The IMOCA Be Water Positive, crossing the Atlantic to reach New York.

The IMOCA Be Water Positive, crossing the Atlantic to reach New York.

The IMOCA Be Water Positive, crossing the Atlantic to reach New York.

Halfway! The Canada Ocean Racing team are now more than halfway across the Atlantic onboard their IMOCA Be Water Positive. The delivery takes them from their winter training base in Cascais, Portugal to New York to get into position to take the start of their next race the New York to Vendée Race.

On May 29th, Canadian skipper Scott Shawyer will be the only North American to take the start of the New York Vendée 2024, a prestigious single-handed race between New York and Les Sables d’Olonne, France. Although not currently participating in The Transat CIC race, the delivery crew are experiencing the same conditions as those IMOCA’s racing to the US. Last night Be Water Positive crossed paths with the racing fleet and gave a virtual wave to Team Malizia, Initiatives Coeur and Biotherm.

After completing his 1000 nautical mile solo qualifying passage for the race, Canadian Scott Shawyer has been preparing for his first solo IMOCA race.  Following the tough qualification, he is now focussed on weather studies, fitness, nutrition and his mental preparations ahead of what will be his toughest challenge yet.

After months of technical preparation, the IMOCA Be Water Positive team is enthusiastic about reaching New York. “This crossing is an important step for us, it allows the sailing and technical team to continue testing the boat in real conditions and to prepare as best as possible for the New York Vendée” explains the skipper and President of Canada Ocean Racing, Scott Shawyer.

The yacht is expected to arrive into Newport, RI towards the end of next week and Scott will join his team as they prepare for the Liberty Race on 24 May and then the big event the New York to Vendee Race, 29 May 2024.