Canadian sailing team nominated for Rio 2016

Type: Press Release

Topic: Rio 2016

Year: 2016

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TORONTO — On Monday, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and Sail Canada named the nine athletes nominated to represent Team Canada in sailing at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games from August 5 to 21.

The nine athletes selected include: Brenda Bowskill, Danielle Boyd, Nikola Girke, Lee Parkhill, Erin Rafuse, Luke Ramsay, Tom Ramshaw, as well as brothers Graeme Saunders and Jacob Saunders. The athletes earned their Rio spots at various World Cup and world championship events, highlighted by top-10 performances for Canadian sailors across several disciplines.

Download hi-res team photos

Olympic sailing consists of an opening series of races that use a low-point scoring system. This includes 10-12 races that are scheduled across the different events. Athletes complete the predetermined courses around marker buoys with the goal of crossing the finish line ahead of their competitors. The final consists of one race, where the top-10 sailors in each event compete in a double-point medal race. The athlete or team with the lowest points at the end of the series wins the overall event.

The sailing competition will be based out the Marina da Gloria, with sailing courses situated in the waters of Guanabara Bay from August 8 to18. Canadians will compete in six events: men’s Laser, women’s Laser Radial, men’s Finn, men’s 470, women’s 49er FX and mixed Nacra 17.

At Rio 2016, Canada will field a team of more than 315 athletes.

Sail Canada (formerly known as the Canadian Yachting Association) is the national governing body for the sport of sailing. The Association promotes sailing in all its forms through collaboration with our partners, the Provincial Sailing Associations, member clubs, schools, and many individual stakeholders. Follow Sail Canada on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.

QUOTES

“It is always an honour to qualify and represent my country at the Olympic Games. It’s an amazing feeling and I can’t wait until the Games begin!  Our team is incredibly focused and determined. We aim to make our country proud!”

Nikola Girke, three-time Olympian, Sailing

“I am thrilled that Sail Canada has nominated its strongest squad for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Congratulations to the coaches, staff and athletes for your hard work and dedication in representing our country. I can assure you that we will all be cheering our hearts out as you compete this summer.”

Curt Harnett, Rio 2016 Team Canada Chef de Mission

“We are extremely proud of our sailors heading to Rio. These world-class athletes have demonstrated strong results this year with great potential for podium success. We look forward to cheering our Canadian team on in Rio!

Todd Irving, President, Sail Canada

“Canadians always feel a special pride watching our talented athletes at the Olympic Games represent our country. Congratulations to the athletes and coaches named to the sailing team today who look to find the right wind all the way to the podium. We are proud of you and wish you all the best in Rio.”

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities

The sailing team which will represent Canada at Rio 2016 includes:

Athletes:

Coaches:

Prior to being named to the final Canadian Rio 2016 Team, all nominations are subject to approval by the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Team Selection Committee following its receipt of nominations by all National Sport Federations.