Canadian Sailing Team and Development Squad is back to training

Canadian Sailing Team © Sail Canada

The Sail Canada High Performance department is happy to announce that the Canadian Sailing Team (CST) and Development Squad (CSDS) is back training on a limited basis.

Working with our provincial partners, Own the Podium (OTP), Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), and Sport Canada the team is allowed to get back to training under very strict conditions. This includes adhering to all general COVID-19 guidelines in addition to teams and individuals quarantining for two weeks before they join any training group and then staying in the training group "bubble" until completion of training.

Sail Canada has also been in consultation with the Kingston Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health Authority (KFL&A Public Health) to ensure Sail Canada is abiding by the local guidelines. KFL&A Public Health has reviewed Sail Canada's Return to Training Guidelines and has given Sail Canada the green light to train in Kingston under these strict guidelines.

The CST & CSDS doublehanded athletes are only allowed to train in Kingston as long as the teams (for double-handed boats) have quarantined together for 14 days, do not leave the "training bubble", and adhere to all of the Sail Canada Return to training guidelines including at all times practicing physical distancing and sanitation hygiene. These athletes have been given special permission to return to sailing only because they are training to qualify or compete at the 2021 Olympic Games. This privilege is not extended to other athletes who must remain in their home province and abide by provincial and local health authority conditions training guidelines.

Mike Milner, the Sail Canada High Performance Director states: "While we are very happy our athletes and their training partners, who are focused on the 2021 Olympics, can get back on the water in a limited capacity. Each team member has specific guidelines they must adhere to including uprooting themselves from their current environments and placing themselves in quarantine for 14 days before resuming training with the CST & CSDS. Athletes are also required to do a daily self-assessment for any symptoms of COVID-19. This is the only safe way for athletes to remain safe and we will monitor the situation on a daily basis within the current COVID-19 restrictions".

"As our sailors finally get back on the path to the Tokyo Olympic Games the support of all Canadian sailors is greatly appreciated."