News Archives - Be Water Positive

2025: A Year of Momentum for Canada Ocean Racing – from Scott

Nick Moloney — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 13:36:23 +0000

From the outside, it may look like we’ve been accelerating for a while, but the truth is, this is the first full year the campaign has been under our own control. And what a year it has been.

It’s been intense – we’ve rebuilt the team, acquired a new boat, set up a base in Lorient, France, and entered the Rolex Fastnet Race and The Ocean Race Europe.

It’s been rewarding – although we had to retire from the Rolex Fastnet Race, we completed all five legs of the 4,500-nautical-mile The Ocean Race Europe.

And we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together.

Building the Foundations of a World-Class Campaign

With Nick Moloney stepping in as CEO, we stripped things back to what really mattered: clear goals, disciplined execution, and the momentum to act quickly when it counted. That foundation allowed us to move quickly and with confidence. Here are the highlights from my perspective:

Opening doors for the next generation
Our Youth Pathway Program supports young Canadian sailors who want to experience offshore sailing and explore possible careers in the sport. It also reflects something I believe deeply: that progress only matters if more people benefit from it. Mentoring younger sailors and giving them real-world offshore experience is one of the most meaningful parts of this campaign for me.

Strengthening the relationships that make this possible
Partners like H2O Innovation put their trust in us, and it matters to me that we demonstrate their trust is well-placed. Delivering on our commitments, communicating honestly and creating opportunities for shared impact has been a priority from day one.

Taking our message to the world
From Europe to the USA, Iceland to the Middle East, we’ve shown up in rooms and on stages where offshore sailing, and the values behind it, is still new to many people. These moments have reminded me how important it is to keep learning, keep sharing, and keep broadening the conversation.

Building a team that brings out the best in one another
Everyone who has joined us brings fresh ideas, experience and a mindset of continuous improvement. Watching this group come together and deliver their all is something I’ve been particularly proud of this year.

Creating meaningful experiences for fans and supporters
From boat tours to Pro-Am sailing and on-the-ground activations, we’ve tried to make offshore racing more accessible and more human. It’s important to me that people don’t just watch what we’re doing – they feel connected to it.

Completing The Ocean Race Europe
This was a test of who we are as a team. The race challenged us, stretched us, and validated the work we’ve put into the campaign. It reinforced that our competitiveness is real, and that our ability to deliver partner value and fan engagement can stand on a global stage.

Telling a more honest, human story
This year, we put real effort into sharing not just the highlights but the reality – the setbacks, the learning, the resilience. That’s important to me because this campaign isn’t about pretending we have all the answers. It’s about showing what it looks like to take on something difficult and grow through it.

This campaign is bigger than one race, one boat or one sailor. It’s a long-term effort to compete at the highest level, to contribute something meaningful to the sport, and to champion the Be Water Positive message in a way that sparks curiosity and conversation.

My Story, and What Comes Next

Many of you have followed my journey – my engineering background, business experience, and the pull towards challenges that have forced me to adapt and learn. Shorthanded offshore sailing at this level is still relatively young territory for Canada, and I’m well aware that we are forging a path that is far from guaranteed. That’s part of why this matters to me. It’s an opportunity to explore what’s possible, to approach this campaign with humility, and to apply what I’ve learned throughout my life to something that demands both precision and courage.

We share this journey because the feelings behind it – learning, adapting, pushing through setbacks – belong to all of us. If anything you’ve seen or read this year has reminded you of a moment in your own journey, I’m grateful for that. As we move toward the Vendée Globe 2028, I hope those connections will only deepen.

Looking Forward

We’re entering the next phase of this campaign with momentum. The work we’ve done this year positions us strongly as we move toward the Vendée Globe, continue building partnerships, and keep inviting people inside the journey.

Thank you to every supporter, partner, follower and fan who believes in what we’re doing. We’re still learning, still improving, and still moving forward.

In the new year, I’ll be sharing our plans for 2026. It’s a year that will challenge us in the best ways, and if following our progress nudges you to set a goal of your own, whether it’s about learning, improving, or trying something different, I hope you’ll go for it!

