Sailing-Pip Hare joins Canada Ocean Racing’s charge with new foiling weapon

-Canada Ocean Racing has signed British offshore sailing star Pip Hare for The Ocean Race Europe 2025 as the team prepares to unveil a new foiling IMOCA yacht ahead of the August competition.

The seven-team race begins Aug. 10 in Kiel, Germany, with stops across Europe before finishing in Montenegro on Sept. 21, serving as a precursor to the full round-the-world race in 2027.

Canadian skipper Scott Shawyer will lead the four-person crew, which regulations stipulate must include at least one female sailor and represent two nationalities.

Hare, who gained prominence during the 2020-21 Vendee Globe and recently managed a dismasting in the 2024-25 edition, joins at a pivotal moment as the team acquires their new vessel.

"Pip is a ruthless competitor with a huge heart," said Shawyer. "She brings a rare mix of tenacity, experience, and humanity to the team. Her ability to dig deep and lead through action will be a huge asset to us."

The partnership strengthens Shawyer's campaign toward the 2028-29 Vendee Globe while offering Hare a shift from solo sailing.

"Having been fully focused on solo sailing for the last four years, it's going to be a great change of pace to join a team and bring my own experience to a more powerful force," said Hare. "We're expecting diverse conditions and relentless competition across the different legs.

"Scott has bought a boat with incredible pedigree, and I'm looking forward to working with the Canada Ocean Racing team to unlock its full potential on the race track."

The Ocean Race Europe is a multi-stage offshore sailing competition held between European ports, designed to showcase elite ocean racing talent and promote sustainability and innovation in marine sport.

It is a sister event to The Ocean Race —