Two weeks ago the Canada Ocean Racing management team including Skipper Scott Shawyer, Alex Thomson, Team Director – Emma Kettle and Team Manager – Becci Barrie visited St Malo for the start of the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe 2022.  Despite the race start being delayed due to bad weather, Scott’s first experience of a major races was extremely positive.  Walking the pontoon together Alex and Scott viewed the impressive fleet and caught up with most of the skippers as they prepared to take on the 12th edition of the famous transatlantic race.

Reflecting on his visit to the iconic race start Scott Shawyer said “It was incredible to see 38 IMOCA’s lined up in St Malo.  The buzz around the race village was something I have never experienced before.  It was daunting, but also exciting to think that one day I will be in that line up!.  For now I’m enjoying keeping an eye on the tracker.”

The race has certainly been eventful so far with the rescue of Fabrice Amadeo, damage to Oliver Heer’s boat just after the start and a monumental effort made by his team to get him back in the race. Whilst all eyes are on the leading pack, it’s good to see fellow rookies and first time ‘Route du Rhumers’ like James Harayda and Justine Mettraux digging deep in challenging situations and still charging across the Atlantic.

The Canada Ocean Racing IMOCA – EMIRA is now in Portimão, Portugal for winter training .