A piece of international sailing history has arrived on Georgian Bay. The Town of Collingwood has welcomed EMIRA IV, the Canada Ocean Racing IMOCA 60 yacht, to its harbour for the summer. The state-of-the-art foiling monohull, considered one of the fastest and most advanced offshore racing yachts in the world, will dock in the town throughout the training season. The campaign is led by Collingwood resident and offshore sailor Scott Shawyer, founder of Canada Ocean Racing. Shawyer says his goal is to become the first Canadian to complete the Vendée Globe in 2028, a solo, non-stop, around-the-world race widely known as one of sailing’s toughest challenges. At 18.28 metres long and capable of speeds exceeding 70 kilometres an hour, EMIRA IV is designed to “fly” above the water using hydrofoils, dramatically reducing drag and increasing speed. Its visit is believed to be one of the first appearances by a foiling IMOCA 60 yacht in Canadian waters. Beyond competition, the campaign also promotes environmental awareness through its partnership with “Be Water Positive” initiatives, helping others understand global water scarcity and sustainable water solutions. Residents and visitors will have the chance to see the vessel up close. The public can take part in free 20-minute guided tours this Saturday and next Saturday, where members of the Canada Ocean Racing team will share insights into offshore racing and the technology behind the yacht. The yacht is expected to return to Europe at the end of summer to continue preparations for future international competitions. Members of the public can also follow EMIRA IV’s journey through the Canada Ocean Racing live-tracking platform.
