Kiwi crew racing 40nm from finish in The Ocean Race Atlantic
by Aotearoa Ocean Racing 12 Sep 03:11 BST
12 September 2026
Anna Merchant and Conrad Colman change the A3 - MSIG Europe - The Ocean Race Atlantic - September 2026 © Georgia Schofield
While the first four IMOCAs crossed the finish line Thursday, and a fifth on Friday, the race continues for Conrad Colman, Anna Merchant, Megan Thomson, Elie Pirnay, and Georgia Schofield, now 40 miles from the finish of The Ocean Race Atlantic.
MSIG Europe, the only daggerboarder in the six-boat fleet, are expected to finish at Lorient, France on Saturday morning, local time
Navigating the final miles of The Ocean Race with the threat of a high-pressure system hanging over our heads like the sword of Damocles: that’s the challenge facing the crew on day nine of racing.
Hunted by the high-pressure ridge catching up from behind, Conrad, Megan, Anna, Elie, and Georgia are watching the wind die down and turn completely erratic. Faced with this weather lottery, the crew is digging deep on every maneuver to squeeze out every knot of wind.
Day 9:
Day 8:
Between endless weather briefings, serious caffeine overloads, and that classic Kiwi humor, the team is keeping their heads down and pushing hard — expected on the finish line this Saturday morning at Lorient La Base
Between endless sail changes, shifting winds, and stacking 300kg on every tack and jibe, the relentless pace of the last 24 hours is taking a physical toll on the crew.
But the team's commitment remains absolute to the end, fueled by a powerful boost of support from the shore team back on shore side
Day 7:
Day 6:
Day 5:
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