A life shaped by salt and loss
Colman’s connection to the sea goes right back to the beginning. Born to two passionate sailors—his American father and Kiwi mother—his first year was spent living on board a yacht sailing the Pacific.
But life on the ocean came with hardship. When Colman was just 11 months old, his father tragically died while working on their boat in Singapore. Looking for support from family, his mother returned with Colman to New Zealand to start again. But the ocean was already in his blood, and there was no turning away from its call.
Each summer brought sailing trips that kept that connection alive. His father’s influence over his life didn’t stop at his death; Conrad feeling that spirit of adventure, travelled to the U.S. as a teenager to explore his father’s family heritage. He completed his schooling in the U.S., later studying business and economics at the University of Colorado. Surrounded by mountains and surrounding valleys, he found himself drawn to mountain biking and endurance sports—activities that, in hindsight, helped prepare him for the physical and mental challenges of solo sailing.
The sailor, the husband, the dad
These days, Colman balances his sailing career with life at home in France, where he lives with his wife, Clara, and their two young children, Ella and Leo. He’s the kind of dad who reads bedtime stories one night and rebuilds wind vanes or negotiates sponsorship deals the next.
It’s a juggling act, and he’s the first to admit it’s not always easy. “There’s a part of me that feels guilty leaving,” he says. “But I also hope I’m showing my kids what it means to chase something bigger than yourself.”
Doing things differently
Colman has specialised in racing solo offshore boats. In 2006, Colman achieved 24th in the Mini Transat. 2010, he came 28th in the Route de Rhum. Then in 2012, he had a first podium finish with victory in the Global Ocean Race, followed by a second podium finish in the Atlantic Cup in 2013. Then a 7th in the Barcelona Race. And he hasn’t stopped since. Along the way, he participated in the Vendée Arctique, the Retour à la Base, and the New York Vendée, with many more races in between.
Colman’s career in sailing is packed with moments that show just how far he’s willing to go to stick to his principles.
In 2016, he became the first New Zealander to take on the Vendée Globe—the toughest solo, non-stop round-the-world race there is; a lifelong dream and the ultimate test of endurance, creativity, and self-reliance. Inspired by ocean racing from childhood, he saw the solo, non-stop race as a challenge that aligned with his passion for offshore sailing—his “happy place.” As the first New Zealander to compete, Colman embraced the opportunity to push his limits while promoting sustainability. His campaign focused on renewable energy, reflecting his commitment to a greener future. Not only did he race it alone, he did it without using a single drop of fossil fuel. It was a personal and professional milestone, proving his resilience and dedication to innovation in sailing (the first sailor to ever do so.)
Near the end of the race, his mast broke—just 740 miles from the finish. Most sailors would have called it. Colman didn’t. He built a makeshift rig from broken parts and sailed on, finishing 16th and earning widespread respect for his determination.
In 2024, he did it all again—this time on a boat he’d refitted himself, working with a tight budget and limited support. He finished 21st overall and fourth in his division, but for Colman, the real win was proving that it’s possible to race hard and stick to sustainable values.
Keeping it clean
Colman doesn’t preach when he talks about the environment. Instead, he shares what he’s seen and why it matters. “I’ve watched albatross follow me for days without flapping their wings. I’ve seen water so clear you could spot dolphins racing beneath the hull. We’ve got to look after this,” he says.
For both of his Vendée Globe campaigns, he used only renewable energy—solar panels, \and hydro generators kept his boat’s systems running. Race rules required him to carry a sealed diesel engine for emergencies, but he never used it.
He’s not trying to be perfect—he’s trying to prove what’s possible. And people are starting to notice.
Sharing the message
Colman’s no stranger to social media or speaking events these days. He shares updates not just about sailing but about the mindset that comes with it.
“Solo sailing shows you who you are,” he says. “When you’re alone for weeks on end, every decision counts. It changes how you see everything—including the way we treat the planet.”
He’s also spoken to schools, sometimes showing up still a bit weather-beaten after a delivery trip. His message to students is simple: you don’t need to follow the easy route, and sometimes the hard way is worth it.
What’s next? Aotearoa Ocean Racing
Colman isn’t slowing down. Teaming up with fellow Kiwi marine strategist Rowan Gyde, he has launched Aotearoa Ocean Racing—a campaign designed not only to compete in the 2027 Ocean Race, but also to create a lasting presence for New Zealand in offshore sailing.
The team will race an IMOCA60, a cutting-edge offshore yacht class that can transition between fully-crewed events like The Ocean Race and solo challenges like the Vendée Globe. This gives the campaign a unique edge, providing long-term exposure for sponsors and supporters. “The IMOCA class provides an unparalleled platform,” says Colman. “It offers longevity and commercial viability.”
The return of the Ocean Race to Auckland in 2027 helped spark the campaign into life. But unlike past efforts, this isn’t a one-off project. Aotearoa Ocean Racing aims to establish a permanent offshore racing programme, with bases in both New Zealand and Lorient, France—the epicentre of European offshore sailing. This setup will not only put Kiwi sailors and marine professionals at the heart of global competition but also open doors for designers, riggers, and boatbuilders to gain international experience.
“I grew up in Auckland idolising the ocean racing sailors that tore in and out of the city on their way to the ocean’s most remote reaches. I was inspired by their courage, thirst for adventure and because the Kiwis were inevitably holding the trophy at the end! Now I want to build a new Kiwi team to take on the challenge again, as a team and as a country!” says Colman.
Gyde, through his company Kaha Marine, brings the strategic and commercial expertise to match Colman’s sailing pedigree. Together, they’re committed to building something uniquely New Zealand, with inclusion and opportunity at its core. The campaign will collaborate with groups like The Magenta Project to ensure women have full access to elite sailing roles, while also linking in with youth sailing programmes around Aotearoa.
“This is a campaign for all New Zealanders,” says Colman. “We want to reconnect everyday Kiwis with offshore sailing.”
With Colman’s Vendée Globe sponsors still on board and new partnerships on the horizon, the team offers rare exposure across two of the world’s most prestigious races. As Gyde puts it: “We want every Kiwi to feel a part of this campaign. We’re creating something accessible, competitive, and inspiring.”
Colman adds, “We’re ready to sail, ready to win, and ready to represent every Kiwi on the world stage.”
The team’s goals are clear: race hard, run clean, and represent New Zealand values on the global stage. They’re looking to build a team that stands for sustainability, inclusivity, and smart design.
It’s a big project, and funding is always a challenge. But if there’s one thing Colman has shown, it’s that he knows how to make things work when the odds are stacked against him.
More than the finish line
Colman isn’t chasing medals or headlines. He’s carving out a different path—one that’s based on consistency, principle, and a genuine love for the sea.
He’s proof that you can go your own way and still make an impact. That you can be a dad, a sailor, a campaign manager, and a climate advocate all at once.
Colman might not always be in the spotlight, but his course is steady—and more and more people are starting to follow it.
