Melodie Schaffer is a biomedical engineer by trade but an offshore racer by heart.

Over the past 6 years, she has clocked over 80,000 nautical miles on the open water.

In 2022, she raced in the Globe 40 Round the World Race. Her boat Whiskey Jack was the only Canadian boat in the race and she was the only female athlete in it.

Schaffer said, “It will be the second time they’ve done this race. It starts out of France, but the actual race itself starts in Cadiz, Spain.”

At the end of each leg or portion of the race, she and the one crew member she’s allowed to have on board will have a chance to dock the boat and get groceries.

Sailing enthusiasts had a chance to stop by the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club to meet Melodie and her boat Whiskey Jack.

Follow Melodie and her journey around the world on Instagram @whiskeyjack128. You can also message her if you would like to donate resources to her race.