Adrien Bernier Nadeau named Sail Canada 2023 Instructor of the Year presented by Checklick

Adrien Bernier Nadeau named Sail Canada 2023 Instructor of the Year presented by Checklick © Sail Canada

Sail Canada announced today that Adrien Bernier Nadeau of Baie-des-Chaleurs, Quebec, has been selected Sail Canada 2023 Instructor of the Year, presented by Checklick, as the country celebrates National Coaches Week, an annual event which ends this Sunday.

The Sail Canada Instructor of the Year Award, presented by Checklick, is awarded annually to an instructor who demonstrates excellence on the water teaching and communicating skills, is respectful, fair and equitable, encourages pride in the sport, has taken part in clinics and performs above and beyond what is required from an instructor. The winners are Sail Canada certified and registered instructors who have made a significant impact and have accepted the challenge of improving the level of sailing at their club/school. Honest, sincere and honourable in their relationships with sailors as well as looking to improve their own approach to teaching, training and mentoring new instructors, Sail Canada Instructor of the Year Award winners have a high degree of self-awareness and the ability to reflect critically on the information exchange between them and the sailors, and how their perspectives influence their interactions with others.

Nominations have been evaluated based on the time period ranging from January 1 to December 31, 2023.

"I am honoured and touched by this wonderful recognition", said Adrien Bernier Nadeau. "It represents a validation of my passion, rigour and dedication in my role as an instructor. I'm very proud of the work I've accomplished as an entrepreneur for our sailing school "La Belle Vie Sailing".

"This award is also a reminder of the importance of passing on the love and respect for the sea, as well as marine know-how and 'know-how-to-be' in a professional, responsible and inspiring manner."

"It is with great motivation that I wish to pursue my mission to develop and promote sailing in Quebec. The support and collaboration of Sail Canada and the Quebec sailing community are vital to me. Thank you all."

From sailing instructor at age 15 to entrepreneur

Adrien Bernier Nadeau began teaching sailing at the age of 15. After stepping away from his passion for a few years to focus on his engineering career, he made a pivotal decision in 2019 to return to sailing full-time. Together with his wife, he founded "La Belle Vie Sailing," the first school in Quebec to specialize in liveaboard catamaran cruising and offer Sail Canada's Catamaran Endorsement.

Since 2019, Adrien has advanced as a sailing instructor, earning both the "Advanced Instructor" and "Cruising Catamaran Instructor" certifications from Sail Canada. He has also participated in several national and international seminars abroad. Adrien has logged more than 40,000 nautical miles across Canada and the Caribbean.

Adrien Bernier Nadeau has also initiated several initiatives to promote sailing in Quebec and Canada, in addition to having won numerous awards and accolades.

From the application form: "In addition to being a sailor and instructor, Adrien is also an entrepreneur. He launched his own company and sailing school, enabling him to achieve his goals. His entrepreneurial spirit, combined with his passion for sailing, has opened doors that were never open before and has led to the creation of unique projects."

More information about the Sail Canada Instructor of the Year Award is available here.