Canada Ocean Racing - Be Water Positive Sailing Team launches inaugural Pathway Program

Be Water Positive Sailing Team launches inaugural Pathway Program © Canada Ocean Racing Inc

To support the next generation of offshore Canadian sailors, the Canada Ocean Racing Be Water Positive Sailing Team proudly launched its inaugural Pathway Program on Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada, from September 27-29, 2024.

The program brought together four young sailors under the mentorship of Scott Shawyer, president/skipper, Ryan Barkey, boat captain, and Nick Moloney, CEO.

Scott is currently training to compete in the solo non-stop round the world race, the Vendee Globe, in 2028.

Over the next four years, the campaign will see Scott and his team participate in numerous offshore sailing challenges.

Beyond his own ambitions, Scott wants to build support for offshore sailing in Canada, particularly amongst the younger generation, and so the idea of the Pathway Program was born.

Scott said, "Our campaign is based in France, where the elite of short-handed offshore sailing train, compete, and manage their campaigns. Through our participation in the IMOCA Globe Series, we have learned and continue to learn so much, and it was always my intention to share that knowledge with the Canadian sailing community. Offshore sailing, particularly solo or short-handed, is highly celebrated in Europe, especially in France, but it remains relatively underdeveloped in Canada. This Pathway Program is our way of fostering that discipline here at home, by sharing our learnings and experiences with fellow Canadian sailors."

Designed for individuals aged 18-25 with an interest in sailing or a career in the sport, the Pathway Program offers participants the opportunity to develop their skills and understanding of professional campaigning under the guidance of experienced mentors.

Hosted at the Collingwood Yacht Club in Ontario, Scott's home sailing base, the program leveraged a newly acquired Farr-designed X2 yacht, providing a platform for training and development in Canada while the team's primary assets remain in France.

The Pathway Program began with a Canada-wide call for applications, drawing nearly 50 enthusiastic applicants over a three-week period. "The level of interest we saw was truly impressive," said Ryan Barkey, the team's boat captain. "We were both surprised and encouraged by the passion for offshore sailing that exists in Canada."

The initiative also aligns with the Be Water Positive purpose that underpins Scott's campaign, emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship and the protection of water as a vital resource.

The success of the program was bolstered by the generous support of the Canada Ocean Racing - Be Water Positive Sailing Team partners: H2O Innovation, The International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA), Mustang Survival, Exposure Marine, and de Mamiel. For partnership or support inquiries regarding the program, please contact Nick Moloney using the details below.

Congratulations to the successful applicants; Zoe Folsetter, Grace Poole, Jasper Waldman and Adrien de Pas whose participation played a crucial role in shaping the future of the Pathway Program.

The next round of candidate selections is scheduled to begin in April-May 2025. Stay connected through the Canada Ocean Racing and Be Water Positive Sailing Team social media channels and newsletter for more updates.

For more information visit www.canadaoceanracing.com.