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

Sail Canada announced today that The Regional Cadet Support Unit (Pacific) (RCSU (P)) has been awarded Sail Canada’s 2025 William Abbott Senior Trophy 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 aim to share 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, 2025.

The Regional Cadet Support Unit (Pacific) delivers the largest Sea Cadet sail training program in Canada. Through its seven seasonal Cadet Nautical sites operating in British Columbia, 900 CANSail certifications were issued in 2025, thanks to 35 volunteers and 50 Sail Canada certified instructors. The Regional Cadet Support Unit (Pacific) also presented three CANSail Instructor Clinics and saw 95 trainees at CANSail instructor clinics, while taking part in five regattas supported by 12 coaches. Dedicated volunteers at local sail centers and adult staff mentored youth not only as sailors but as future instructors and leaders.

Its structured and progressive pathway for youth development really set this program apart. Cadets begin with local and regional training weekends working toward iCANSail levels. Summer training includes a three-week course for CANSail 1 & 2 and PCOC certification, followed by a six-week advanced course offering CANSail 3 & 4, ROC(M), Standard First Aid, and Coach Boat Safety curriculums. Senior cadets may pursue CANSail 5 & 6 or follow Fundamental and Technical Instructor Clinics.

Lieutenant (N) Candy Arthur is the officer responsible for the RCSU (P) Sailing Program, and was supported by instructors Jessica Cano Escamilla, Matt Henry, Mark Schippers, Alison Campbell, Katie Brissard, Rebecca Tyssen, Kaitlynn Govender, Eric Servais, Lily Hope, Balraj Sian, Luna Wagner, Peter Jung, Sam Kostamo, Andrew Kerr and Nick Kiefer.

From the nomination form: “I have seen the impact of this program firsthand. Its success is rooted in the dedication of volunteers and Sail Canada–certified instructors who genuinely care about developing young people both as sailors and as leaders. They create an environment where cadets feel supported, challenged, and inspired to grow. RCSU(P) exemplifies how to deliver excellence at scale while fostering leadership, safety, and long-term sustainability in Canadian sail training.”

« It is truly an honour for the Regional Cadet Support Unit (Pacific) to receive this recognition from Sail Canada, » said Lieutenant (N), Candy Arthur. « This award reflects the dedication of everyone who contributes to our sailing program — from the adult staff who mentor and support our sailors, to the cadets who return weekend after weekend to teach, coach and mentor one another. At its heart, our program is youth leading youth. A Sea Cadet can first step into a sailboat at 12 years old with no previous experience and progress through our program to become a certified sailing instructor or race coach, developing confidence, leadership and teamwork along the way.”

« Our goal is to make grassroots sailing accessible to Sea Cadets throughout British Columbia while providing pathways for those who want to take the sport further. Our sailing sites span the province, from major centres such as Victoria and Vancouver to communities including Comox, Chilliwack, Vernon, Nelson and Smithers, while also creating opportunities for cadets from northern and more remote communities such as Prince George and Prince Rupert to participate. Where a cadet lives should not determine whether they have the opportunity to learn to sail, compete, or pursue advanced training. Throughout the training year, our teams deliver approximately 85 to 90 sailing-focused activities, including Learn to Sail sessions, instructor clinics, training camps and regattas. Our competitive sailors are also active on the BC sailing circuit, regularly fielding multiple teams and competing alongside civilian sailing clubs from across the province.”

« Receiving the William Abbott Senior Trophy is especially meaningful because it recognizes the work of our cadets, instructors, race coaches and adult leaders as part of the broader Canadian sailing community. The pride and professionalism they bring to both the sport of sailing and the uniform they wear is remarkable, and none of what we accomplish would be possible without their dedication. This recognition reinforces that the opportunities we are creating for young sailors matter, and inspires us to continue growing our program, strengthening our relationships with Sail Canada, BC Sailing and sailing clubs throughout the province, and expanding opportunities for cadets across British Columbia to discover a lifelong passion for sailing, leadership and service. »

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