— Scott Shawyer
President & Skipper, Canada Ocean Racing

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Meet our Pathway Programme Sailors: Adrien De Pas

Nick Moloney — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 12:47:09 +0000

Just over a year ago, we invited applications to join our inaugural Youth Pathway Programme, which is designed to support offshore sailing amongst young Canadians. Out of the 40+ applicants, four made it through, two male and two female. Adrien De Pas was one of them.

Scott Shawyer, president and skipper of Canada Ocean Racing, spent two days with Adrien and three others on a Farr-designed X2 yacht.

“Adrien’s application jumped off the page – his enthusiasm was real and his love of the sea and sailing unquestionable. He had what we were looking for, and over the two days I got to see how genuine his passion was, and I am delighted we could play a small role in supporting Adrien on his journey towards a sailing career.”

In this interview, we learn more about what drives Adrien. We hear about his experience last summer in the WASZP Worlds, and we look ahead to see what the next few years look like.

You were selected as one of the four participants in our inaugural Youth Pathway Programme in September 2024. Can you share what initially motivated you to apply, and what your expectations were going into that first weekend in Collingwood?

I was really excited to see such a strong offshore sailing initiative happening in Canada. In recent years, we have not seen many programs of this scale, so it was inspiring to see the sport grow in that direction. The fact that I could be part of it made it even more exciting. I wanted to learn as much as possible, meet new people, and build connections that might open doors for future offshore opportunities.

Working under the mentorship of Scott Shawyer (who is training toward the Vendée Globe 2028), what were the most valuable lessons or insights you gained, especially regarding preparation for highlevel offshore sailing? 

One of the biggest things I took away was the importance of preparation. Scott brings a very structured and professional approach. Everything is planned, organized, and based on what can be controlled before heading offshore. It was also inspiring to see Scott’s perseverance, especially knowing he deals with seasickness. It showed that mindset and determination can take you very far.

The Programme brought together four young sailors and nearly 50 applicants. What stood out about the process and environment during the training? Did it help shape your ambitions or career path in sailing? 

From the beginning, it was clear that this program was not about proving yourself but about learning. That made for a really healthy and motivating environment. Everyone was there to grow, and that took off a lot of pressure. It made me feel more confident about pursuing offshore sailing in the future, and being surrounded by mentors like Scott, Nick Moloney, and Ryan Barkley helped confirm that this is a path I want to continue on.

How has your involvement in the Pathway Programme influenced your growth as a sailor—technically, mentally, and within the Canadian offshore sailing community?

I definitely came away with a stronger mindset around preparation and long-term goals. I realized how important it is to take control of every detail before leaving the dock. Mentally, it pushed me to be more structured and confident in my decisions. It also made me feel more connected to the growing offshore sailing scene in Canada, which is exciting to be part of.

WASZP Worlds Experience

You recently competed in the WASZP Worlds. How different was the intensity and dynamics of competing in a high-performance foiling dinghy class compared to the offshore training with Canada Ocean Racing?

Offshore and dinghy sailing have a lot in common, but the way effort is managed is very different. In offshore racing, you need to sustain your energy and focus over several days or even weeks. In foiling dinghy racing, the effort is intense but only for short periods—around 30 minutes at a time. Both require discipline and good preparation, but the rhythm and mindset are not the same at all.

What were the key challenges you faced at the WASZP Worlds—both on and off the water—and how did you prepare mentally and physically for them?

The biggest challenge came before the event itself. I had to raise money with a fundraising campaign and by finding additional sponsors, which took a lot of energy before I could even get to the starting line. Once at the event, I was racing in a fleet of more than 240 boats, which was a first for me. That brought a whole new set of challenges—managing positioning, reacting to other sailors, and staying focused on my own plan. Mentally, I had to block out distractions and keep things simple.

Did anything from your experience with Canada Ocean Racing—teamwork, technique, mindset—carry over into your approach?

