Canada Ocean Racing – Be Water Positive Sailing Team Introduces Inaugural Pathway Program
by Canada Ocean Racing 11 Oct 11:23 PDT
September 27-29, 2024
Be Water Positive Sailing Team Introduces Inaugural Pathway Program © Canada Ocean Racing Inc
To nurture the next generation of offshore sailors in Canada, the Canada Ocean Racing Be Water Positive Sailing Team proudly initiated its first Pathway Program on Georgian Bay, Ontario, from September 27-29, 2024.
This program united four young sailors under the guidance of mentors Scott Shawyer, president/skipper, Ryan Barkey, boat captain, and Nick Moloney, CEO.
Scott is currently preparing for the solo non-stop round-the-world race, the Vendee Globe, scheduled for 2028.
Over the next four years, Scott and his team will engage in various offshore sailing challenges.
In addition to his personal goals, Scott aims to bolster offshore sailing in Canada, especially among youth, leading to the creation of the Pathway Program.
Scott stated, “Our campaign is based in France, where top short-handed offshore sailors train, compete, and manage their campaigns. Through our involvement in the IMOCA Globe Series, we’ve gained invaluable insights, which I always intended to share with the Canadian sailing community. Offshore sailing, particularly solo or short-handed, is significantly cherished in Europe, especially France, but remains relatively undeveloped in Canada. This Pathway Program aims to cultivate that discipline here at home by sharing our experiences and knowledge with fellow Canadian sailors.”
Aimed at individuals aged 18-25 interested in sailing or pursuing a career in the sport, the Pathway Program allows participants to enhance their skills and understanding of professional campaigning under experienced mentors’ guidance.
Hosted at the Collingwood Yacht Club in Ontario, Scott’s base, the program utilized a newly acquired Farr-designed X2 yacht, serving as a training and development platform in Canada while the team’s main assets stay in France.
The Pathway Program began with a nationwide call for applications, attracting almost 50 eager applicants within three weeks. “The response we received was truly remarkable,” noted Ryan Barkey, the boat captain. “We were both surprised and heartened by the enthusiasm for offshore sailing that exists in Canada.”
This initiative also aligns with the Be Water Positive mission that supports Scott’s campaign, emphasizing environmental stewardship and the preservation of water as an essential resource.
The program’s success was enhanced by the generous support from the Canada Ocean Racing – Be Water Positive Sailing Team’s 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 reach out to Nick Moloney using the contact details below.
Congratulations to the selected participants: Zoe Folsetter, Grace Poole, Jasper Waldman, and Adrien de Pas, whose involvement significantly contributed to shaping the Pathway Program’s future.
The next selection round for candidates is expected to commence in April-May 2025. Stay updated through the Canada Ocean Racing and Be Water Positive Sailing Team’s social media channels and newsletter.
For further details, visit www.canadaoceanracing.com.
