Scott Shawyer | Canada Ocean Racing

A lifelong sailor, adventurer, and athlete, Scott Shawyer is the Skipper and President of Canada Ocean Racing, a world-class offshore sailing venture dedicated to inspiring the next generation of sailors across Canada. Canada Ocean Racing’s mission is to create inclusivity and equal sailing opportunities for sailors of all levels while providing a learning pathway for youth and mixed teams at the professional level to ensure the continued development of the sport.

Scott’s passion for sailing began when he was around eight years old. He started out sailing dinghies from his family cottage in Georgian Bay and eventually progressed into sailing catamarans and keelboat racing on boats like the Antrim 27 sports boat, which he loved competing on.

Over the years, solo and shorthanded sailing have become Scott’s passion. While he fully acknowledges his ‘amateur’ sailing status, Scott is focused on becoming the first Canadian to complete the Vendée Globe.

The Vendée Globe is the pinnacle event in the offshore sailing world. A 42,000km solo, non-stop, unassisted round the world race. With only 114 sailors to ever complete this incredible race, it is considered one of the hardest sporting challenges on the planet. . Scott will take to the start line in November 2028, hoping to make history and become the first Canadian to cross the finish line.

Over the next six years, Scott will compete in the IMOCA Globe Series, a professional offshore racing circuit consisting of solo and double handed transatlantic races, with the support of his mentor, British offshore sailor and Vendée Globe legend Alex Thomson.  

A successful businessman, Scott was President and CEO of JMP Solutions for 26 years. The combination of Scott’s drive, energy, business acumen, zest for adventure, analytical mindset, and stamina are all fundamental character traits that have led him to take on what will be his toughest challenge yet — becoming a Vendée Globe skipper.

Fast Facts (and Personal Achievements):

• President and skipper of Canada Ocean Racing
• Member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) for the past 18 years.
• Trekked to the North Pole and raised +$500,000 in support of various children’s charities.
• Awarded the Engineering L.S. Lauchland Engineering Alumni Medal, a prestigious award presented by Western University to a worthy alumni each year based on their contributions to the engineering profession, business leadership and contributions to the community.
• At the onset of COVID-19, Scott helped initiate Ventilators for Canadians (V4C), a consortium of Canadian manufacturers and solutions providers to help in the fight against COVID-19

  Scott’s gear of choice: EP Sailing Collection