The Magenta Project Brings Women to Canada Ocean Racing
October 19, 2022
Erica Lush, Magenta Mentee in 2020, has joined the crew of Canada Ocean Racing. Here, she drives while Alex Thomson trims. All Photos: Richard Mardens
The Magenta Project, a UK-registered charity, and Canada Ocean Racing have teamed up to get more women on ocean race boats, starting with an exclusive sailing and networking event in Toronto on Monday, 26 September.
The group boarded the Canada Ocean Racing IMOCA60 race boat, joining solo ocean racing icon, Alex Thomson, and the Canadian team in Toronto Harbour. Welcoming the groups was new Canadian Skipper Scott Shawyer, whose mission is the solo round the world Vendee Globe Race – a goal shared by a few of the women as well.
Most professional female ocean racers are from Europe, as that is traditionally where the most opportunities are in this sport. The new Canada Ocean Racing team wants to help develop female and youth talent from home and inspire the next generation through initiatives like their partnership with The Magenta Project.
Kit Mattikow takes a turn grinding during sail
“With two daughters of my own, I would never want my children to feel like they couldn’t compete in a sport just because of their gender.” remarks Scott Shawyer. “The Magenta Project is considered a world-class leader in gender, equity and inclusion in sailing, and we are extremely proud to be working with their team.”
Members of Team SCA, an all-female crew who competed in the Volvo Ocean Race 2014/15, founded The Magenta Project, , to develop a more equitable and inclusive sailing industry. The international network includes Olympians and world record holders, who support rising talent through their annual Mentorship Programme, clinics, events and partnerships with leagues and teams such as Canada Ocean Racing.
Meg Reilly, Chief Coordination & Engagement Officer for The Magenta Project and her partner, Morgen Watson, who is boat captain for Canada Ocean Racing, have run mixed and youth offshore training programs together since founding their team Ocean Racers in 2015; she now develops similar programs for The Magenta Project.
Mentee, Cole Brauer trims scoached by Morgen Watson, the boat captain
Mustang support
“Mustang Survival is excited to support this event which focuses on developing both Canadian offshore sailing as well as women in offshore sailing,” said Theresa Riedl, Partnerships and Events Marketing Specialist at Mustang Survival. “As a former Magenta Project mentee, it’s awesome to have such a great event here in Canada. It’s an inspiring time for Canadian sailing.”
Follow @themagentaproj on social media and learn more on the website themagentaproject.org/support_us/. Keep up with the Canada Ocean Racing team @canada_ocean_racing.
