Nov 27, 2016

Sail Canada’s Board of Directors is pleased to introduce Don Adams as its new CEO.  After an extensive search over 4 months we are confident that Don brings the skill set needed to lead Sail Canada forward.  Don will be executing on the Board’s strategic plan, together with the staff team based in Kingston, ON, to increase participation, improve national development along all pathways and increase high performance results.

“I recognize the challenges that Sail Canada has moving forward to achieve our strategic priorities as outlined in the Strategic Plan.  I look forward to collaborating with the many stakeholders to increase participation in the sport of sailing, and developing a system that will allow our athletes to reach their potential and be amongst the best in the world,” said Adams.  “I also believe that sailing is a great sport for youth to gain life skills that will help them achieve their potential in whatever life endeavours they pursue”.

Possessing a Masters of Sport Administration from the University of Ottawa, Don has been involved with many facets of sport management during his career. As former Executive Director of the Diving Canada and Equine Canada, he worked with the many stakeholders to develop the sport, particularly developing a system for high-performance athletes to achieve their potential.  Most recently at Motivate Canada, he has been utilizing ‘Sport for Development’ to increase youth participation in sport.  Don is very passionate about youth-driven development and the role that youth can play as community leaders.  

“Don’s leadership skills and extensive background in sport will undoubtedly benefit the sport of sailing,” adds Sail Canada President Todd Irving.  “The wealth of experience combined with Don’s solid acumen for sport governance and team building gives him the required credentials to lead Sail Canada through 2020 and beyond. We are thrilled to welcome Don onboard and look forward to working collaboratively on our strategic objectives.”

Don will begin his new role with Sail Canada on Tuesday January 3rd, 2017.

About Sail Canada

Established in 1931, 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 including yachting through collaboration with our partners, the Provincial Sailing Associations, member clubs, schools, and many individual stakeholders. www.sailing.ca