Absolutely. Offshore racing taught me that most of the work happens before the race starts. I brought that same mindset into the WASZP Worlds. I spent the most time making sure my boat was perfectly prepared to avoid any breakages and making sure it was as fast as possible! That came directly from what I learned through Canada Ocean Racing—control what you can, before you hit the water.

Representing Canada & Looking Ahead

What does representing Canada mean to you, especially as part of a programme designed to grow offshore sailing in Canada? How does that shape your motivations or future goals?

Canada has often been seen as an underdog on the international sailing scene. It is not as deeply rooted in our culture as it is in places like France or the UK. So being part of a project as inspiring and well-structured as Canada Ocean Racing is really motivating. I feel proud to represent Canada, and I hope I can one day contribute to its growth and presence in the offshore sailing world. Being part of something bigger, something that aims to develop the sport in our country, really pushes me to work harder and think long term.

Canada Ocean Racing’s initiative is closely linked to its Be Water Positive message—combining sport with environmental purpose. How much has sustainability factored into your sailing journey, and how do you see sport and advocacy intersecting?

Sailing puts us in direct contact with nature, especially the ocean. That connection makes it our responsibility to protect it. I believe every sailor should be aware of the impact we have and use our platform to speak up for the environment.

So far, I have mostly approached this from a personal level, making conscious choices in how I run my campaign and trying to reduce my environmental footprint. But in the future, I would love to take that further and use sailing as a way to carry a stronger environmental message. Racing just for the sake of racing is one thing, but today it is more important than ever to have a message that goes beyond yourself. That is why I love the Be Water Positive initiative. It should be the standard.

Looking ahead: do you plan to continue racing in foiling classes or more offshore campaigns? 

I am still focused on my WASZP project, which, as of right now, is planned for two more years, including two more World Championships. That is still a big part of my goals. As for offshore sailing, it is clearly something that interests me, and I would love to do more of it in the future. I am not sure yet what the next steps will look like, but I want to keep growing as a sailor and stay open to both paths.

Do you have other projects or competitions lined up for the next twelve months?

Running your own sailing campaign involves much more than just time on the water. It takes a lot of planning, physical training, logistics, and fundraising. While the next world championship is in Florida, in March, remain my priority, I also want to get on as many boats as I can. Inshore or offshore, bring it on! So yes, the next year will be busy.

Outside of sailing, what fuels your passion—any hobbies, studies, or pursuits that complement your time on the water?

Outside of sailing, I am really passionate about sports in general. I enjoy climbing, snowboarding, and spending time in nature. I am also a part-time student, and I try to keep learning and growing outside of the sport. I find that staying active and curious in different areas helps me stay sharp and balanced as a sailor.

What does success look like to you—not just in terms of race results, but personal milestones or impact?

For me, success goes beyond results. Of course, I want to perform, but first of all, I want to have a positive impact. That means helping make high-level sailing more accessible, and carrying a message that matters—like protecting the environment. As athletes, it is easy to focus only on outcomes, but in the end, it is also about bringing people along for the journey and using your platform to do something meaningful.

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Listen: Chasing the Impossible – Scott Shawyer’s story

Nick Moloney — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 12:28:55 +0000

Podcast: Scott recently took part in a podcast series about people chasing big adventures shortly after he and the team completed the 4,500-mile Ocean Race Europe in Emira IV, our IMOCA 60 foiling ocean racer.

That race was just a warm-up for Scott’s ultimate ambition of being the first Canadian to complete the Vendee Globe solo, non-stop, around-the-world race.

>>>Listen here (episode 48): https://gocarpediemnow.com/category/podcast/

Accompanying the podcast was this article about Scott’s story and the advice he would give to others:

People often ask me why I want to take on the Vendée Globe – a solo, non-stop, unassisted race around the world. The honest answer? Because when I watched the start of the 2020-21 Vendée Globe during lockdown, I was at my desk for 12-16 hours a day, and I realised I needed something more: freedom, adventure, true challenge. That moment lit the spark for me to set what many would call a crazy goal. I’ll admit it’s a huge mountain to climb from where I’m starting, but that’s why it’s so exciting to me. Sailing alone for nearly three months through the toughest oceans on earth is a test of everything – endurance, focus, and resilience. It’s also a chance to represent something bigger than myself: to hopefully inspire others, to put Canadians on the world stage in offshore sailing, and to use this platform to raise awareness of one of the most important issues of our time – protecting our planet’s water through our Be Water Positive campaign.

