Breaking Away From the Fleet
Colman’s divergence from the main fleet came after intense deliberation. While most skippers opted to head westward into the Atlantic to bypass a windless zone, Colman chose to navigate south through the Canary Islands and along the African coast. Explaining this decision, Colman said:
"On its face, breaking from the fleet looks riskier. But in my mind, it’s actually the option that allows me to come back into the race with the greatest degree of certainty."
Colman’s route plays to the strengths of his boat, which excels in downwind conditions. His spinnaker remains in top condition, unlike some competitors who have lost theirs. This capability gives him confidence in his ability to maximise the potential of his chosen path.
Weighing Risk and Reward
Deciding to break away wasn’t easy. “Seeing everybody going west and me going south was scary,” Colman admitted. “Even though I come from New Zealand, I’m not just trying to be a black sheep or a renegade here.”
Colman outlined several factors influencing his choice:
Weather Systems: The western route had a forecasted complete shutdown of wind, which posed a significant risk. Meanwhile, a local low-pressure system over Africa hinted at a potential band of winds along his chosen course.
Fleet Positioning: Colman felt poorly placed within the fleet to capitalise on the western route, believing he would lose ground even if he followed the safer, more popular option.
Boat Design: His boat’s design favours downwind sailing, making the southern route a natural fit.
“Everything pointed me toward this decision,” Colman said. “Weather, statistics, sail plan, and my boat’s capabilities all made this the best option for me.”
A Calculated Gamble
While Colman acknowledges the risks, he isn’t entirely alone in his approach. French skipper Jean Le Cam, a veteran of the Vendée Globe, has also opted for the southern route. “Jean has lots of experience in weather routing, and his decision to take the same path gives me confidence that I’m not making this mistake alone—if it even turns out to be a mistake,” Colman said.
Sharing the Journey
Colman is as committed to sharing his thought process as he is to executing his race strategy. His latest video offers a detailed breakdown of how he evaluates evolving weather conditions, his boat’s performance, and the competition’s decisions. “I wanted to show just how many inputs go into the decisions I make onboard,” he explained.
This openness provides fans and followers a rare window into the complexities of solo ocean racing. From strategic decisions to the emotional toll of navigating the world’s oceans alone, Colman’s updates offer a compelling narrative for sailing enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
What’s Next?
As Colman heads south, the next few days will be critical in determining whether his gamble pays off. He remains optimistic, stating, “Six days still to go—let’s see what happens.”
Colman’s choice to chart his own course reflects the essence of the Vendée Globe: bold, relentless, and deeply personal. His journey reminds us that success in this race isn’t just about following the wind; it’s about trusting your instincts, embracing uncertainty, and daring to stand apart.
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