Canadian sailors Scott Shawyer and Ryan Barkey today began the Guyader – Bermudes 1000 Race, the team’s first ever IMOCA Globe Series Race. 

Shawyer and his co-skipper – fellow Ontarian – departed from Brest France this afternoon to begin the 1200-mile Atlantic loop via the Fastnet at the southwestern tip of Ireland and a Gallimard Waypoint located northwest of Cape Finisterre. 

In what is the start of the IMOCA Globe Series, the duo line up against thirteen other IMOCA 60’s, four of which are from the same generation as the team’s non-foiling design.

Ahead of the start Shawyer said, “To get here to the start line is a great achievement for us as a team. Now the focus for Ryan and myself is to finish this race with as much learning as possible. If we can finish in front of some of the other non-foiling boats that would be great.” 

Despite the light winds as the fleet left Brest, both co-skippers were working hard to get the race underway in a competitive but safe position as the gun went at 1400 CEST.  

As planned, the team executed a conservative clean start in their first IMOCA race. In light winds the fleet split on the line with some taking the right-hand side and the rest the left with Canada Ocean Racing choosing the middle and proceeding well on that course.  

The remainder of the race will see the pair tackle a range of conditions in the Atlantic, the current routings are suggesting a race time of four to five days. This type of short sprint race is particularly challenging as is does not allow the sailors time to settle into a rhythm and is in fact a battle from start to finish.  

Alex Thomson supported the team at the start of the race and said “Great to see Scott and Ryan get across the start line today. The team have been working hard to get the boat race ready and have done a great job.  I am looking forward to seeing how our Canadian co-skippers settle into their first race and I will be keeping a close eye on them over the next few days.”

Shawyer and Barkey will be joined onboard by Paddy Condy who is the on-board reporter for the race. During the race Paddy is unable to aid in any sailing or navigation of the vessel. His role on-board is to bring the offshore action back to us. 

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Media: Paddy@5west.co.uk or Georgie@5west.co.uk