I’m not just chasing the finish line of the Vendée Globe, I’m embracing every mile and every learning curve, because for me it’s as much about the journey as the result.

From the Boardroom to the Ocean

My background isn’t the traditional path to this race. I spent most of my career in business building companies, leading teams, and making decisions under pressure. In many ways, that experience prepared me for offshore sailing. But nothing truly compares to being alone in the middle of the ocean, where every decision, every sail change, every small mistake is yours alone and can make the difference between success and failure.

I’ve had to learn, fast. That’s why I’ve brought in people who’ve done it before, like Nick Moloney, our CEO and one of the few sailors in history to have completed the Vendée Globe.

Working alongside him and our wider support team has been an incredible education.

The Ocean Race Europe: Testing Ourselves

This summer, we took part in The Ocean Race Europe, sailing against some of the best IMOCA teams in the world. It was a huge moment for me – it was a chance to race on the boat we recently acquired that I’ll take to the Vendee Globe and to surround myself with a team of experienced offshore sailors.

The Ocean Race Europe was demanding, fast-paced, and full of lessons. The race allowed me to test the performance of the boat, to get to grips with how it sails and what I need to do between now and 2028 to get ready for the most intense sailing challenge of all.

Be Water Positive

Through this campaign, we’re championing a message we call Be Water Positive. It’s about inspiring understanding and action around global freshwater issues, from scarcity and pollution to innovation and stewardship.

As a Canadian, I’m incredibly proud of our natural water resources. But we can’t take them for granted. Water connects everything: people, economies, ecosystems. By racing around the planet, I hope to highlight that connection and show that small changes in mindset, design, and collaboration can make a huge difference.

We’re working with partners who share this belief and tell the story of solutions that already exist.

Learning, Leading, and Failing Forward

Preparing for the Vendée Globe is proving to be a hard and humbling experience. Every training sail, every equipment issue, every setback has taught me something new about myself and the team.

There have been days when things have gone wrong – when the weather turned, the systems failed, or I made mistakes. But those are the moments that define you. You can’t control the ocean, but you can control how you respond to it.

That mindset – of constant learning, humility, and resilience – is what this journey is all about. It’s what I want others to take from it too: you don’t have to be the best to start; you just have to start.

Canada’s First Vendée Globe

No Canadian has ever completed the Vendée Globe. That’s the goal that sits at the heart of what we’re building. It’s not about breaking records – it’s about breaking new ground.

We want to show what’s possible when purpose meets perseverance. I’m proud to represent Canada on this stage, to carry our flag across the world’s oceans, and to share this story with everyone who believes that big dreams are worth chasing, no matter how impossible they might seem.

What I’ve Learned So Far

If there’s one thing this journey has taught me, it’s that no one gets anywhere meaningful alone. The ocean doesn’t care who you are or what you’ve achieved; it humbles everyone equally.

As I look ahead to the next chapters – more racing, more training, and eventually the Vendée Globe – I carry that same mix of fear, excitement, and purpose. This might seem like a journey towards finishing a race, but it’s also about inspiring others to take their own leap, to set their own course, and to never stop learning.

Four Pieces of Advice for Anyone Chasing a Big Goal

Lead with purpose.
Know why you’re doing it. Purpose gives direction when things get hard and meaning when they go right.
Build your crew.
No one achieves anything alone, even a solo sailing race. Find people who share your values, challenge your thinking, and bring out your best.
Embrace failure.
You’ll get it wrong, often. That’s part of the process. Learn from it, adapt, and keep going.
Share the story.
Be open about the journey – the highs, the lows, and the lessons. You never know who it might inspire to take their own first step.

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Leg 5 so far: “A great leg to end the race on” – Scott Shawyer on the longest leg

Nick Moloney — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 15:45:08 +0000

From light winds to sporadic thunderstorms, the team is currently ploughing through sea spray as the wind shifts from 5 knots to 20 knots.

