Canada's entry into the iconic Rolex Fastnet Race
by Canada Ocean Racing 26 Jul 07:22 NZST
26 July 2025
Canada Ocean Racing Team - Be Water Positive © Georgia Schofield / Canada Ocean Racing LLC
Canada Ocean Racing - Be Water Positive will line up this weekend for the centenary edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race, one of the most iconic offshore races in the world.
The 695-mile course starts in Cowes, Isle of Wight, UK tomorrow (Saturday, July 26) and sends the fleet past the Fastnet Rock off the coast of Ireland before finishing in Cherbourg, France.
This race marks the 100th anniversary of the Rolex Fastnet Race and brings together the world's top offshore sailors.
Canada Ocean Racing - Be Water Positive is returning with purpose. Canadian skipper Scott Shawyer returns to the Fastnet Race determined to settle unfinished business.
In 2023, he retired early when a critical rigging failure led to a broken stay - an episode he describes as "unfinished business", and which fuels his motivation for a strong comeback this year.
Shawyer will race on board a newly acquired high-performance foiling IMOCA, Emira IV, formerly Groupe Dubreuil, and ex-11th Hour Racing - Malama, the boat that placed third in the 2025 Vendée Globe and was the most recent winner of The Ocean Race (2023).
"The speed potential is unbelievable," said Shawyer. "When the boat gets up on the foils, it flies. I can't wait to experience what this boat can do in race conditions."
The campaign is part of Canada Ocean Racing's wider mission: to build a world-class Canadian presence in offshore sailing and pave the way for Scott Shawyer's entry into the Vendée Globe in 2028.
Meet the crew
Joining Shawyer for the Rolex Fastnet Race are four seasoned offshore sailors:
- Pip Hare (UK) - a 2 x Vendée Globe entrant, Hare brings deep IMOCA experience and relentless focus to the team
- Sébastien Marsset (France) - Vendée Globe finisher and one of the class's most respected sailors
- Nico Andrieu (France) - Experienced offshore sailor and design engineer, recently winner of the 2023 Transat Jacques Vabre in Class40.
- Georgia Schofield (New Zealand) - On-Board Reporter and accomplished sailor
Race Snapshot
- Start: 26 July 2025, Cowes, Isle of Wight, UK
- Course: 695 miles through the Solent, via the Fastnet Rock to Cherbourg, France
- Fleet: More than 450 yachts across multiple classes, including 29 IMOCAs