October 30, 2023, Le Havre, France – Be Water Positive sailing team was set to debut at the prestigious Transat Jacques Vabre 2023 race yesterday but was delayed because of a rapidly worsening weather forecast. The team is now awaiting further instructions from the race organizers in order to reschedule a start in the next few days once the danger has been averted.

The Transat Jacques Vabre 2023 race, a demanding and globally renowned offshore sailing event, is the ideal platform for the team to showcase its commitment to sustainable sailing and environmental responsibility. The Be Water Positive sailing team will participate in the race with a specially designed IMOCA sailing vessel, emphasizing the fusion of cutting-edge technology with eco-friendly principles.
Their pioneering initiative, in partnership with the International Desalination and Reuse Association’s Be Water Positive Program, aims to raise awareness about the critical importance of sustainable water management and the role of technical solutions to offset water scarcity and promote eco-conscious practices in ocean racing. They will demonstrate that high-performance sailing can be conducted with minimal impact on the marine environment, and second, to promote the broader message of water conservation and sustainable desalination and reuse solutions to Be Water Positive. The collaboration with the International Desalination and Reuse Association underscores the team’s dedication to supporting innovative and responsible water practices globally.

Team Skipper Scott Shawyer, an accomplished engineer, businessman, and sailor with numerous accolades, expressed his enthusiasm for this groundbreaking initiative: “We’re eager to embark on this journey towards a more sustainable future for ocean racing while promoting a Be Water Positive future. I’m thrilled to have the support of H2O Innovation as a sponsor and thought leader and for helping us formulate a collaboration with the IDRA, as our NGO partner. We aim to inspire fellow sailors and ocean enthusiasts to join us in safeguarding the earth’s precious water resources.”

Frederic Dugre, CEO, Founder, H2O Innovation (BWP+ Team Sponsor), “We are all in on this race, and it has already started. Oceans are the racetracks where climate changes, environmental damages, and impacts are observed. By proposing water innovative solutions and models, we contribute to not only providing clean water but also protecting the oceans. For us, parallels between ocean sail racing, sustainability, leadership, risk management, and business are multiple. It can be used to create awareness, educate, and inspire all stakeholders in the urgency of changing our paradigms related to water reuse, desalination and thus becoming Water Positive. Set sail with us, embark on our exciting journey, and join us with the IDRA and Be Water Positive sailing team as a sponsor to create a wind of change.”

IDRA’s Secretary General, Shannon McCarthy, representing the association, expressed unwavering enthusiasm as they lent their full support to the Be Water Positive sailing team. Present in Le Havre, they witnessed Skipper Scott Shawyer and his trusted crew member, Nick Moloney, prepare to embark on their exhilarating journey in the challenging Jacques Vabre race.

McCarthy remarked, ‘The IMOCA vessel they navigate is nothing short of spectacular, a true marvel of state-of-the-art engineering.’ She highlighted the association’s industry-wide dedication to solving water scarcity through water reuse and desalination. We have a pivotal role as an NGO partner to the Be Water Positive Team, along with H2O Innovation, and commit to jointly disseminating this crucial message to global audiences over the next eight years, culminating in the grand finale at the 2028 Vendee Globe race. Together, we will strive to inspire change and raise awareness about the world’s water challenges.”

The Be Water Positive Team at the Transat Jacques Vabre 2023 race promises to be a defining moment in ocean racing. Several IDRA Corporate members were present to support the team and the Be Water Positive initiative.

Thierry Noel, founding partner of Amane Advisors, attended the race start event “Frederic, Scott’s, and IDRA’s commitment to the ‘Be Water Positive’ objectives is a fascinating and unique initiative to create a water positive future. The problem of Climate change is CO2, but the messenger is Water through droughts, floods, and ocean levels….. Putting Water, where it should be, at the forefront of the Climate transition with the Be Water Positive team will hopefully inspire our industry and the public.”

Beatriz Garcia, part of the IDRA and CTO of Waterise has been with IMOCA Team the past two days, learning about their fabulous journey and the message they are promoting around the world, “Be Water Positive” supporting their initiative and efforts in the Transat Jacques Vabre 2023 and the overall journey until finalizing the 2028 Vendee Globe race.

Eric Judenne, Sustainability Director, on behalf of Yvan Treal, Water Development Director of SUEZ Engineering & Construction, an active member of IDRA: “It’s an honor to exchange with Scott Shawyer and Nick Moloney, skippers of the “Be Water Positive” boat: their strong commitment to perform this “Transat Jacques Vabre” race in a modest spirit could inspire the water community to work together on the promotion of water reuse.”

Mark Eyers, global Advanced Water Solutions BU VP of Italmatch “It was a pleasure to meet the unique ‘Be Water Positive’ sailing team. As a member of the IDRA, we support their mission to broaden the awareness of creating water positive initiatives while sailing in the Transat Jacques Vabre 23.’

Alejandro Roman, CCO of NX Filtration, active member of IDRA “It has been an honor and inspiration to support the Be Water Positive sailing team at the start of the Transat Jacques Vabre 23, and to get to know the stories and motivation of the key members of the team in this challenge that fully aligns with NX Filtration’s mission to ensure clean and affordable water for all.”

Pedro Almagro, CEO of Lantania Agua and member of IDRA, “We are thankful to the Be Water Positive sailing team for this wonderful experience and for spreading us with outstanding energy and spirit; this initiative helps us to keep committed to producing and managing water and supporting water positive initiatives.”

For more information about the IDRA, visit www.idadesal.org or contact info@idadesal.org

For more information about Canada Ocean Racing Be Water Positive Team, visit www.canadaoceanracing.com or contact Helene Carre helene@5west.co.uk