June 17, 2025

The sisters from Nova Scotia come up with a second consecutive podium finish.
 
Antonia and Georgia Lewin-LaFrance from Chester, N.S., won the gold medal in 49erFX at the 2025 49er, 49erFX and Nacra 17 European Championships which ended on Sunday in Thessaloniki, GRE.
 
Sitting in sixth position after the first day of racing, the sisters made their way up to the top of the podium throughout the week, winning four of the 13 races held and finishing in the top 10 in ten of them. They moved into first place ahead of Sunday’s Medal Race and, in the final event of the competition which included the top 10 boats from the preliminary races, the sisters kept hold of the first spot by finishing first in that very last race as well.
 
Marla Bergmann and Hanna Wille from Germany won silver, followed by Aleksandra Melzacka and Sandra Jankowiak from Poland, who took bronze.
 
This is the second consecutive podium performance for Antonia and Georgia Lewin-LaFrance. At the second Sailing Grand Slam Series event of the season, French Olympic Week, held at the end of April in Hyères, FRA, the Canadian sailors won the bronze medal.
 
Thessaloniki is also where the sisters won their first-ever medal at a senior championship in 2021.
 
“It feels amazing,” said Antonia and Georgia Lewin-LaFrance. “It’s our first win at a major event, so we’re feeling quite happy. But we also know that there’s a lot of work to do for LA 2028.”
 
A total of 236 sailors and 118 boats were registered for the event, including 56 boats in 49er, 33 in 49erFX and 29 in Nacra 17.
 
Among other Canadians racing in the event, Thomas and William Staples from Beaconsfield, QC, took the 42nd spot in 49er, while Galen Richardson (Toronto) and Madeline Gillis (Halifax) finished in 20th position in Nacra 17.
 
Results of Canadian sailors at the 2025 49er, 49erFX and Nacra 17 European Championships
49erFX
GOLD. *Antonia Lewin-Lafrance & Georgia Lewin-LaFrance (Chester, N.S.)
 
NACRA 17
20. *Galen Richardson (Toronto, ON) & Madeline Gillis (Halifax, N.S.)
 
49er
42. *Thomas Staples & William Staples (Beaconsfield, QC)
 
*Members of Sail Canada’s National Team
 
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.