10 September 2025: The final stage of The Ocean Race Europe is proving every bit as complex as expected. The IMOCA fleet left Genova, Italy, on Sunday for the last push to Boka Bay, Montenegro, and Canada Ocean Racing – Be Water Positive president and skipper Scott Shawyer knew it would be a leg full of twists and turns.

After a slow, frustrating start in light and shifty winds, conditions have finally shifted, but not without drama. Yesterday, the team shared their excitement as the breeze kicked in and they went from crawling at 5 knots to blasting along at 20. The change in pace brought fresh energy and renewed determination to chase down the fleet.

By today, the momentum has continued. Sailing past Sardinia and brushing the Tunisian coastline near Bizerte, the team is making 14 knots downwind on their way to the next waypoint in Ustica, north of Palermo. But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Chaotic stormy seas and localised thunderstorms have already tested the fleet, and with evolving weather systems ahead, constant strategy and focus will be essential.

For Scott, this unpredictability is exactly what makes Leg 5 such a fitting finale. “This leg is long, and it takes the team in a lot of different directions,” he explained. “The wind conditions are really variable and complicated. They’re expecting everything from light air to stronger pressure, which means they’ll be sailing across a lot of different points of sail and wind strengths. It’s a proper test for both the boat and the crew.”

That variety means relentless work onboard. “There’ll be lots of sail changes, lots of different sailing modes,” Scott added. “It’s a great leg to end The Ocean Race Europe on.”

The team is also making the most of this final opportunity to learn, with new crew member Lincoln Dews joining for the leg. “It’s fantastic to have Lincoln on board,” Scott said. “He will be recording all the data from this leg and consolidating the data from the previous legs, so we can analyse it at the end of the race, and see what the data tells us about our performance.”

With the end of the race getting nearer, Scott is clear about what matters most: “Leg 5 is going to give us so much more to learn from – about the boat, the conditions and our performance. It’s been a tough, inspiring race so far.”

Expect an unpredictable, high-intensity finish as the team charges towards Boka Bay — a finale that captures the very spirit of The Ocean Race Europe.

Follow our live position here: https://www.canadaoceanracing.com/follow

Keep an eye on the scoreboard here: https://www.theoceanrace.com/en/europe/2025/scoreboard

Here’s how to follow the race: https://www.theoceanrace.com/en/how-to-follow

And here’s more information about what’s coming when the team arrives in Boka Bay, ETA 15 September. https://bokabay.theoceanrace.com/

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Leg 5 Start: Will it deliver a podium finish for the team?

Nick Moloney — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 19:31:54 +0000

We finished Leg 4 in 5th place after an exciting battle with Team Malizia – will the final Leg 5 deliver a podium?

7 September 2025: As we enter the final leg – the longest leg of the event – the race is on as teams push hard for some of the last points available during The Ocean Race Europe. But these aren’t the final points – there will be a chance to win some more at a final scoring race on 20 September in Boka Bay, ahead of the final prize giving that night.

Today, the boats leave Genova, Italy and are expected to take 8 days, arriving in Boka Bay, Montenegro on 15 – 16 September.

Light winds are the main feature of the route, so it will set up to be a strong tactical race, with the sailors fighting for every inch in a consistent search for boat speed in fickle conditions. This will be another hot leg in Southern Europe, providing gruelling, tiring conditions for sailors with lots of manoeuvres and work on board, while taking the team into seas they have little experience sailing in.

“This race has been a huge exercise for the team – one that’s put us all to the test, and it’s amazing to see how well we’ve worked together, the relationships that have formed, and the trust that has been nurtured. This has been an important, positive step forward for the campaign,” said Scott Shawyer, president and skipper of Canada Ocean Racing – Be Water Positive. “We’re closing in on the final stages of an event that has required a massive effort from everyone, considering we only acquired Emira IV in May. I am proud and grateful to the team for what we have achieved so far.”

New horizon, new destination, Boka Bay, here we come.

