Glenmore Sailing School: Winner of Sail Canada's 2022 William Abbott Senior Trophy

Glenmore Sailing School: Winner of Sail Canada's 2022 William Abbott Senior Trophy as sail training program of the year © Sail Canada

Sail Canada announced today that the Glenmore Sailing School was awarded Sail Canada's 2022 William Abbott Senior Trophy, which goes to the sail training program of the year.

The William Abbott Senior Trophy recognizes the many fine programs that are run by dedicated volunteers in clubs or schools throughout Canada, and who are members in good standing with Sail Canada, and aims to share the information among clubs for the improvement of their sail training programs. Nominations were evaluated based on a time period ranging from January 1 to December 31, 2022.

Glenmore Sailing School in Alberta has received this award for the second year in a row, and for the third time over the past four years.

In 2022, the Glenmore Sailing School provided financially accessible sailing to everyone in the community of Calgary. A total of 1,525 individuals participated, marking a 55% increase in participants from 2021 and an 11% improvement on the organization's previous record number of participants. Glenmore Sailing School offered sailing to youth participants for $6.25 per hour and $12.80 per hour for adults and, a total of 2,230 free development hours were logged on the water, either for competing or practicing sailing skills. A record 25 staff members were in action according to a format where new staff were assigned mentors for the first season, while second- and third-year staff were trained in new skills each year, whether it be fiber glassing, sewing, boat maintenance, administration or facility management. They also worked closely with the Disabled Sailing Association to rebuild their business model and train their staff, while supporting the Cold Lake Sailing Association and Wabamun Sailing Club.

Glenmore Sailing School does not just provide sailing programs, it is also a community of sailing enthusiasts looking to develop their skills and create opportunities for the next generation of sailors, racers, coaches and instructors.

"On behalf of the Glenmore Sailing School staff, myself and all the Boat Patrol staff, we're so proud and excited to win Sail Canada's 2022 William Abbott Senior Trophy," said Braden Gray, Head Sailing Instructor at the Glenmore Sailing School. "We're so proud to be able to provide financially accessible sailing to everyone in the community."

"It wouldn't be possible without all the sailing staff who work night and day, whether it's for coaching programs or maintaining the boat. A huge shout out to Julie Christensen and Andrew Leach, who have been fundamental in the development of the staff, whether it be fiber glassing, sewing, boat maintenance or sailing and coaching ability. We should also thank Doug Bruno, who has been our City of Calgary advocate for a number of years; without him, the program just wouldn't have been possible. That has been a huge part of our success."

"Thank you so much, Sail Canada, for giving us this award. We're so proud of the work that we've done in providing accessible sailing for the community. We're excited to do more!"

More information on the William Abbott Senior Award here.