co skippered by Chris Canty & Shona Leigh Forsyth
For Chris Canty, based in Pittwater, NSW, the ocean is a lifelong companion, through surfing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, diving, fishing and more recently sailing. He bought his first yacht, an S&S 39 named Galaxy III in 2015 after being inspired by a conversation with a friend at a school reunion. A few years later in 2017/18, Chris completed a world circumnavigation with his son Ben, accompanying him for 7,000nm to the Maldives. Now, he’s gearing up for a new adventure—the Melbourne to Osaka Cup—this time sailing a Northshore 370 with his life partner, Shona Leigh Forsyth, by his side.
When it came to choosing a vessel, he was looking at several Beneteau 40.7 options when Rumba (now Sailor Moon) came on the market. The decision was personal. “I knew the previous owners,” Chris explains. “They bought the boat new in 2002 and took great care of it for 20 years. So, it was an easy choice.” Based at Middle Harbour Yacht Club, Rumba achieved many successes in club racing and regattas including Hamilton Island Race Week and Sail Port Stephens. Now, Chris and Shona are transforming the yacht from a fully crewed racer to a capable double-handed offshore cruiser.
Preparing the yacht for their journey has been an intense project. “We’ve simplified the setup for two-handed sailing, including the mainsheet, furling jib and adding a third reef to the mainsail. We’ve installed a new radio, a satellite phone and upgraded the safety equipment for Cat 1 requirements. With revamped tanks, new batteries, and new solar panels that provide 380 watts for the power we need.” These updates ensure the yacht is ready for the demands of long-distance, two-person sailing.
With his experience circumnavigating the globe, Chris knows the importance of preparation. He’s particularly mindful of crossing the doldrums, a famously calm and unpredictable stretch of ocean. “Last time, we followed the trade winds around the globe, with that perfect 15-20 knots, which made for beautiful sailing,” he recalls. “This race will be different, though. We’ll still have good sailing, but when we reach the doldrums, knowledge of the currents will be critical. You need to be ready to change course to catch squalls or navigate the currents. Trying to chase every gust can wear you out, so it’s important to conserve energy and stay mindful of your limits.”
Friends and family have mixed reactions to his plans. “On our circumnavigation, people either thought we were crazy, brave or were worried about pirates—or they’d just say, ‘What an adventure!’” Chris laughs. “This time, we bought Sailor Moon in December 2023, and some thought it was ambitious to get her race-ready in time. But seeing our progress, they now believe it’s possible.”
“Shona is resilient, courageous, and loves a challenge,” Chris says proudly. “We’ve worked on our Safety & Sea Survival skills in offshore conditions. Now, it’s about gaining as much double-handed experience as possible.” As they look to build up their ocean sailing miles and experience with entry into the Bird Island, Cabbage Tree and the Sydney to Hobart yacht races.
When asked about their goals for the race, Chris emphasises safety and balance. “We have moderate expectations,” he explains. “For us, it’s about keeping the boat balanced, managing fatigue, and arriving safely. We’re not focused on winning—it’s about the challenge, enjoying the race, and doing it safely.”
Chris also has a few specific strategies and tips in mind. “For downwind sailing, having a good preventer setup is essential, and we’ll avoid pushing the limits, especially at night,” he notes. “And on a more practical level, we’re packing fans for the tropics because the cabin can get stifling.”
In terms of provisions, they’re already experimenting with vacuum-sealed, pre-cooked meals, aiming to match their onboard routine to what they’ll experience during the race. “Right now, it’s all about getting ready for the journey,” Chris says. “We haven’t thought much about the return, though I’m sure Ben will be keen to join us, with an eye on the best surfing and scuba spots along the way.”
For Chris and Shona, this Osaka campaign is as much about the journey as the destination. Getting to the start let alone finishing is a challenge, one admired by the sailing fraternity. With a well-prepared yacht, years of experience, and an adventurous spirit, they’re set to embrace the challenges on their path to Osaka.