Vendee Globe: ‘Crazy Kiwi’ Faces Total Blackout on All-Electric Raceboat
by Vendee Globe/Sail-World.com/nz 30 Nov 04:38 PST
Conrad Colman – MS Amlin – Vendée Globe 2024 – November 28, 2024 © Conrad Colman
Conrad Colman, the New Zealand/US sailor competing in the Vendee Globe single-handed round-the-world race, has reported a complete failure of systems on MS Amlin.
On Friday afternoon, November 29, Conrad contacted his team and race management after experiencing a total blackout aboard MS Amlin. As of Saturday morning, after extensive repair efforts, some systems remain non-operational.
While sailing at nearly 20 knots under spinnaker towards the Cape of Good Hope, he encountered a total blackout at 16:30, and several electrical components were damaged due to an overload on the boat. For several hours, he had to halt and secure the vessel to conduct repairs.
Today, the skipper of MS Amlin is proceeding with “one hand tied behind his back” since he has yet to restore his primary autopilot or Starlink, which is needed to send large video files.
“This is a new day…” said the “Crazy Kiwi” this morning, taking in the sunrise with optimism. Conrad keeps in constant touch with his team and race management to update them on the repair progress aboard MS Amlin.
In addition to competing in the 24,400 nautical mile nonstop solo circumnavigation, Colman aims to finish the race carrying the same 20 liters of fuel that he started with. His boat has been modified to harness solar and other electric energy, which is currently producing nearly double his daily energy needs.
He has been quite active in posting videos, including drone footage, and his contributions have been notable highlights of the race thus far.
