Pip Hare Joins Canada Ocean Racing in 2025 Ocean Race Europe

The new foiling IMOCA boat will debut at the August competition

Race encourages innovation and sustainability in marine sports

By Ossian Shimmer

Canada Ocean Racing announced on April 30 that it has signed British offshore sailing superstar Pip Hare to compete in The Ocean Race Europe 2020. The team is preparing to reveal a new foiling IMOCA boat ahead of the competition.

The seven-team race starts in Kiel, Germany on August 10 and continues across Europe, finishing in Montenegro, Montenegro, on September 21. This race is a prelude to the complete round-the world race in 2027.

Scott Shawyer, a Canadian skipper, will be leading the four-person team. Regulations stipulate that at least one woman sailor must be present and that two nationalities are required.

Hare joins the team at a crucial moment, as they acquire their new vessel. Hare gained fame during the Vendee Globe 2020-21 and managed to dismast in the 2024-25 edition.

Shawyer said, "Pip has a heart of gold and is a fierce competitor." She brings to the team a rare combination of tenacity and experience. Her ability to dig deeply and lead by action will be an asset to us."

The partnership will help Shawyer in his campaign for the Vendee Globe 2028-29 while giving Hare an opportunity to switch from solo sailing.

Hare said, "After focusing on solo sailing exclusively for the past four years, I'm looking forward to joining a team to bring my experience to an even more powerful force." "We expect a variety of conditions and fierce competition in the different legs.

"Scott bought a boat that has an incredible pedigree. I look forward to working with Canada Ocean Racing to unlock its potential on the track."

The Ocean Race Europe, a multistage offshore sailing race held between European ports is designed to promote innovation and sustainability in marine sports and showcase the best ocean racing talent.

The Ocean Race, formerly known as the Volvo Ocean Race, is an annual sailing race that takes teams around the world. It has been held since 1973 and is widely considered to be one of the most difficult tests in sports.

The foiling IMOCA is a high-performance monohull designed for ocean racing, either solo or with crew. The 60-foot boats are equipped with hydrofoil arms which lift the hull out of the water when they're at speed. This reduces drag and allows for faster sailing. Christian Radnedge edited this article.

(source: Reuters)