Celebrating excellence in Canada

Sail Canada annually celebrates the nation’s top recreational and competitive sailors, coaches, volunteers, and events via the Sail Canada Annual Awards. Here is one of the latest recipients:

Richard Clarke (Saltspring Island, BC) was named Sail Canada’s 2025 Sailor of the Year, presented annually since 1986 to individuals who have provided global recognition to Canadian sailing and Sail Canada, and who are renowned leaders that have attained high levels of excellence with significant results and accomplishments in world events or activities. Along with recognition for exemplary sportsmanship, they have held the respect of their fellow sailors.

Nominations were evaluated based on a time period ranging from January 1 to December 31, 2024.

Clarke has notably represented Canada in five Olympic Games (1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, and 2012), has won four World Championship medals, and one gold medal at the 1999 Pan American Games in Winnipeg.

He was a crew member in the 2001-02 Volvo Ocean Race, won the 2019 Rolex Transatlantic Race, the 2019 Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) Rolex Fastnet Race, the 2022 Newport-Bermuda Race, as well as the 2019 and 2023 RORC Caribbean 600, and took the 4th position at the 2022 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race.

He also contributed in breaking the 24-hour sailing distance world record four times, with the current record standing at 618 nautical miles set aboard Comanche in 2015, in addition to holding the records for both the Transatlantic and Transpac races.

In 2024, Clarke took part in many offshore sailing competitions, notably finishing first in the (RORC) Transatlantic Race, the Storm Trysail Club (STC) Round Block Island Race, the STC Newport to Bermuda Race (third time in a row), the Etchells Christmas Cup Regatta, and the Bayview Mackinac Race, while taking the third position in the RORC Caribbean 600.

Beyond his personal accomplishments, he also significantly contributed to the development of youth sailing through coaching roles by leading Bermuda’s entry in the Youth America’s Cup, being involved in the Learn to Sail Program, acting as a mentor to aspiring sailors, conducting coaching clinics and workshops, and actively promoting youth participation in sailing through various initiatives and speaking engagements.

From the nomination form: “Aside from his exemplary race results, which speak for themselves, I marvel at the longevity and consistency of Richard’s winning record! That speaks volumes to his influence on the programs that he engages with. From one-design to the world’s toughest offshore races, Richard has proven himself as an elite competitor and a difference maker. He continues to perform at the top of the sport, making his Canadian sailing fans proud.”

This is the second time Clarke has received this award, previously earning the honor in 1999.

“Twenty-five years ago, I won the Sailor of the Year Award as a result of my success racing solo in the Finn class while campaigning for my third Olympics,” said Clarke. “Today, I win this award as a professional sailor, racing on larger sailboats with many teammates. It is that longevity, consistency and continued successes across varying sizes of boats, both inshore and offshore, that I am most proud of!

“I believe the primary reason for my success and long career is due to the constant gnawing to be better that drives me to relentlessly work hard, especially now at 56 with so many younger sailors nipping at my heels. In my wildest dreams, I never would have believed this was something I could accomplish.

“I owe a great deal of thanks to my family, who have supported me throughout my career. Being away from home 150 to 200 days a year has put a significant strain on them and me. I also owe significant gratitude to my teammates and boat owners. I am sincerely blessed to race on your magnificent boats surrounded by so much talent.”

Past winners: https://www.sailing.ca/gerry-roufs-past-winners/

Source: Sail Canada