Canada Ocean Racing today announced Martin Strömberg (SWE) as the co-skipper for the upcoming Rolex Fastnet Race. With his impressive sailing credentials and dedication to the sport, Strömberg brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the team

Strömberg had his first taste of offshore competition during the Volvo, igniting his drive for further challenges. He joined Oracle as a sailmaker during the America’s Cup in Valencia in 2007 and then became a trimmer on Ericsson 3 in the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-2009. Martin’s career in the Ocean Race continued with French team Groupama, with whom he won the race in 2011-2012. Following that, he competed in the next two editions of the race with Dongfeng Race Team & Turn the Tide on Plastic respectively, where he was instrumental in the development of Chinese and youth offshore sailors.  

 “I’m looking forward to the challenge of the Rolex Fastnet Race and excited to be a part of Canada Ocean Racing. The Fastnet is a demanding race that tests the limits of skill and endurance, and I am eager to take it on alongside the team’s Skipper Scott Shawyer. I also see this as an opportunity to share my knowledge and experience, working together to achieve the team’s goals of mile building and make a strong impact in the race.”

The Rolex Fastnet Race, renowned as one of the most demanding sprint offshore races, will serve as a good training ground for Strömberg & Shawyer. The race, which combines tactical decision-making and physical endurance, will undoubtedly put the duo to the test as they race from Cowes, Isle of Wight to Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, France.

With this being the team’s third race of the year, it continues to add to the training programme the team has outlined in the lead up to the 2028 Vendée Globe. Team mentor Alex Thomson commented “For Scott to have Martin onboard with him for the Fastnet will be a fantastic experience. Martin brings a wealth of knowledge to the team which will be valuable for Scott to tap into, especially for such a short offshore race it is going to be key for them to work together”.