Sail Canada appoints Anders Gustafsson as new High Performance Director
May 13, 2025
Sail Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Anders Gustafsson as its new High Performance Director.
Anders Gustafsson combines over 25 years of experience in high-performance sports – first, as a canoe sprint athlete, and then in various technical and coaching leadership positions.
After becoming Canoe Kayak Canada National Team General Manager and Head Coach in 2022 – having previously been their Olympic and Paralympic Team Head Coach starting in 2017 – Anders Gustafsson led the Canoe Kayak Canada National Team to five medals at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Anders Gustafsson was previously an athlete in canoe sprint in the K1 500m event. He took part in four Olympic Games (2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012), 11 World Championships and a dozen World Cups and European Championships. He was crowned World Champion in his event in 2010, before retiring in 2013.
From a sailboat to two America’s Cup
It is in sailing, however, that Anders Gustafsson started his journey in sports.
Raised in Sweden, he grew up sailing with his family, which led him to compete in two campaigns of the America’s Cup (AC35 Auckland and AC36 Bermuda).
“We’re thrilled to welcome Anders to our team,” said Sail Canada’s Chief Executive Officer, Ryan Kelly. “His blend of Olympic experience, leadership in high-performance sport, and roots in sailing make him uniquely suited to lead the next chapter of our high-performance program. Anders shares our belief that supporting athletes starts with building strong team culture and aligning systems from club-level racing to the Canadian Sailing Team. The crossover of his expertise and his athlete-first philosophy make him a valuable addition to the Canadian sailing community. We’re excited for what’s ahead.”
“I’m honoured to join Sail Canada and return to the sport that first sparked my love for the water,” said Anders Gustafsson. “Canada has incredible sailing talent and potential, and I’m excited to work with athletes, coaches, and stakeholders across the country to build a system that supports performance at every level.”
Anders Gustafsson will be based in Montreal and will report to Sail Canada’s National Office in Kingston. He will officially assume his duties starting in early June.
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.
