© Canadian Ocean Racing
Canada Ocean Racing - Be Water Positive Sailing Team (CAN)
Founded and led by Scott Shawyer, Team Canada Ocean Racing is an up-and-coming offshore sailing team competing in the IMOCA Globe Series and preparing for the 2028 Vendée Globe. Inspired by the Vendée Globe, Scott Shawyer decided to create the first Canadian team to compete in this challenging single-handed race around the world. Team Canada Ocean Racing aims to raise awareness of water scarcity and promote sustainable solutions. In collaboration with the International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA) and H2O Innovation, the team is committed to protecting global water resources. It is also actively involved in scientific projects on marine conservation. The team is not only planning to take part in the Ocean Race Europe 2025, but also in The Ocean Race Atlantic 2026 and the Vendée Globe 2028/29.
Skipper
Scott Shawyer
Scott Shawyer
Scott Shawyer, 53, is the skipper and president of Canada Ocean Racing, an international ocean racing team that aims to provide new experiences for sailors of all ages while promoting inclusion in the sport through charitable organisations and brand partners. A successful businessman, Scott was President and CEO of JMP Solutions, an industrial technology company, for 26 years.
A sailor, adventurer and athlete, Scott's passion for sailing began with an awareness of his 'amateur' status and a focus on a comprehensive training programme supported by renowned ocean sailor Alex Thomson.
“This campaign has several goals,” says Shawyer. “From a sporting perspective, we want to be the first Canadian team to compete in the Ocean Race and the first Canadian team to finish the Vendée Globe. We also want to take our country with us on the journey. Ocean sailing is not very popular in Canada. But the sport has many values that appeal to Canadians – perseverance, teamwork, technology and respect for the environment. That's why we want to create a positive foundation for offshore sailing in Canada.”
Pip Hare
British offshore sailor Pip Hare will sail alongside Canadian skipper Scott Shawyer and the four-person sailing team on every leg of the race, bringing her extensive offshore sailing experience and energy to bear.
Pip knows how to push boundaries. She gained international recognition during the 2020/21 Vendée Globe when she won the hearts of thousands of race supporters with her fighting spirit. In recent years, Pip has sailed in the top ten of the international IMOCA fleet and recently at the Vendée Globe 2024.
“Pip is a ruthless competitor with a huge heart,” said Scott Shawyer, president and skipper of Canada Ocean Racing. “She brings a rare mix of tenacity, experience, and humanity to the team. Her ability to dig deep and lead through action will be a huge asset to us.”
Pip replies, "I’m really excited to be joining Scott and the Canada Ocean Racing team for The Ocean Race Europe this year. Having been fully focused on solo sailing for the last four years, it’s going to be a great change of pace to join a team and bring my own experience to a more powerful force. The Ocean Race Europe offers a challenging, fast-paced course. We’re expecting diverse conditions and relentless competition across the different legs. Scott has bought a boat with incredible pedigree, and I’m looking forward to working with the Canada Ocean Racing team to unlock its full potential on the race track."
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