Alex Thomson Racing are now focused on deploying their skills and experience to help other teams like Canada Ocean Racing succeed. The new IMOCA team set up by Canadian Scott Shawyer will compete in the solo, non-stop round the world race, the Vendée Globe in 2028, aiming to become the first Canadian to complete the pinnacle event in offshore sailing, widely regarded as the toughest sporting challenge on the planet.
Backed by Alex and his team, Shawyer’s campaign aims to lead and inspire the development of offshore sailing in Canada. A core team of Canadian sailors will manage the day to day running of the yacht’s technical performance while the team embarks on a rigorous schedule of offshore training and race preparation.
Excited about the project Shawyer said “I know that taking on the Vendée Globe will be the biggest challenge of my life. I’ve joined forces with one of the best in the business, Alex Thomson, and like him, I have always been competitive and driven. With the launch of Canada Ocean Racing, we have three clear objectives: to become the first Canadian to complete the Vendée Globe, to develop the sport of offshore sailing within Canada, and to build a successful business in the sport. We are a proud and adventurous nation and it’s time for Canada to compete on the world stage in singlehanded offshore sailing”.
Shawyer, a successful businessman with a background in automation solutions, is focused on not only making history by becoming the first Canadian to complete the Vendée Globe, but his aim is to create a Canadian venture that is economically viable and provides an ongoing platform for the continued development of offshore sailing in Canada. Thomson and his team bring over 20 years’ experience, renowned for bringing the Vendée Globe to an international audience, delivering both on and off the water, and for their standout sponsorship and marketing campaigns for global brands such as HUGO BOSS, Nokia and Mercedes-Benz.
Thomson said, “When I met Scott, I knew that together we could continue my goal of taking this incredible sport to a wider international audience. I am delighted that together we are launching the newly founded, Canada Ocean Racing team. The Vendée Globe and solo offshore sailing has been such an important part of my life and is so much more than a sport. It inspires and engages so many people, and I think to bring the sport to a relatively new market like Canada will help to continue the growth and internationalisation of the sport. Scott has all the raw ingredients required to sail solo around the world, and together with his business experience, drive, and commitment, we are going to create a long term and meaningful campaign, and hopefully have some fun on the way.”
Gleistein Ropes is one of the world’s leading rope manufacturers. Founded in 1824 as a supplier for the vast north German shipping industry, the Gleistein group today provides premium solutions across a broad range of sectors.
Founded in 2004, Oceanvolt is a leading manufacturer of clean electric power and propulsion systems for boats.
Rich Energy is a premium British energy drink.
Founded in 2000, Dream Yacht Charter is a world leader in yacht chartering.
Alex Thomson Racing today added Exposure Lights to the list of specialist suppliers that it will partner with in the lead up to the 2020-21 Vendée Globe.
Base Camp Food has the UK’s widest range of lightweight meals, designed for all outdoor adventures.
UBI MAIOR ITALIA designs and produces first-class sailing deck equipment according to exceptionally high quality standards. The company combines the newest production techniques with time-tested traditions, and the experience of highly skilled professionals who have made their passion for sailing into a life’s work.
Created in 2004 by Marin Clausin, Karver Systems specialise in deck hardware. Headquartered in Honfleur, France but with a network worldwide, the business has developed a reputation for its commitment to technological performance and use of robust, ultra-resistant materials.
Raymarine is a FLIR Systems brand. Founded in 1978, FLIR Systems is a world-leading industrial technology company focused on intelligent sensing solutions for defense, industrial, and commercial applications. FLIR Systems’ vision is to be “The World’s Sixth Sense,” creating technologies to help professionals make more informed decisions that save lives and livelihoods.
Gochermann Solar Technology is a manufacturer of custom solar arrays with very special features required in solar race events such as the Australian World Solar Challenge and other events around the globe, powering cars, boats and airplanes. The company’s lightweight solar arrays meet and exceed all requirements with respect to optical, mechanical, and electrical properties.