Spirit of Canada Ocean Challenges Team update

by Spirit of Canada Team on 5 Dec 2013 Check out the latest updates for the Spirit of Canada Team!

Chris Stanmore-Major (CSM) has joined the Spirit of Canada Ocean Challenges Team to enhance the offshore training efforts utilizing the Volvo 60 Spirit of Adventure.

Chris brings a wealth of offshore experience having completed his first around the world race as skipper aboard the Chinese entry; Qingdao, during the Clipper Round the World Race in 2009/10. Following on his excellent finish with amateur crew during the Clipper Race, Chris utilized Sir Robin Knox Johnston’s Open 60 Spartan to compete singlehanded as a competitor alongside Derek in the Velux 5 Oceans Race, completing his second circumnavigation in fourth overall.

Chris is currently working alongside the team preparing the Volvo 60 Spirit of Adventure for the busy winter Caribbean circuit and then the 2014 summer offshore training sessions. Chris has his sights firmly set on participating in another singlehanded around the world race and Spirit of Canada Ocean Challenges will be assisting him in his quest. During the summer of 2014, Chris will be utilizing the team’s Open 60 Spirit of Canada to continue training and securing sponsorship.

Lunenburg to Antigua, November 2013

On November 16th, Derek and Chris departed Lunenburg on Spirit of Adventure with a full complement of aspiring offshore sailors. After eight days and 20 hours, the exhausted but satisfied crew arrived in Antigua with a real sense of accomplishment having sailed 1700nm offshore on a very challenging grand prix sailboat. During the trip, the group encountered the Gulf Stream complete with 40 knot squalls, cold and extreme conditions.

Upcoming Offshore Schedule

In February 2014, crew-members along with Derek and Chris will compete in the RORC’s Caribbean 600 followed by the Heineken Regatta in March. A number of training sessions to and from Antigua, Bermuda and The Canary Islands are planned for the summer and fall of 2014. The offshore training sessions aboard Spirit of Adventure are a fantastic way for Derek and the team to stay in shape and also present a great personal challenge for people just like you who want to experience an ocean passage in a safe, reliable, trusted boat. This truly is a world-class adventure with world-class skippers aboard podium finishing boats. The ultimate holiday where you leave with more than you came with.

As in business, success on the water depends on strong teamwork, leadership, communication and a competitive spirit. Spirit of Canada Ocean Challenges draws on all of its combined experience in offshore sailing to take individuals, couples and teams on the adventure of a lifetime.

For a full offshore training schedule and availability please visit our website or contact us by phone at 902.531.2532 or via email at sail@spiritofcanada.net.

Sailing one of these boats offshore is not like a cruise or charter, it's not particularly fun or relaxing; it is however an experience in adventure that you will never forget.

Please contact us for more information if you are interested in one of these events and please forward this email to anyone that you think would be interested.

Contact Patianne Verburgh at 902.531.2532 or sail@spiritofcanada.net