time, Colman’s spirits were lifted by fair conditions and trade winds gently nudging him northward.

“Code Zero on a reach, little puffy trade wind clouds—it’s beautiful out here,” Colman said, beaming as he described the idyllic setting. He’s keeping a keen eye on the wind, awaiting the shift from southeast to east and eventually to the northeasterlies that will confirm he’s through the convergence zone.

Moments of humanity: coffee and creativity

Even amid the chaos, Colman finds solace in the rituals that remind him of home—like making coffee. With his trusty AeroPress and a stash of premium beans from Brittany’s Laon coffee roastery, Colman is proving that even in the middle of the ocean, a great brew is possible.

“Trust me, I’ve tried them all,” Colman quipped, sharing his process for making coffee onboard. However, his morning ritual wasn’t without its own hiccup. “On one of the first days of the race, I discovered my coffee cup was smaller than the AeroPress—an oversight!” Forced to decant his coffee into a water bottle before pouring it into his cup, Colman laughed at the minor inconvenience. “If we’re just complaining about coffee cups, we’re doing pretty well!”

A lesson in resilience

The Vendée Globe is renowned as the Everest of sailing. With its unforgiving conditions and no support allowed, it challenges sailors to draw on every ounce of their ingenuity. Colman’s accounts reflect this spirit, whether hammering bungs into ballast tanks or enduring sleep deprivation in turbulent seas.

What stands out most is Colman’s positivity. Despite the discomfort, setbacks, and exhaustion, he maintains a remarkable sense of humour and focus. As he moves northward, he faces the promise of calmer seas and steadier winds—though in a race like this, nothing is guaranteed.

For fans of offshore racing, Colman’s updates are a testament to the human side of this extreme sport. They remind us of the grit and tenacity required to conquer the world’s oceans and the small joys that keep sailors going, even when the odds seem stacked against them.

Fair winds ahead

As Colman inches further into the Northern Hemisphere, the milestones come thick and fast. Each one brings fresh challenges, but also the satisfaction of progress. While his focus is on racing, his updates provide a rare glimpse into the emotional and physical toll of solo ocean sailing.

For New Zealanders following Colman’s journey, his resilience is inspiring. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or someone who simply dreams of life on the water, there’s something universally relatable about his triumphs and challenges. As he pushes forward in the Vendée Globe, we wish him fair winds and smoother seas ahead.