Leg 4 Start: Scott reflects on a brutal Leg 3 and his hopes for the leg to Italy

After the challenging conditions of Leg 3 in The Ocean Race Europe, Canada Ocean Racing – Be Water Positive skipper Scott Shawyer – and the rest of the team – have been analysing the conditions and strategy that saw them finish in Nice in 6th place. With Leg 4 starting today, Scott shared his reflections on the past leg and his hopes for the one ahead. 

Looking Back – Leg 3 

“The violence of the boat through the waves really shocked me,” Scott said when asked what surprised him most. “The speeds we hit, the way the hull just slammed. It was brutal. You can prepare yourself in theory, but it’s tough to imagine until you’re actually living it.” 

He explained that the only place that felt “half-bearable” was in one of the shock-absorbing helming seats. “Anywhere else – the bunks, the benches – it was unbelievably uncomfortable. The team are more experienced than me in those conditions, but still… it was punishing for everyone.” 

Despite the battering, the team pulled together. “The dynamic was good. We all knew what had to be done and we kept focused on the job. No panic, just a collective effort to get to the finish line as quickly and safely as possible.” 

Teammate Pip Hare described one of the days as “neverending,” and Scott agreed: “It absolutely felt neverending. You try not to look at your watch, but of course you do, and ten minutes feels like hours. Or you check the distance left – 80 miles – and tell yourself not to look again for a while, only to see there are 79 miles still to go. It was tough, mentally as much as physically.” 

And how did the boat, Emira IV, cope? “Honestly, I’m surprised it didn’t explode,” Scott laughed. “Of course, I knew it wouldn’t. This boat has been through much worse before, but it’s incredible how much punishment it takes. It’s a truly impressive boat.” 

Looking Ahead – The Challenge of Leg 4 

Leg 4 is about to get underway – a short hop from Nice, France to Genova, Italy – and Scott is realistic about what lies ahead for the team. 

“Short doesn’t mean simple,” he explained. “The route takes them out via Corsica, rather than a direct sprint, and the Mediterranean is notorious for its shore effects and complicated weather patterns. They’ll have to stay sharp the whole way – it’s the kind of leg where one decision could make or break your result.” 

As for the conditions: “It’s difficult to predict, but right now it looks like the team will see everything from very light winds to more than 20 knots. In one weather model, the forecast shows the wind circling 360 degrees, so it looks like it’ll be really complex in terms of wind strength and strategy.” 

When asked what success would look like, Scott didn’t hesitate: “The collective goal for the team would be seeing us on the podium. Every leg is a learning opportunity, but I think we’ve proven our resilience and now I would love for us to be rewarded with a result that reflects that effort.” 

With only two more legs left of the race, the pace has been relentless on shore and at sea, and it will only be the arrival into Montenegro that will bring the team some relief. There are many more miles to sail till then – stay tuned and keep following.