Lee Parkhill named Sail Canada Rolex Sailor of the Year

Toronto, ONT (February 26, 2016) – Lee Parkhill (RCYC) was selected as the 2015 recipient of the Rolex Sailor of the Year – Canada’s most prestigious national annual sailing award.

The Oakville native was recognized for his outstanding achievements at the 2015 Pan American Games and the Olympic Test Event in Rio. Parkhill secured the bronze medal in the highly competitive laser fleet at TO2015, marking the second Laser medal ever for Canada at any Major Games. The following month, in August, Lee placed 5th overall and won the medal race at the Rio Olympic Test event.

Lee Parkhill grew up on the water, sailing with his parents on their first boat – a Mirage 24. Lee raced every Wednesday and Thursday nights with his dad at the Oakville Yacht Squadron (OYS). He began sailing lessons at OYS at the age of 8, sailing in an Optimist boat. His summers were spent progressing through the CYA “Learn to Sail” levels.

In 2003, at the age of 13, Lee sailed competitively, racing Laser Radials as a member of the OYS race team. In 2006, Lee joined the Royal Canadian Yacht Club’s high performance team followed by qualification for the National team in 2009.

Parkhill lives by the legendary words of 1972 Olympian Steve Prefontaine – “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” Lee’s gift will be a beautiful watch named the ‘Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date’ courtesy of our generous partners at Rolex Canada.

Rolex Sailor of the Year Finalists included Parkhill, Mike Milner (RCYC) and the Canadian Sonar Team – Paul Tingley (RNSYS), Scott Lutes (AQVA) and Logan Campbell (SSC).

Complete list of 2015 award winners…click here.