Alex Thomson backs ‘rookie’ Canada ocean racing campaign 8/23/20226:02 AMYachting WorldHelen FretterWeb site viewAlex Thomson is supporting newcomer Scott Shawyer and Canada Ocean Racing in his goal to reach the 2028 Vendée GlobeWhen solo ocean racing skipper Alex Thomson announced that he was stepping aside from competitive sailing after the 2020 Vendée Globe, he didn’t give many clues as to what he was going to do next. However, he was clear that one thing he did want to do was back another skipper in the IMOCA class.Today Thomson has named the skipper that he’s working with – but, surprisingly, they’re not British.Canadian Scott Shawyer has launched a brand new offshore sailing campaign, Canada Ocean Racing, with support from Alex Thomson.Shawyer is bidding to become the first Canadian sailor to complete the Vendée Globe non-stop solo around the world race. Under Thomson’s tutelage, he will be aiming for the 2028 race, with a key focus on gaining miles on the water and solo experience between now and then.Shawyer is a successful businessman, and for over 25 years has been president and CEO of a technology company that provides engineering services and solutions – hinting at the necessary problem solving skills which he’ll need to make it as a solo sailor. He is also a lifelong amateur sailor, although his experience prior to working with Thomson was limited to racing dinghies and keelboats and cruising catamarans.
Source: Robert G Richardson-portal (1K+)
