The Canada Ocean Racing IMOCA 60 team co–skippered by Scott Shawyer and Alan Roberts and accompanied by onboard reporter Richard Mardens started the 3000-mile Transatlantic race today at 14:10 GMT. The race left from Lanzarote, Canary Islands, and the fleet is heading to Grenada in the Caribbean. 
 
The weather conditions for the start were light but stable which saw the 20-boats in the race get away cleanly as they sailed downwind towards the first turning mark to the south of Lanzarote. The first night of the race will see the Canadian IMOCA 60 tackle the challenging areas around the Canary Islands. The chain of volcanic islands creates wind shadows and the winds can funnel between the island into acceleration zones making for changeable conditions on night one of the race.

Shawyer commented “We just lined up against some sailing legends on the start line – what a feeling to cross the line in such good company!  

The first night could be a tricky one. The winds around the Canary Islands will see lighter patches as well as areas of acceleration. Couple this with the number of boats on the racetrack and shipping means both Alan and I must be on alert. In the first 36 hours we estimate we will get 2-5 hours of sleep each. Managing our energy in the early days of this race will be the first real challenge but I cannot wait to get into my first race onboard our IMOCA.”

As Scott & Alan rounded the turning mark just off Puerto Calero the wind was dropping below 10 knots at times. With the backdrop of the Lanzarote mountains and afternoon light, the Canadian IMOCA 60 sailed off into the sun to tackle their first night of the race.
 
To follow the team, head to the RORC Transatlantic Race tracker  http://rorctransatlantic.rorc.org/tracking/2023-fleet-tracking.html where the tracker updates every two hours as well as exclusive stories from onboard during the race.  
 

For further information please contact:

General enquires: hello@canadaoceanracing.com

Partnerships: Emma@canadaoceanracing.com

Press: Paddy@5west.co.uk