Sailing legend Conrad Colman and Aotearoa Ocean Race team to feature at 25th Auckland Boat Show
by Zoe Hawkins 23 Feb 11:56 NZDT
Conrad Colman (NZL) - MS Amlin - celebrates after finishing 21st in the 2024 Vendée Globe - Les Sables d'Olonne , France - February 4, 2025 © Vincent Curutchet / Alea
One year out from the 2027 Auckland stopover of the Ocean Race, the 25th Auckland Boat Show will welcome world-renowned offshore sailor Conrad Colman and the Aotearoa Ocean Racing team to the event.
Conrad, who has completed two solo Vendée Globe circumnavigations and four laps of the globe in total, returns home after establishing himself as a leading competitor in Europe’s offshore racing scene. He will attend the show alongside select members of the Aotearoa Racing Team team and environmental impact partners Ocean Regeneration Aotearoa (ORA), as preparations for The Ocean Race 2027 heat up.
The project aims to develop a foiling IMOCA yacht with strong New Zealand design, build and technology involvement, supported by bases in both New Zealand and France. Beyond competition, the initiative focuses on sustainability, youth development, women’s participation and Maori engagement in offshore sailing and the wider marine industry.
Colman’s recent Vendée Globe campaigns demonstrated his commitment to low-carbon sailing, completing both races without burning fossil fuels — a world first achievement within the IMOCA fleet.
Stacey Cook of the Auckland Boat Show says the appearance of Aotearoa Ocean Racing highlights both New Zealand’s maritime heritage and its future potential in high-performance, sustainable marine innovation.
“With more than 200 boats and many thousands of visitors expected, the 25th Auckland Boat Show provides a great platform to showcase Team Aotearoa Racing and its vision.”
The 25th Auckland Boat Show takes place from Thursday 5 – Sunday 8 March 2026 at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland. With more than 1.3km of boats on the water it focuses on supporting industry growth and sustainability and features zones for careers, sustainability, high-end charters, and sea trials, all with interactive activations and educational pieces. Tickets are on sale now at www.auckland-boatshow.com.