Loft 57: The North Sails Podcast

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, Nico Lunven, and Sam Goodchild. 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.

The Vendée Globe, one of the world's most legendary solo round-the-world sailing races, is underway. In Episode 3 of our special series, Charlie Enright speaks with key personalities who provide an insider's perspective on the early stages of the event.

Race director Hubert Lemonnier provides a glimpse into the 24/7 operation behind the scenes, with teams constantly monitoring the fleet's position and safety. He explains the challenges of balancing transparency for the fans with the need for strategic secrecy.

Sailing legend Dee Caffari shares her unique insight, having competed in the race multiple times. She highlights the incredible atmosphere of the start in Les Sables-d'Olonne, with thousands of passionate fans braving the elements to witness the spectacle. Caffari also analyses the tactical decisions of the leading sailors, including Sam Goodchild and Justine Mettraux.

Finally, renowned offshore navigator Simon Fisher discusses the weather patterns and navigation challenges facing the fleet. He praises the skills of sailors like Charlie Dalin, who have masterfully managed the tricky conditions in the early stages. Fisher expects a closely fought and unpredictable finish to the race with the fleet headed into the treacherous Southern Ocean.

The Vendée Globe solo round-the-world race is a monumental event in France, capturing the nation’s heart and drawing massive crowds, both shoreside and online. As the start of this year’s race approaches, the North Sails team is busy providing crucial last-minute support to the skippers, ensuring everything is in perfect order. Join North Sails and Loft 57 ‘s guest-host Charlie Enright as we delve into the preparation required to get to the start line of this prestigious offshore ocean race.

In this episode, we welcome Thomas Gaveriaux, CEO of TR Racing. TR Racing has two boats in the race, and they are not just aiming for victory but also promoting important social causes like cybersecurity and vulnerability. We also speak with North sail designer Max Tringale, who shares insights into how North 3Di technology enhances the versatility and durability of the IMOCA 60 sails. Additionally, Thomas Normand from North Sails France discusses the vital collaboration between sail designers, naval architects, and skippers, emphasizing the importance of adapting sails to meet the unique needs of each boat.

Imagine being alone, confined to a boat no larger than 40 square meters, amid extreme weather conditions that test your endurance and psyche. You're at Point Nemo in the Pacific Ocean—the most remote spot from land on the planet. Each moment is a surge of emotion: fear, loneliness, and passion for the sport. It's crazy. And it's called the Vendée Globe.

Join Offshore Sailor and Ocean Race Champion Charlie Enright, who guest-hosts our Loft 57 Podcast for five special-edition episodes focused on the Vendee Globe 2024, a solo, non-stop race around the world without assistance.

In Episode 1, Charles speaks with IMOCA Class President Antoine Mermod and Co-Manager for Sustainability and Partnerships at IMOCA Imogen Dinam Price. He also dives in with Dave Reed, editor of Sailing World Magazine, for an international perspective on this famed French race. Finally, Charlie checks in with a friend and former training partner, offshore sailor Pascal Bidegorry.

The 37th America's Cup makes its mark in history by introducing the Women's America's Cup and elevating the Youth America's Cup. These two events sailed in the one design AC40, showcased optimism for a new era in Cup history, and paved the way for more women and up-and-coming talent to compete in the main event. In this episode, North Sails President Ken Read speaks with two team members of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli: Giulia Conti, helmswoman for the winning boat in the first-ever Puig Women's America's Cup, and Rocco Falcone, trimmer on board the Italian team's winning youth boat. Ken also sits with 470 World Champion and Olympic sailor Luise Wanser, trimmer with Women's AC Team Germany.
Ken and our guests dive into discussions on their experiences that led to their Cup appearances, what parents and the sailing community can do to support young sailors, and pose the question – is the future of fast, high-performance sailing on foils?
This episode is a must-listen for young sailors, parents, and all of us who support the next generation of talent in the America’s Cup and our sport.