The Prairies’ Regional Cadet Support Unit (Northwest) wins Sail Canada’s William Abbott Senior Trophy as Sail Training Program of the Year

Sail Canada announced today that the The Prairies’ Regional Cadet Support Unit (Northwest) (RCSU (NW)) has been awarded Sail Canada’s 2024 William Abbott Senior Trophy for their Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Sailing Program, which has been recognized as Sail Training Program of the Year.

The William Abbott Senior Trophy recognizes the many fine programs that are run in clubs or schools throughout Canada and are members in good standing with Sail Canada, and also aims to share the information among clubs for the improvement of their sail training programs. Nominations were evaluated based on a period ranging from January 1 to December 31, 2024.

The Royal Canadian Sea Cadets is a national program which makes up one of the three elements of the Canadian Cadet Organizations. RCSU (NW) is responsible for the administration and operation of Cadets within the Prairie Provinces and Territories, including the Sailing Program, and is home to over one thousand Sea Cadets who train in 27 communities across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Sea Cadets are exposed to the sport of sailing through the RCSU (NW) Sailing Program at no cost, including travel, at five sites throughout the region. RCSU (NW)’s Sail Program is a prime example of the Cadet Program’s inclusivity and commitment to barrier-free and safe access for all Sea Cadets.

Lieutenant (N) Amanda Norquay is the officer responsible for the RCSU (NW) Sailing Program, and also sits on the Sail Canada Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Committee. RCSU (NW) credits their Sailing Staff, most of whom are officers within the Canadian Armed Forces, as the pillar of their success. That includes Head Instructors Andrea Fitzgerald (Northern Alberta out of Wabamun Sailing Club) – who is also working on the program development side of the CANSail panel -, Tanner Siemens (Central Alberta, Sylvan Lake, Alberta), James Mundell (Southern Alberta out of Calgary Yacht Club), Elizabeth Engel (Saskatchewan), Sarah Daeninck (Manitoba out of Gimli Yacht Club), as well as 39 other instructors in 2024.

In 2024, RCSU (NW) showcased the strengths of the Sea Cadet Sailing Program as a grassroots sport enabler, developing athletes and sail instructors. Inside of just three months, RCSU (NW) completed 45 weekend training sessions and 104 specific training events including: CANSail training, intro to powerboating, mentorship sessions, and CANSail Instructor Clinics. Together, these efforts reflect a thriving sailing culture where Sea Cadets across the Prairies are not only introduced to the sport – they are propelled by it. These Cadets use sailing to engage in varied and unique experiences, while developing competencies in leadership and citizenship, along with physical and mental fitness.

From the nomination form: “The entire Sea Cadet program is a hidden gem in the Canadian sailing community. Particularly RCSU (NW), whose hard work and dedication to high standards and competitive opportunity has allowed it to rise out of the pandemic times as a leader not just for Sea Cadets, but sailing in Canada. I am humbled and inspired every time I get to engage with the program as the sailors and staff are truly amazing!”

“We are honoured to accept this distinction from Sail Canada, the National Sport Organization,” said Lieutenant (N) Amanda Norquay, “Our mission is to continue to introduce all Sea Cadets to grassroots sailing, while supporting those youth who wish to pursue instructor training. This instructor training provides the foundation of youth leading youth throughout our sail program while building confidence, leadership, and teamwork. All sailors know how difficult it is to build and maintain a quality sail training program and we are humbled to be recognized with Sail Canada’s William Abbott Senior Trophy.”

The Cadet Programs are open to youth aged 12 to 18, and train in communities across Canada. For more information visit https://www.sailing.ca/william-abbott-senior-trophy-sail-training-program-of-the-year-past-winners/.

By Sail Canada