Keep an eye on the scoreboard here: https://www.theoceanrace.com/en/europe/2025/scoreboard

Here’s how to follow the race: https://www.theoceanrace.com/en/how-to-follow

And here’s more information about what’s coming when the team arrives in Boka Bay, ETA 15 September. https://bokabay.theoceanrace.com/

Photos below: our Leg 5 crew, and scenes from Leg 4. Credit: Richard Mardens and Georgia Schofield, Canada Ocean Racing LLC

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Leg 4 Start: Scott reflects on a brutal Leg 3 and his hopes for the leg to Italy

Nick Moloney — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 11:37:40 +0000

“It Felt Neverending” – Scott Shawyer Reflects on Leg 3 and Looks Ahead to the Challenges of Leg 4

After the challenging conditions of Leg 3 in The Ocean Race Europe, Canada Ocean Racing – Be Water Positive skipper Scott Shawyer – and the rest of the team – have been analysing the conditions and strategy that saw them finish in Nice in 6th place. With Leg 4 starting today, Scott shared his reflections on the past leg and his hopes for the one ahead.

Looking Back – Leg 3

“The violence of the boat through the waves really shocked me,” Scott said when asked what surprised him most. “The speeds we hit, the way the hull just slammed. It was brutal. You can prepare yourself in theory, but it’s tough to imagine until you’re actually living it.”

He explained that the only place that felt “half-bearable” was in one of the shock-absorbing helming seats. “Anywhere else – the bunks, the benches – it was unbelievably uncomfortable. The team are more experienced than me in those conditions, but still… it was punishing for everyone.”

Despite the battering, the team pulled together. “The dynamic was good. We all knew what had to be done and we kept focused on the job. No panic, just a collective effort to get to the finish line as quickly and safely as possible.”

Teammate Pip Hare described one of the days as “neverending,” and Scott agreed: “It absolutely felt neverending. You try not to look at your watch, but of course you do, and ten minutes feels like hours. Or you check the distance left – 80 miles – and tell yourself not to look again for a while, only to see there are 79 miles still to go. It was tough, mentally as much as physically.”

And how did the boat, Emira IV, cope? “Honestly, I’m surprised it didn’t explode,” Scott laughed. “Of course, I knew it wouldn’t. This boat has been through much worse before, but it’s incredible how much punishment it takes. It’s a truly impressive boat.”

Looking Ahead – The Challenge of Leg 4

Leg 4 is about to get underway – a short hop from Nice, France to Genova, Italy – and Scott is realistic about what lies ahead for the team.

“Short doesn’t mean simple,” he explained. “The route takes them out via Corsica, rather than a direct sprint, and the Mediterranean is notorious for its shore effects and complicated weather patterns. They’ll have to stay sharp the whole way – it’s the kind of leg where one decision could make or break your result.”

As for the conditions: “It’s difficult to predict, but right now it looks like the team will see everything from very light winds to more than 20 knots. In one weather model, the forecast shows the wind circling 360 degrees, so it looks like it’ll be really complex in terms of wind strength and strategy.”

When asked what success would look like, Scott didn’t hesitate: “The collective goal for the team would be seeing us on the podium. Every leg is a learning opportunity, but I think we’ve proven our resilience and now I would love for us to be rewarded with a result that reflects that effort.”

With only two more legs left of the race, the pace has been relentless on shore and at sea, and it will only be the arrival into Montenegro that will bring the team some relief. There are many more miles to sail till then – stay tuned and keep following.

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Leg 3 Start: From Cartagena, Spain to Nice, France

Nick Moloney — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 09:12:43 +0000

Scott shares his views on why this could be a spicy leg and what he hopes to learn about the boat as they sprint from Spain to France

As Canada Ocean Racing – Be Water Positive heads into the next leg of The Ocean Race Europe, a “spicy” sprint from Cartagena to Nice, skipper Scott Shawyer is shifting gears.

“This leg is about starting to document the changes we’re making and how we’re sailing the boat,” Scott explains. “We’re beginning with the previous owner’s settings, and then seeing if we can improve on them. It’s a scientific process – we’ll run speed tests, validate whether we’ve made improvements, and document them properly so we can update our playbooks.”

