Embarking on History: Concord Pacific Racing Propels Team Canada’s Pursuit of the Inaugural Puig Women’s America’s Cup
May 7, 2024
On May 1st, 2024 Team Canada announced that three of Canada’s leading corporations, Concord Green Energy (Concord Pacific), RBC and TELUS, will sponsor its historic bid at the inaugural Puig Women’s America’s Cup and the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup in Barcelona this year.
With a commitment to advancing gender equity and nurturing young Canadian talent, Concord Pacific, RBC and TELUS will support in heralding a new era of Canadian sailing.
Sailing under the banner of Concord Pacific Racing, the Canadian teams have their sights set on victory, aiming to etch their names in history as one of the first women’s teams to compete in a prestigious new chapter of America’s Cup history spanning 173 years. The UniCredit Youth America’s Cup begins on September 17, and the Puig Women’s America’s Cup starts on October 5.
Racing in the cutting-edge AC40 which employs the latest in foil and sail technology to fly the boats above the water at exhilarating speeds of up to 100 kph, the Concord Pacific Racing Women’s team is led by veteran Vancouver sailor and Team Captain, Isabella Bertold.
As strategist for the Canada SailGP Team, with 15 years of representing the Canadian National Team, including two World Cup medals, Bertold brings a wealth of experience and determination to the helm.
Reflecting on the significance of this momentous occasion, Bertold said, “I feel incredibly proud to represent Canada on the world stage in this historic first Women’s America’s Cup. With women’s sport finally taking centre stage, it’s fantastic to see Concord Pacific championing our cause alongside RBC and TELUS. Together we want to break barriers, inspire the next generation, and take Canadian sailing to new heights.”
The full squads for Concord Pacific Racing’s Women’s and Youth teams will be announced on May 15.
Tam Matthews, Chair of the Team Canada America’s Cup Board said: “This is truly a historic moment for Canada, the world of sailing and for women and youth in particular. We are proud to be building a new platform and legacy that will inspire generations to come.”
Terry Hui, President and CEO of Concord Pacific, emphasised the natural synergy in supporting the Canadian Youth and Women’s teams. As a competitive sailor himself, he recognises the historical moment it represents for advancing opportunities for women in sailing. “Participation in the America’s Cup will inspire a future generation of sailors in Canada,” Hui said. “Internationally, this will be the key to open a traditionally conservative sport to a new wave of development and participation for women.”
“RBC is a long-standing supporter of Canadian athletes and we recognize the critical need to help advance women in sport at all levels,” said Shannon Cole, Vice President, Brand Marketing, RBC. “We’re proud to sponsor Team Canada’s women and youth sailing teams and cheer them on at the first ever Puig Women’s America’s Cup – a significant milestone for this incredible sport.”
“It’s an honour to partner with like-minded organizations, like Team Canada and their women’s and youth sailing teams, that are committed to driving positive social change in our communities and enabling equitable access, opportunity and recognition for female and youth athletes,” said Jill Schnarr, Chief Social Innovation, Communications and Brand Officer, TELUS. “With the America’s Cup hosting an all-female regatta for the first time, in addition to Team Canada competing in the Youth America’s Cup for the first time in history, it’s a very exciting time to elevate and empower women and youth in the sport of sailing. As a lead sponsor of Team Canada, we proudly look forward to cheering on our National team at the Women’s America’s Cup and Youth America’s Cup.”
The Royal Vancouver Yacht Club is the proud supporting club behind the successful Canadian bid to be one of 12 challengers in the Puig Women’s America’s Cup and UniCredit Youth America’s Cup.
Dilawri, Canada’s largest automotive group and a leader in teamwork and innovation, has signed on as the team’s official sponsor and is excited to support the Concord Pacific Racing team as they prepare for Barcelona. Concord Pacific Racing is also supported by its suppliers Vaikobi, Maximizer CRM and liv.rent.
You can follow all the action of Concord Pacific Racing on Instagram or at the team website https://www.concordpacificracing.com.
