Canada Ocean Racing, founded by Scott Shawyer, is a new Canadian Offshore Sailing Team competing in the IMOCA Globe Series including the infamous race, the Vendée Globe. Scott Shawyer will compete in the Vendée Globe in 2028, aiming to become the first Canadian to finish this solo, non-stop, race around the world.
Canada Ocean Racing will build and lead a world-class offshore sailing venture in Canada, and in doing so, inspire the next generation, while creating a strong foundation for the continued development of the sport across the nation.
eG: Please tell us why you chose sailing at the very beginning, and what you have gained from your lifestyle as a sailor and skipper.
SS: As a child, sailing gave me freedom, the opportunity to explore the outdoors and to be active — and it was fun! I have grown tremendously, both physically and mentally, from sailing — just being out in nature on my boat, totally at peace. I find it calm and relaxing and I can get into this ‘flow state’, where nothing else matters. It’s good for the soul. What’s the saying? ‘Healthy mind, healthy body?’ That certainly applies to me and sailing.
eG: What made you create Canada Ocean Racing? Can you share the details about this new Canadian Offshore Sailing Team with us? What is your role on this team?
SS: I created Canada Ocean Racing to compete in and one day win the toughest sporting event in the world — the Vendée Globe. When you watch the competition, you can see right away it’s the ultimate test of a person’s mental and physical strength. The obstacles that these skippers face every minute, not just daily, is astounding. I am the president and skipper of the team, so this is my full-time job now.
eG: When and why did you get into the Vendée Globe? What are your strengths and the biggest challenge in this competition?
SS: When I was stuck at home during the COVID-19 lockdowns, I was facing some struggles of my own with anxiety. Watching the Vendee Globe at that time inspired me to get up and start living again. Very few Canadians are familiar with this competition, even though it’s like the F1 of the sailing world. On top of that, no Canadian has ever finished the race. I’d like to be the first to do that! If I can build a community and inspire others to follow their passions and have a sustainable business model that will live beyond my own journey. Then I’ll know I’ve succeeded.
With over 20 years of experience building a business, I’d say I have a solid understanding of what it takes to build a commercially viable enterprise and that is a core strength of mine. I’ve also partnered with Alex Thomson — a legend in the sailing world, having competed in the Vendée Globe five times with two podium finishes. He is one of the best. With his team’s experience and my drive, I know we can build a sailing team for Canada that can be economically viable.
Believe it or not, one of the biggest challenges will be managing my seasickness! But one of the biggest mental hurdles will be getting accustomed to the living routine on the boat. There just aren’t enough hours in the day to do every job. You are the doctor, you are the rigger, you are the engineer, the mechanic, etc. As well, managing my new relationship with anxiety, in addition to all of the physical requirements, will be a journey. This type of sailing provides a number of triggers, both physical and mental, that I’ll need to push through at any given moment. I am working on a number of mental tools to deal with anxiety, isolation and nausea, 24/7.
eG: Why did you choose to compete in the 2028 Vendée Globe instead of in 2024? How will you mentally and physically prepare yourself for this tough task in six years?
SS: I’ve always had the mindset to go big or go home, but with the next Vendee Globe starting at the end of 2024, there really isn’t nearly enough time for me to properly prepare and learn everything I need — from experience to safety to technical protocols. I think 2028 is just the right amount of time, because I’m focusing on the journey and not just the end goal of completing the race. I also want to try and enjoy the next six years leading up to the big race.
For the next two years, I’m planning to learn everything about the boat and how to sail her, both with crew onboard and then by myself. I’ll be entering my first double-handed race (two skippers) in our 60-foot IMOCA racing yacht early next year. IMOCA is the class of yachts used to race in the Vendee Globe. Then in 2025, I’ll race in the IMOCA Globe Series, which includes three to four races a year, to continue developing my skills, as well as training with Alex and the team.
