Kingston, June 22, 2023 – Arie Moffat (Kingston, ON, KYC) and Ryan Wood (Vancouver, B.C., RVYC) became the first Canadians ever to qualify and compete in the medal race of a 49er event at a major international competition when they did so on Wednesday, June 21, at the Kiel Week competition in Germany.
In third place following the first eight preliminary races, Moffat and Wood, who joined together as a new team only a few months ago, were among the top 10 crews that qualified for the medal race, where points were doubled. Moffat and Wood ended the week in 10th place overall after a 10thposition finish in the medal race.
A total of 64 teams representing 25 countries took part in the 49er races during the Kiel Week competition. The other Canadian team in action, comprised of Thomas and William Staples (Beaconsfield, QC, RSLYC), took the 38th spot.
“We are thrilled with how we sailed our first regatta together and Ryan’s first one as a crew,” said the two Sail Canada Development Squad members. “We went into the event without any expectations and we wanted to focus on our communication and the routines that we’ve been working on. When we got off the water on Day 4 and realized we were going into the medal race in third, it was a bit unreal to see! In the first medal race ever for each one of us, we struggled to come off the start line well and we were unable to catch up. Nonetheless, we are proud to finish up 10th and are happy with the progress we made in terms of communication. We can’t wait to get out on the race course again!”
Three other Sail Canada Development Squad members were also in action during Kiel Week, in ILCA 6. Coralie Vittecoq (Montréal Ouest, QC, PCYC/BLBC) was the top Canadian with a 14th position finish out of a total of 43 sailors. Clara Gravely (Toronto, ABYC) took the 19th spot and Annalise Balasubramanian (Toronto, RCYC/OST) was 42nd.
About Sail Canada
Established in 1931, Sail Canada is the national governing body for the sport of sailing in the country. Sail Canada is a leading international sailing nation, proud of its world class athletes, lifelong participants and inclusive culture. The organization and its members are committed to excellence by developing and training its leaders, athletes, sailors, instructors, coaches and officials. With the valued support from our partners, the Provincial Sailing Associations and our member clubs, schools, organizations and stakeholders, sailing is promoted in all its forms. By setting standards and delivering programs from home pond to podium for Canadians of all ages and abilities, from dinghies to keelboats, cruising to navigation, windsurfing to powerboating and accessible sailing, Sail Canada sets sail for all, sail to win and sail for life.
A sport in the Olympic program since the first Games in 1896, except in 1904, the pursuit of success in these Games is what fuels the focus of Sail Canada as Canadian athletes have so far achieved nine Olympic and five Paralympic medals.
