Perseverance and Passion of Vendée Globe Competitors

01/07/25 • 34 min

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.

Previous Episode

Early Challenges and Triumphs in the Vendée Globe's Opening Fortnight

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.

Next Episode

Sailing Into History: Vendée Globe's Female Skippers Share Their Stories

Our host, Charlie Enright, speaks with three female skippers competing in this edition of the Vendée Globe - frontrunner Justine Mettraux, and multi-race veterans Sam Davies and Pip Hare. These women are the best of the best and an inspiration for all young offshore sailors.

Over the years, the Vendée Globe skipper roster has included some of the best female offshore sailors in the game. And to be fair, to get to the start line of this level -solo, around the world, and without assistance- you have to be one the best offshore sailors in the world, period.

Isabelle Autissier and Catherine Chabaud blazed the trail by entering the 1996-1997 edition of the Vendée Globe. Chabaud claimed her place as the first female to conquer the “Everest of the Seas,” and the race has welcomed 12 women for a total of 15 starts since the race was launched in 1989. Six female skippers are participating in the Vendée Globe 2024-25. Sam Davies leads the charge as the most veteran race competitor, while Violette Dorange, at 23, is the youngest skipper ever, male or female, to participate in this storied race.

This episode of Loft 57 features Sam Davies, Pip Hare, and Justine Mettraux. When we published Episode 5, Mettraux was on track to be the fastest female to race a monohull around the planet, Davies was holding firm among the top 15, and Pip was speaking with us after a dismasting crushed her chance to complete the circumnavigation.