You’ve been taking part of many of conferences and award ceremonies recently, so it seems to be a busy time for Mélodie Schaffer?

When I brought Whiskey Jack back to Canada, I had three goals: to share with Canadians about offshore racing, to be based at home as I prepared for the next race, and to fund raise.  I am pleased to say I have given over 20 talks this year, from sailing clubs, to businesses, including the Toronto City airport and the marine fire unit, to charity sailing groups, and junior clubs.   I have also been part of some local long distance racing events as both a racer and a presenter.  Each time it was an opportunity to share about the Globe 40 race, what my experience was to qualify and compete, and what an epic adventure it was competing in this race around the world.

We saw that your 1st participation in the Globe40 was more than acclaimed and honoured in Canada, so we imagine that’s a source of great pride for you?

I am a very proud Canadian, and In the first Globe race, I always made sure to fly the Canadian flag at every port 🍁.  I am the first Canadian woman to have raced around the world.  I am genuinely so honored to have received the Rolex Canadian sailing award in 2023, and the Gerry Roufs offshore award in 2024.  I am humbled by each of these awards and what they represent.  I am racing offshore because I truly love it.  I hope many more Canadians take on the adventure of offshore racing and global racing.

You told us a few months ago that ocean racing in Canada is evolving. What’s your opinion on the subject?

Offshore in Canada is still evolving.  We are not at the same level as Europe, but I do believe there is much more participation in recent years by Canadians in offshore events.  Although Canada is surrounded by three oceans, it is a very big country, and we do have amazing sailing and racing on our lakes.  The lower participation in offshore, in part maybe due to logistics – it’s a long way to travel to be on the ocean!

I brought my boat back to Canada to share with sailors about offshore sailing. How can you participate or compete in an event until you know about it?  I genuinely believe offshore will continue to grow for Canada.

Can you tell us what motivated you to launch a 2nd Globe40 campaign?

I knew when I crossed the finish line I wanted to return for the next race.  This time I want to have better sails and steady teammates. It was truly a great experience!  The Globe 40 management ran a very organized, safe and truly an unbelievable event.  Seeing the world from a sailboat is very special, and something to be treasured.

You told us a few months ago that you wanted more support than for the 1st edition. What changes are you going to make to the way you work?

I now have a campaign team behind me and supporting me, and that will make a huge difference going forward.  Now on the logistical side and emotional side, I am not alone.  I am grateful for their work, dedication and support to make this next race happen.

Do you already have a clear idea of the people who will be accompanying you, both on land and on at sea?

As for my next team mates, I haven’t made a final decision.I have been in contact with many people as I prepare and plan for the next race.  I have been around the world already, so I am not returning to tick off a bucket list item of ‘sailing the world’, but because I want to win.

With the benefit of hindsight and the experience of your first round the world race, do you want to make any changes or adaptations to the boat?

Whiskey Jack comes out of the water in a week.  She will be ashore for 5 months and I like to think of it as she will be getting a spa treatment.  There is nothing critical for repairs.  We will be doing due diligence as far as the integral aspects of the boat – the keel and rudders will come off, the mast will be NTD tested and re-coated, and all systems will be reviewed.  There are some small improvements for basic use and comfort, but overall, I think we will be doing general care, and a thorough review that all is good.

The start of the 2nd edition of the round the world race is fast approaching. What is your race programme for 2025 before the big start?

She will be launched in the spring and I will conduct race training on Lake Ontario.  My plan is to bring her back across the Atlantic in June.  The two weeks+ crossing itself will also be a great opportunity to test her and ensure we are ready to go.  We will be in Europe in July to have a final haul out and systems check before the race.

In a year’s time, you’ll have completed the first major leg between Cape Verde and Reunion Island. What do you remember about the descent to the Cape of Good Hope in 2022?

On day 4 of leg 2, the J1 headsail tore.  Mikael, my race partner, spent the better part of two weeks repairing it, and we managed to use the adapted sail for the final 5 days of the race.  There were many adventures on that leg, with 5 sails torn and   even a scare with pirates.

 The winds and systems moving below Cape Hope were huge, but it was all manageable.  It was also a long leg, and I remember after rounding Cape Hope, which was a pinnacle moment, and realizing that we still had 2000+miles and two weeks to go, almost an ocean crossing til the finish. That was tough mentally and emotionally.

Each leg there is an anticipation and expectation of what it will be like, and every ocean has a different energy to it – all of it just needs to be embraced.

For the Globe40 race or any offshore race, every skipper wants to win, but ultimately, racing the world, what truly matters is sailing your best, being your own best, and appreciating the experience as you do so.   You are racing against other skippers, but ultimately mother nature is your biggest challenge as you race around the world.