Canada Ocean Racing – Be Water Positive to make debut in The Ocean Race Europe
by Canada Ocean Racing 7 Aug 07:28 PDT
Canada Ocean Racing - Be Water Positive will line up this weekend for the start of The Ocean Race Europe, marking Canada's first entry in the event.
Following a retirement from the recent Rolex Fastnet Race due to a hydraulic issue, the boat, named Emira IV, headed to Cherbourg, France, to undergo a successful round of repairs.
The team is now race-ready and focused on delivering a strong performance as the IMOCA fleet sets off from the start line in Kiel, Germany on Sunday, 10 August.
The Ocean Race Europe, in just its second edition, brings together some of the world's top offshore sailors in seven IMOCA teams for a multi-leg sprint across Europe. For Canada Ocean Racing - Be Water Positive, it offers not only a high-level test of performance and resilience but also another step in building Scott Shawyer's Canadian campaign capable of taking on the world's most extreme solo race, the 2028 Vendée Globe.
"We have a very big goal ahead of us in 2028, and every race between now and then is part of that journey," said president and skipper Scott Shawyer. "We're proud to be flying the flag for Canada in this race, and promoting the Be Water Positive message, whilst building experience in one of the world's most competitive fleets."
The Ocean Race Europe will see a rotating skipper model on board Emira IV, allowing the team to test talent and broaden knowledge of the new boat across the campaign.
Supporting Scott are international offshore sailing veterans Pip Hare, Chris Pratt, Sébastien Marsset, and Brian Thompson, along with on-board reporters (OBRs) Georgia Schofield and Richard Mardens.
Canada Ocean Racing - Be Water Positive's entry follows extensive training and refit periods over the past few months. The recent hydraulic system repairs, completed swiftly after the Fastnet, ensure the IMOCA is back at full performance ahead of the opening leg.
As the team pushes forward with its campaign, it continues to champion Canada's leadership in ocean stewardship, through its support of the Be Water Positive initiative, and to inspire the next generation of adventurers and offshore sailors.
Track Canada Ocean Racing throughout The Ocean Race Europe via www.canadaoceanracing.com/follow and on social media.