Scott Shawyer is the skipper and president of Canada Ocean Racing, an international racing team that promotes access to sailing and inclusion through charitable and corporate partnerships. He aims to become the first Canadian to finish the Vendée Globe, a goal he has set for the 2028 edition.
A businessman, he served as CEO of JMP Solutions for 26 years, developing industrial engineering solutions. In 2020, during the pandemic, he helped manufacture the V4C ventilator. As a co-author of the “Go Outside Activity Challenge Book,” he also provides financial support to programs for Canadian schools and universities.
A sailor since the age of eight (Georgian Bay), he has sailed dinghies, catamarans, and racing keelboats (Antrim 27), and has focused on solo and small-crew racing. Although he considers himself an “amateur,” he follows a structured training program with the support of Alex Thomson.
In terms of racing achievements: his first transatlantic race in 2022; entry into the IMOCA Globe Series in 2023 (Guyader Bermuda 1000 Race); and a retirement from the Transat Jacques Vabre with Nick Moloney following an incident. In 2024, he competed in qualifying races (finishing 22nd in the New York Vendée) and announced his participation in The Ocean Race Europe.
2025: The Ocean Race Europe – 6th
2025: Rolex Fastnet Race – Withdrew
2024: New York Vendée – Les Sables d’Olonne – 22nd
2023: Transat Jacques Vabre – Withdrew
2023: Rolex Fastnet Race – Retired
2023: Guyader Bermuda 1000 Race – 10th