The Canada Ocean Racing 2026 Youth Pathway Programme is a unique, fully-funded initiative engineered to identify, cultivate, and accelerate the next generation of Canadian talent in the world of elite offshore ocean racing. Headed by skipper and president Scott Shawyer—who is currently campaigning to become the first Canadian to complete the grueling solo, non-stop Vendée Globe in 2028—the initiative aims to break down the traditional high barriers to entry in professional sailing. Rather than pulling exclusively from elite racing backgrounds, the program deliberately seeks out individuals with a passion for both on-water and shore-based career paths, aiming to build a sustainable pipeline of versatile Canadian talent for premier events like IMOCA campaigns and The Ocean Race.
Taking place over an intensive three-day immersive experience in Collingwood, Ontario, the program selects a small, diverse cohort of young adults to train directly alongside professional crew members. Beyond the mechanical skills of boat handling and tactical navigation, the curriculum places heavy emphasis on the physical endurance, mental resilience, and critical decision-making required in high-stakes marine environments. Additionally, the program is deeply intertwined with Canada Ocean Racing’s “Be Water Positive” campaign, instilling a strong foundation of environmental stewardship and global water advocacy in its participants.
Core Details & Programme Logistics
- Location & Dates: The immersive training will be held from July 10 to July 12, 2026, in Collingwood, Ontario (situated on Georgian Bay), which serves as Scott Shawyer’s home sailing base.
- Cohort Size: Exactly six successful applicants will be selected for this exclusive round.
- Target Demographics: Open to Canadian residents aged 18 to 25. The program is explicitly committed to gender equality and looks for a dynamic mix of backgrounds and perspectives.
- Full Financial Support: To ensure accessibility, the program covers transfers from Toronto airport, accommodation, and all meals. If travel costs to Toronto present a financial barrier, additional support options may be available.
What Participants Will Experience
- Elite Vessel Mentorship: Participants get hands-on experience aboard EMIRA IV, the team’s state-of-the-art, high-performance foiling IMOCA 60 race boat.
- On-Water Skills Training: Instruction covers critical offshore sailing mechanics, including boat handling, sail trim, watch systems, endurance sailing, weather strategy, and high-tech navigation.
- Human Performance Coaching: Mentorship includes developing essential personal survival attributes, such as mental resilience under pressure, sleep management, and physical conditioning.
- Diverse Industry Career Insights: The pathway is deliberately not restricted to aspiring sailors. It provides deep-dive learning into the various shore-based operations that keep a modern racing team afloat, welcoming applications from those interested in:
- Engineering and Technology
- Communications and Partnerships
- Logistics and Shore Operations
Application Timeline & Requirements
- How to Apply: Candidates must email hello@canadaoceanracing.com. The application requires the candidate’s age, location, sailing experience/future aspirations, and a short, compelling note outlining why they want to participate.
- Application Deadline: All submissions must be sent by June 15, 2026.
- Notification Date: Selected candidates will be officially notified by June 22, 2026.
What is provided
- Roundtrip travel from Toronto to Collingwood (if you need further financial assistance to get to Toronto, please mention this in your application)
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Sailing apparel, safety equipment and accessories
- Practical sailing sessions
- Mentorship
Visit Canada Ocean Racing Youth Pathway Programme website for more information
