Aotearoa Ocean Racing (AOR) has today announced an exceptional all-Kiwi crew to contest The Ocean Race Atlantic 2026 aboard its IMOCA60 under the colours of MSIG Europe, marking a significant milestone on the team’s journey towards The Ocean Race 2027.
Launched in partnership with the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS), the campaign showcases the depth of New Zealand’s offshore sailing talent, with three members of the crew progressing through RNZYS development programmes and a fourth serving as one of the world’s leading Onboard Reporters.
Starting in the iconic city of New York, the race will see a fleet of state-of-the-art IMOCA60s race 3,000 nautical miles across the North Atlantic to Lorient, France. Featuring a mandatory 50/50 gender-balanced crew, the race represents one of offshore sailing’s greatest tests of speed, endurance and teamwork.
Skippered by internationally renowned Kiwi offshore sailor Conrad Colman, the MSIG Europe Aotearoa Ocean Racing campaign represents the first fully New Zealand crew to contest an elite Ocean Race (formerly Whitbread and Volvo Ocean Race) event in more than 15 years.
“Our mission is twofold: to compete on the water and to innovate for the future of our oceans,” said Colman. “To take on the Atlantic with a crew made up entirely of homegrown talent is something we’re incredibly proud of. This group brings world-class racing experience, Kiwi ingenuity and a shared ambition to demonstrate what New Zealand offshore sailing can achieve on the global stage.”
The campaign also highlights the strength of New Zealand’s sailing pathway, with Anna Merchant, Aaron Hume Merry and Megan Thomson all progressing through RNZYS development programmes, while Georgia Schofield, an RNZYS member, returns to The Ocean Race as one of the sport’s most experienced Onboard Reporters.
The MSIG Europe crew members
CONRAD COLMAN – Skipper
One of New Zealand’s most accomplished offshore sailors, Colman has competed at the highest level of IMOCA racing, including multiple solo ocean races and a memorable finish in the Vendée Globe after completing the final miles under jury rig. His leadership and experience provide the foundation for Aotearoa Ocean Racing’s long-term ambitions.
“I’m very excited to be sailing with these motivated young Kiwis and to pass on some of my offshore experience. I know it will be challenging with a fleet made up entirely of the latest generation foiling boats, but we’ll give it our all while maintaining the competitive spirit we all share on board. It’s a fantastic learning opportunity and an important step in building the future of our project.” – Conrad Colman
MEGAN THOMSON
Another graduate of the RNZYS Youth Training Programme, Thomson is skipper of 2.0 Racing and is currently ranked World No. 6 in women’s match racing, having previously reached World No. 2. Alongside her international match racing achievements, she has built an impressive offshore résumé through Team JAJO and representing New Zealand at the Double-Handed Offshore World Championship.
“I am thrilled to join Aotearoa Ocean Racing and MSIG Europe to be part of a project with such a bold vision for New Zealand sailing. The opportunity to get into offshore racing, learn alongside an experienced team, and help pave the way for The Ocean Race is incredibly motivating.” – Megan Thomson
ANNA MERCHANT
A graduate of the RNZYS Youth Training Programme, Merchant has successfully combined an elite international match racing career with short-handed offshore sailing. Alongside teammate Aaron Hume Merry, she has represented New Zealand at the past two Double-Handed Offshore World Championships and has established herself as one of the country’s leading offshore sailors.
AARON HUME-MERRY
A graduate of the RNZYS Performance Programme and former New Zealand representative in the Olympic ILCA and 49er classes, Merry has transitioned rapidly into offshore racing. His tactical expertise and international offshore experience make him a key member of the campaign.
GEORGIA SCHOFIELD – Onboard Reporter
RNZYS member Georgia Schofield returns to The Ocean Race as Onboard Reporter, having previously fulfilled the role with Team Holcim during the 2023 edition. Widely regarded as one of the world’s leading OBRs, Schofield’s storytelling will once again provide audiences around the globe with a unique behind-the-scenes perspective from inside the IMOCA60.
For the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, the campaign represents a powerful endorsement of the club’s high-performance sailing pathways as the Emirates Team New Zealand Youth Training Programme approaches its 40th year.
RNZYS Commodore David Blakey said the announcement was a proud moment for the Squadron.
“Seeing four RNZYS members involved in a campaign of this calibre is a tremendous endorsement of the pathways we’ve worked hard to build over many years. Anna, Aaron and Megan have all progressed through our development programmes, while Georgia has become one of the world’s leading Onboard Reporters. Their selection demonstrates the calibre of talent New Zealand continues to produce, and we’re proud to partner with Aotearoa Ocean Racing as they take the next step towards The Ocean Race 2027.”
Beyond the sporting challenge, the campaign is built on a commitment to ocean stewardship. Working alongside commercial and environmental partners, Aotearoa Ocean Racing will use the Atlantic crossing to champion marine restoration initiatives and raise awareness of the need to protect the world’s oceans.
The Ocean Race Atlantic 2026 provides a critical competitive stepping stone as Aotearoa Ocean Racing continues to build momentum, technical knowledge and commercial partnerships ahead of The Ocean Race 2027, with the long-term ambition of transitioning into a new-generation foiling IMOCA.
The partnership also reflects RNZYS’ ongoing commitment to developing world-class sailors across every discipline of the sport. The selection of four RNZYS members for one of offshore sailing’s premier campaigns reinforces the club’s role in creating pathways from grassroots sailing to the highest levels of international competition.
