Kingston, May 6, 2025 – Sail Canada is pleased to announce the hiring of Rachel Harris as Training and Education Coordinator.
Rachel Harris has held the position of Ontario Sailing Program Coordinator since 2023, as well as that of Executive Director at the Canadian Intercollegiate Sailing Association (CICSA) and Director of Match Racing for the Lake Yacht Racing Association Board of Directors. She previously was Program Manager and Head Instructor at the Kingston Yacht Club.
In her new role, Rachel Harris will be responsible for contributing to the design, implementation, coordination, and administration of educational and training programs to support the development of CANSail, CANSail Para, Cruising, Keel, Power, Navigation, Offshore, PCOC, and ROC(M) participants (sailors) and instructors at all levels. This position plays a critical role in enhancing the sailing community’s skills and knowledge by overseeing the delivery of certification courses, instructional materials, and educational initiatives that align with Sail Canada’s standards and long-term goals. The Training & Education Coordinator plays a key role in fostering strong relationships and effective communication between provincial, regional, and local organizations, as well as volunteer committees and individual volunteers across Canada.
“Although I am sad to be leaving Ontario Sailing, I am deeply grateful for the learning, meaningful work, and the opportunity to be part of such a dedicated team,” said Rachel Harris. “I’m excited to be joining Sail Canada, where I look forward to continuing to support and serve the sailing community.”
“Sail Canada is excited to see Rachel join our team as Training and Education Coordinator,” said Sail Canada’s Director of Programs and Athlete Services, Samara Crothers. “Her experience as a sailor, CANSail Instructor and staff member at Ontario Sailing will be an asset. We look forward to having her join the staff team at the Kingston office.”
Rachel Harris will be starting her work with Sail Canada on a part-time basis on Monday, May 12, to allow her to continue with her duties at Ontario Sailing. She will then start working full time for Sail Canada in July. She can be reached by email at rachel@sailing.ca.
“It is with mixed emotions that we announce the departure of Rachel Harris from her role as Program Coordinator at Ontario Sailing,” said Ontario Sailing’s Program Manager, Megan Medlock. “Since joining us, Rachel has been an invaluable member of our team. While we will miss Rachel’s contributions supporting our CANSail Instructor Training programs, we are also incredibly excited for her as she starts her new role as the Training and Education Coordinator at Sail Canada.
“Rachel has played a key role in the success of Ontario Sailing’s delivery of CANSail instructor training programs,” added Megan Medlock. “We are really going to miss her at Ontario Sailing, but are excited that we will be able to continue working with her in her new role at Sail Canada. Please join us in thanking Rachel for her dedication and wishing her success in her new endeavour.”
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.
