Statement from Sail Canada CEO Don Adams in response COVID-19

Don Adams - the new head of Sail Canada © Colleen Coderre / Sail Canada

Sail Canada is aware that many of our clubs face significant challenges as the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak rapidly evolves in Canada. Our number one priority is the health, safety and well-being of our sailing community, our member clubs, Provincial Organizations, and the hundreds of Canadians who are employed through our sport.

Social distancing is being practiced by the population on the advice of the Federal and Provincial Governments, which along with restrictions on group gatherings means many clubs will have their daily business and sailing operations impacted.

Through collaboration with our provincial partners, and under direction from the National Sport Medicine Advisory Committee, Sail Canada is asking member clubs and schools to postpone delivering Sail Canada programs through face to face delivery until the beginning of May. Online courses and programs will continue as planned, and any courses that can be adapted to be run via online platforms will go ahead. Sail Canada and our partners, will be flexible on the timelines for coaches or instructors that need to complete any required certification.

Sail Canada is in regular communication with the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC). The announcement on Sunday, March 22nd that Canada will not send a team to the July Olympics did not come as a surprise as the health and welfare of Canadian athletes is the number one priority. The COC Athlete Commission was part of this decision and they are fully on-board. Sail Canada supports this decision. The CEO of the COC, David Shoemaker, provides regular updates via conference calls with all the National Sport Organizations. The COC is fully engaged and working diligently to push the IOC towards a decision to postpone the games for one year or at least until it is safe for not only our national teams, but Canadians and the global population in general. The most recent news is that the IOC will take 30 days before making a final decision.

Sail Canada appreciates the hard work of the COC, the Government of Canada, and the National Sport Medicine Advisory Committee, and their full engagement in ensuring that their decisions are based on ensuring the safety, health and welfare of all athletes, coaches and support staff.

Sail Canada will continue to monitor the situation and will work hard to keep our member clubs informed on a weekly basis in collaboration with our provincial partners.

Office Closure

Meanwhile, the Sail Canada office is closed. All staff are working remotely and are accessible via regular email and phone contacts. Should you have any questions or comments, please contact us.

Orders for supplies will continue to be filled as they come in and will be sent out once a week.

Please, everyone, stay safe and practice social distancing and follow the guidelines and recommendations of your local government and the National Sport Medicine Advisory Council.