Catching up with Sarah Douglas

In 2018, Sarah Douglas put the Radial fleet on notice. Over the year she has consistently put up top 10 international results including a 2nd place finish at the Laser North American Championships and a 3rd overall finish at the Lauderdale Olympic Classes Regatta.

Her most impressive finishes came at the Hempel Sailing World Championships where she finished 6th overall and secured Canada a berth in the Laser Radial fleet at the 2020 Olympics. To follow, she posted another 6th place result at the World Cup event in Enoshima, qualifying for her 2nd medal race in as many events, this time in the waters of the 2020 Olympic venue.

In between her own training schedule, including frequent trips to the International Training Centre in Mexico run by her coach, fitness sessions and competitions, Sarah also makes time to support the Broad Reach Foundation, the Fast and Female program, and makes time to guest coach athletes at the Ashbridges Bay Yacht Club.

On top of receiving this prestigious award, this Canadian Sailing Team sailor Sarah is also on the list of finalists for the Rolex Sailor of the Year award, presented annually for to a Canadian sailor for bringing recognition to Canadian sailing and Sail Canada.

What does it mean to you to have been selected as the Skippers’ Plan female athlete of the year and as a finalist for Rolex Sailor of the Year?
It is an incredible honor to be selected as the Skipper’s Plan Female Athlete of the Year. I achieved my goals in 2018 and I look forward to continuing the work in 2019. On top of that, to be a finalist for Rolex Sailor of the Year is such a huge honor, not only for me but also for my support team. The other finalists have achieved so much, and I am just happy to be recognized.

What would you say has been the largest contributing factor to your level of success?
Definitely my coach Vaughn Harrison. Vaughn has a holistic approach that has helped transform me as an athlete and a person.

What are your interests outside of sailing?
I enjoy cooking and spending time with friends and family.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring high performance sailors?
It’s all about your mindset. Think about the characteristics of a champion and work on them every day.

The Sail Canada Awards will be presented at the Sail Canada Rolex Sailor of the Year Awards on Friday March 1st, 2019.

The Skippers’ Plan Female Athlete/Team of the Year is awarded to a current Canadian Sailing Team athlete/Team with a record of outstanding achievement in national and international competition.

The nominated athlete(s)/team must:

a) Have a record of outstanding achievement in national and international competition from December 2, 2017 to December 1, 2018 and brought recognition to Canadian competitive sailing. Priority will be given to athlete/team results from international Olympic/Paralympic class competition in North American and ISAF Graded events. However, please note that other sailing accomplishments will be considered.

b) Through behavior and manner, have set an example for other competitors.

c) Have demonstrated leadership and sportsmanship.

d) Be female (for Team nomination must have at least one female team member).

e) Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.

Source: Sail Canada