Conrad Colman unveils an all-Kiwi, forward looking team
On September 1st, Conrad Colman will set off on the first-ever edition of The Ocean Race Atlantic, a new crewed IMOCA race linking New York to Lorient. Aboard MSIG Europe, the New Zealand skipper will be joined by three rising talents from the New Zealand sailing scene: Megan Thomson, Anna Merchant, and Aaron Hume-Merry. The crew’s gender-balance reflects the race’s new format, but also reflects a bigger ambition: handing down offshore racing experience to New Zealand’s next generations of sailors.
Organized by The Ocean Race, this new transatlantic will bring 6 IMOCAs together, setting off from New York on September 1st and arriving in Lorient between September 8th and 10th. For this first edition, each team needs to include two women and two men, a first for this IMOCA class. The race will also feature an On Board Reporter to bring the adventure closer to the public.
Shaping the next generation of New Zealand sailors.
For Conrad Colman, this race marks an important milestone in the development of Aotearoa Ocean Racing, a project he leads in hopes to reconnect New Zealand with IMOCA offshore sailing.
During a trip to New Zealand last February, Conrad met Anna Merchant and Aaron Hume-Merry through the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, a partner of Aotearoa Ocean Racing. Quickly convinced by their talents, he invited them to join the project. They’ll be joined by Megan Thomson, one of the most talented sailors of New Zealand’s new generation.
The three of them already have a strong track-record in offshore racing, but with the Ocean Race Atlantic, they’re now discovering the demanding world of IMOCA offshore racing alongside one of the most experienced sailors in their country.
Beyond the sport, this participation is a part of a genuine effort to pass on knowledge and experience. As the only daggerboard IMOCA in a fleet made up entirely of the latest generation foiling boats, MSIG Europe will take on this race with humility, but also with the drive to gain valuable experience for the challenges ahead.
Early training sessions have already confirmed the crew’s strong bond and the enthusiasm of the young sailors, who are highly invested in preparing the boat.
The MSIG Europe crew members
CONRAD COLMAN - skipper
A two-time Vendée Globe competitor, Conrad Colman established himself as one of the most committed sailors of this generation. He is the first skipper to have won the Vendée Globe without using fossil fuels in 2016. Despite dismasting just a few hundred miles from the finish, he repeated that feat in the 2024 edition. Now aboard MSIG Europe, he’s looking to pass on his experience to help bring through a new generation of New Zealand offshore sailors
« I’m really excited to sail with these motivated Kiwis and pass on some of my offshore experience. I know it’ll be tough racing against a fleet made up entirely of the latest generation foiling boats, but we’ll give everything we have while keeping that competitive spirit we share on board. It’s a fantastic learning opportunity and an important step in building the future of our project. » - Conrad Colman
MEGAN THOMSON
A world-class figure in women’s match racing, Megan Thomson is notably the first female helm to reach the podium at the Open Match Racing World Championship. Named 2025 New Zealand Sailor of the Year, she joins MSIG Europe to make her first steps in IMOCA racing.
« I am thrilled to join Aotearoa Ocean Racing and MSIG Europe to participate in a project with such a bold vision for New Zealand sailing. The opportunity to step into offshore racing, learn alongside an experienced team, and help pave the way toward The Ocean Race motivated me enormously. » - Megan Thomson
ANNA MERCHANT
A versatile sailor, Anna Merchant brings solid international competition experience, ranging from match racing to foiling navigation and offshore campaigns. Her arrival marks a new chapter in her sporting journey.
AARON HUME-MERRY
A national champion and New Zealand representative at World Championship level, Aaron Hume-Merry has spent more than a decade competing in Olympic classes, foiling craft, and offshore racing.
GEORGIA SCHOFIELD - On Board Reporter
Photographer, videographer, and specialized content production at sea, Georgia Schofield embarks as an official On Board Reporter on MSIG Europe. She’s been accompanying Conrad Colman since 2023 and will bring the race to life from the inside, using the onboard media setup provided by the organization.