That focus on process is rooted in what the team has learned over the first two legs. “We’ve found ways to get more speed, and we know we can be competitive with the other boats,” says Scott. “But we’re not consistent yet. That’s why we need to document properly and follow a steady process. It’s the only way to build repeatable performance.”

Preparation for Leg 3 has been a mix of technical tweaks and tactical planning. “We’ve spent a lot of time studying the weather, talking through our processes, adjusting different screen settings on the boat,” he says. “We’ll be taking notes on the fly, so we can really understand what we’re doing in the moment.”

And the weather? “Fruity,” Scott laughs. “Or spicy, as I’d call it. There’s a low-pressure system moving through, and then something coming out of France that could turn into a Mistral, so we’re expecting strong conditions coming into Nice. The tactical challenge will be navigating those systems and getting the timing right so we make the most of them.”

Amid the technical goals, Scott has a personal one too: “I’d like to not get seasick, or if I do, to get used to the motion of the boat! I want to have fun with the team and keep making progress on learning how to sail a foiling boat.”

On the performance side, the goal is clear: “Foil earlier, more efficiently, and more quickly. Competing and learning go hand in hand for me. I want to race, but I also want to really understand what we’re doing, document it, and follow a process that makes sure we’re getting better each time.”

The stopover in Cartagena offered a valuable pause. “It was great, but busy,” says Scott. “A good insight into how many electrolytes and fluids we’ll need to get through this next leg!” More importantly, it was a chance to reconnect with the team and set the strategy for what comes next.

“We’re thinking about the physics of what we’re doing, and how we document that. That’s what will help us improve – not just pushing harder, but being smarter, too.”

Check out the images below of our Cartagena stopover!

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Watch: Jazz Turner, record-holding disabled sailor, joins our Pro-Am

Nick Moloney — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 11:39:48 +0000

Jazz Turner joined us in the Pro-Am and sat down with Pip Hare to share her experience of Emira IV

At Friday’s Pro Am race in Portsmouth, UK (15 August 2025), we were honoured to welcome Jazz Turner – the first disabled sailor to complete a solo, unassisted circumnavigation of the UK and Ireland.

Sailing onboard Emira IV alongside Pip Hare, Jazz brought her trademark determination and infectious enthusiasm to the crew. We asked Jazz a few questions about why she connects with the sea and how she has overcome barriers to achieving her dreams.

“For me, the sea is just total freedom. You can be who you want out there – there’s no judgment. It’s just you and Mother Nature, and it’s just beautiful.”

Jazz’s story is one of resilience and strength. Despite being told her dreams were “impossible for someone like me,” she has consistently fought to prove the doubters wrong:

“Every time someone tells me no, it’s just a reason for me to fight harder and prove them wrong. Maybe that’s just the stubborn bit – stubborn as a donkey, as my parents always described me.”

She is quick to say she doesn’t aim to be a role model – but her achievements speak volumes.

“I’ve never meant to inspire people. I’m only ever out there for myself because I love the sea and I love sailing. If people can take inspiration from just always saying ‘yes’ no matter what the world throws at them, then that’s a bonus.”

Our skipper, Scott Shawyer, praised Jazz as a true embodiment of the team’s ethos: “Jazz is a brilliant example of what ‘Choose Your Adventure’ really means. She shows the courage to follow her own path, even when others say it can’t be done. We were privileged to have her with us in Portsmouth.”

In the video below, she sat down with Pip to reflect on what the sea means to her and the journey that has brought her this far.

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Learning by Doing: Scott Shawyer Reflects on Leg One of The Ocean Race Europe

Nick Moloney — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 16:36:20 +0000

As Leg One wraps up, here’s how Scott is fast-tracking his IMOCA skills.

At times, the spray was flying, the pace relentless, and at other times, the water was glassy and the air was breathless. For Scott Shawyer, president and skipper of Canada Ocean Racing – Be Water Positive, Leg One of The Ocean Race Europe was about far more than the result sheet. The team crossed the line in a solid 4th place, yet the real win was his acceleration of a steep learning curve on his new foiling IMOCA. With the Vendée Globe 2028 as his ultimate target, every mile racing and training between now and then is a step toward that challenge.

