Five reasons to meet Scott Shawyer, the unconventional IMOCA skipper in his 50s
by Be Water Positive 23 Oct 2023 07:02 PDT
Alex Thomson RacingBe Water PositiveATR © BWP Photographed by James Tomlinson
Among the IMOCA skippers participating in the Transat Jacques Vabre, Scott Shawyer (52 years old) stands out. A great Canadian businessman who developed a passion for the Vendée Globe during the last edition, with an ambitious goal: to participate in the 2028 edition. Surrounded by a renowned team, he gives himself four years to achieve this incredible challenge. Let's discover a unique personality known for his determination, dynamism, and love for adventure.
Among the 40 IMOCA boats set to depart on October 29th, it is undoubtedly one of the most unusual duos in the fleet. On board "Be Water Positive," Canadian businessman Scott Shawyer (52 years old) partners with the experienced Australian Nick Moloney, who is 55. Here's his story.
1/ A man aiming for a World Tour
He is one of those who closely followed the last Vendée Globe and became addicted to it, just like thousands of curious people around the world. Scott Shawyer developed a passion for the most famous round-the-world race in 2020 and gradually, due to his nature of not setting limits, an idea emerged: what if he embarked on the adventure himself? His age doesn't matter—he's 52 now and will be 56 during the 2028 edition he aims for. It doesn't matter if he has much to learn at sea; this challenge is a way to show that nothing is ever impossible, especially for a fiftysomething! It's also an opportunity to become the first Canadian to complete this round-the-world journey. Since the beginnings of this legendary race, only two Canadians have ever attempted it, Gerry Roufs, who died during the tragic 1996-1997 edition, and Derek Hatflield.
2/ A Life of Adventure and Challenges
Pour Scott, la pratique de la voile remonte à ses 8 ans. Il a fait ses classes en dériveur puis sur des monocoques plus conséquents (Antrim 27) avant de multiplier les navigations. Adepte de ski alpin, de triathlon et avide de challenges, le Canadien vise donc une participation au Vendée Globe 2028. Et pour y parvenir, rien n'est laissé au hasard. Il récupère un plan Owen-Clarke - vainqueur de The Ocean Race Europe en 2021 -, s'attache les services d'Alex Thomson et de sa structure. Ensemble, ils établissent un programme d'entraînement et travaillent avec Nick Moloney. L'Australien a une expérience conséquente en course au large: il est en effet monté sur le podium de la Transat Jacques-Vabre (3e en 2001), a remporté la Route du Rhum (2002) et disputé le Vendée Globe (2005).
3/ A great entrepreneur and engineer
Scott Shawyer has had a prolific professional career. For 26 years, he served as the CEO of JMP Solutions, an industrial technology company providing engineering services and turnkey solutions. He's not just a leader but also a strategist and a risk-taker. He took the initiative to design a fan (V4C) to combat the spread of Covid. In addition to his professional and sporting activities, Scott is committed to several associations and foundations, particularly with Canadian schools and universities. He co-authored a book, "Go Outside Activity Challenge Book," to encourage children to reconnect with the outdoors and outdoor activities.
4/ A determination to Never Give Up
As demonstrated by his professional journey and many of his activities, Scott Shawyer is known for his perseverance. He understands the difficulty of the challenge he has set for himself, especially within the highly competitive IMOCA class. Since the start of this season, he has faced breakdowns and technical difficulties. However, Scott is not one to give up easily. He is well aware that nothing will be easy, and he will have to prove himself at sea and in competition. The expertise of Alex Thomson in project management and Nick Moloney's navigation skills are invaluable for his daily learning and to meet the high expectations.
5/ A Project Marked by Commitment
Canada Ocean Racing is now racing to promote their environmental cause - water positivity.
The goals of the project are to spread the message, build awareness and educate people about the global water crisis, but most importantly educate on what the solutions are. They will do this through partnerships with leading organisations who represent the message of Be Water Positive and offer industry solutions. The IDA which has members in over 60 countries, and H20 Innovation, a company renowned worldwide for its water treatment systems, have already joined the venture.
Scott will carry this message throughout his IMOCA adventure, competing in the IMOCA Globe Series and attending international water & climate change summits alongside Alex Thomson.The project will be raising awareness of water positivity to the wider public as well as giving businesses within the industry a platform to promote the message.