Best known for her fearless solo sailing campaigns and candid storytelling, Hare brings more than two decades of offshore experience to the table. She will take on the role of ‘watch leader’ aboard Canada Ocean Racing’s soon-to-be-revealed next-generation foiling IMOCA yacht. This marks a shift from the self-reliant world of solo racing to a high-performance, team-based environment — a change she describes as refreshing and energising.
“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. “The Ocean Race Europe offers a challenging, fast-paced course. We’re expecting diverse conditions and relentless competition. Scott has bought a boat with incredible pedigree, and I’m looking forward to unlocking its full potential with the team.”
Hare is no stranger to adversity. Her breakout campaign in the 2020–21 Vendée Globe turned heads globally, not only for her performance but for her open, engaging commentary and raw insight into the life of a solo ocean racer. In a sport that often celebrates results over journey, Hare’s ability to articulate the highs and lows made her a standout. That same courage was on display again in 2024, when she responded decisively to a dramatic dismasting during the latest Vendée Globe.
Canada Ocean Racing skipper and founder Scott Shawyer was unequivocal about what Hare adds to the team:
“Pip is a ruthless competitor with a huge heart. She brings a rare mix of tenacity, experience, and humanity. Her ability to dig deep and lead through action will be a huge asset to us.”
Hare’s addition comes at a crucial juncture for the Canadian campaign. The team is preparing to take ownership of a new foiling IMOCA yacht — a step up in technical complexity and performance potential. The Ocean Race Europe will serve as a high-stakes testing ground for the boat, the crew, and the broader campaign that culminates in Shawyer’s ambitious bid to become the first Canadian to finish the Vendée Globe.
This partnership is about more than just racing. Canada Ocean Racing is also a platform for change, committed to environmental advocacy through its Be Water Positive campaign, and to fostering the next generation of offshore sailors via its national Pathway Program. The programme scouts and mentors aspiring Canadian talent, aiming to create a lasting legacy in professional ocean racing.
Hare’s personal journey dovetails neatly with that ethos. Having launched her first Vendée Globe campaign in 2018 with just a £25,000 loan and a crowdfund, she’s built her team — Pip Hare Ocean Racing — into a respected operation in the IMOCA fleet. Along the way, she’s shattered gender stereotypes, climbed international rankings, and built a business around honesty, hard work, and inclusion.
As one of the few female CEOs in professional yacht racing, a world speed record holder, and a skipper who’s managed everything from logistics to sponsorship to safety at sea, Hare understands the full spectrum of what it takes to compete and survive at the top level of the sport.
In a recent blog post, Hare reflected on the value of teamwork, something she’s keen to embrace in this new role:
“There comes a time in many aspects of life when we can no longer achieve the goals we aspire to through hard work alone. We must involve other people — to share the load, to bring their expertise and experience, and to allow a project to thrive.”
That’s exactly what’s happening here. For Canada Ocean Racing, Hare’s appointment signals a readiness to raise the bar. For Hare, it’s an opportunity to apply everything she’s learned in solo sailing to a new, high-performance team dynamic — and to contribute to something bigger than herself.
Watch Pip’s video as she explains more of the work she will be doing with Scott and the team over the next few months.
Together, they’re not just aiming to win races. They’re aiming to reshape what Canadian offshore sailing looks like — competitive, resilient, forward-thinking, and inclusive. And in Hare, the team has found a sailor who not only matches those values but embodies them.
With The Ocean Race Europe looming and a new foiling IMOCA on the horizon, this collaboration is one to watch.