“We bought the boat earlier this year and after a short training window with Brian Thompson, Pip Hare, Sébastien Marsset and Chris Pratt, we’re here in Portsmouth, England at The Ocean Race Europe having just completed Leg One. Looking ahead, the next big step is to race it in solo events next season, starting with the Vendée Arctique,” Scott explains.

“Between now and then, I’m facing a huge learning curve, so this race is the perfect opportunity to get experienced people around me who know these boats inside out. It’s a ‘no excuses’ race environment that forces me to learn quickly. We’ll add more training later this year and into next year, so I’m fully prepared for the solo races ahead.”

While the competitive element is key, Scott admits the race serves several purposes. “It’s important from a training perspective, but also for raising our profile as a team. On a performance level, a communications level, and a sponsorship level, it all matters. And on top of that, it’s just a fun race – a really enjoyable part of this bigger adventure.”

A revelation at sea

Leg One also gave Scott an unexpected personal insight: “I learned that I absorb information best by doing, not by being told, which was a bit of a revelation for me. I tend to question things and won’t take them at face value unless they resonate with me.”

If the task is straightforward, like starting the engine, Scott is happy to follow instructions. But when it comes to something more nuanced, like adjusting sail trim, he needs to see the effect for himself. “If I can’t see the boat speed increase, I don’t fully take it in. I like to run my own trials, look at the data, and confirm it. That might sometimes look like I don’t trust my teammates, but it’s just my learning style.”

Recognising that pattern has been important. “Now I can explain it to the people around me so we can work together better. It’s not that I doubt them, I just learn best through experience.”

Learning styles and patience

Scott says the team has been generous with their knowledge. “Everyone’s open and willing to share. The only challenge is that I can be a bit ‘prove it to me.’ If something doesn’t fit my current mental model, I have to try it myself. That takes a bit of patience from the team.”

He likens it to approaching a door with a ‘push’ sign and being told to pull it. “I’ll stay open-minded – perhaps it does need pulling – but I’m going to push first and see for myself. On the boat, there are moments like that where someone will say ‘do it this way,’ and if it doesn’t make sense to me yet, I’ll want to test it. Sometimes it doesn’t make sense because I don’t have all the knowledge yet, but testing it helps me understand.”

Shared goals

Despite differences in approach, Scott says the team is united. “We’re all aligned on the big objectives — learn the boat, make it go fast, sail well, and give our best in The Ocean Race Europe. We all want the same thing, and we’ve all got the team’s best interests at heart.”

For Scott, this leg has been as much about self-discovery as sailing. The miles ahead will bring more lessons, both in boat speed and in how he learns, but the direction is clear: toward a solo Vendée Globe campaign, built on a foundation of hands-on experience.

Arriving into Portsmouth.

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How to Follow The Ocean Race Europe 2025

Nick Moloney — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 13:35:34 +0000

Here are all the ways you can follow The Ocean Race Europe this summer

The race is underway – here’s how you can follow it wherever you are in the world.

On our website, you can track the action live: www.canadaoceanracing.com/follow

Follow our socials for the latest from the team onboard:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canada_ocean_racing/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanadaOceanRacing

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canada-ocean-racing/

For Live Coverage of all the action, tune in:

United Kingdom: TNTsports and Discovery+
Italy and Germany: Eurosport and Discovery+
Rest of Europe: Eurosport and HBO Max
NB: Please always check local listings in your area

Rest of the World (excluding Europe): All coverage will be available on the TNT Sports YouTube Channel on a delayed viewing basis (same day).

The Onboard Show – new!

With more onboard technology and access to the sailors than ever before, a brand-new show called Onboard will air every Tuesday and Friday.

• UK and Portugal: 19:00 BST
• Rest of Europe: 20:00 CEST (times may vary – check local listings)

The Leg One Team heading to Emira IV in Kiel, just before the start of the race.

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