LOFT 57 PODCAST: PERSEVERANCE AND PASSION OF VENDÉE GLOBE COMPETITORS

This episode features conversations with three Vendée Globe competitors- Conrad Colman, Nico Lunven, and Sam Goodchild. All have a wealth of offshore experience and bring a unique perspective to the race.

At the time of recording, the Vendée Globe fleet was offshore for just a few days shy of two months, and our guests for this episode were in the home stretch. And by home stretch, we mean 4,000 nautical miles a trek across the Atlantic Ocean.  

This episode features conversations with three Vendée Globe competitors- Conrad Colman (MS Amlin), Nico Lunven (Holcim-PRB), and Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable). These sailors have a wealth of offshore experience, and each brings a unique perspective to the race. Get to know our guests before diving into Episode 4 of the Vendee Globe series of Loft 57.   

Conrad Colman is a season offshore veteran using the Vendée Globe as a platform to promote sustainability. He describes the logistics of running a zero-emissions campaign, the diverse range of skills required, and what drives him to take on this ultimate solo sailing challenge.   

Rising French offshore star Nico Lunven set a new 24-hour solo distance record early in the race. He may be a Vendée Globe rookie, but the Holcim PRB skipper is no stranger to success offshore. His credentials include two Solitaire du Figaro victories and three Volvo Ocean Race appearances. Lunven talks with Charlie about managing issues with his boat, maintaining a positive mindset, and his ambition to perform well despite the challenges ahead.  

Sam Goodchild is a British sailor who has made a name for himself within the French offshore sailing scene. This is Goodchild’s first Vendée Globe, and he is having a fantastic race despite sailing in an older boat that is unforgiving in the Southern Ocean conditions. He calls in from what sounds like rough conditions and updates us on the mental and technical challenges of a 3-month long solo race and his goal of simply enjoying the experience. 

Solo, non-stop, around the world, and unassisted. The Vendée Globe is a unique single-handed yacht race that's sailed every four years (starting and finishing in Les Sables d'Olonne, France), around the Antarctic, and passing under the three Capes (Good Hope, Leuwin, and Horn). Without any help from outside, there is nobody to advise the skipper to make the best choice in terms of weather forecasting and routing. The sailors are alone for 80 days. There are not many comparable human experiences.   

The "Everest of the Seas" celebrates a significant milestone in 2024 as it marks the 10th edition of the race. Join North Sails and Charlie Enright on Loft 57 and go behind the scenes for the Vendée Globe with insights into why this race has reached mythical status in France.   

Subscribe to the Loft 57 podcast via Spotify, Apple Podcasts or connect with the North Sails community on Facebook and Instagram. Loft 57 is a North Sails production.