Leading future of Canadian sailing

Sail Canada has appointed Anders Gustafsson as its new High Performance Director to lead its national sailing programs. As the national governing body for the sport of sailing, Sail Canada seeks for the position to guide Canadian athletes for success on the world stage.

Gustafsson combines over 25 years of experience in high performance sports – first, as a canoe sprint athlete, and then in various technical and coaching leadership positions.

After becoming Canoe Kayak Canada National Team General Manager and Head Coach in 2022 – having previously been their Olympic and Paralympic Team Head Coach starting in 2017 – Anders Gustafsson led the Canoe Kayak Canada National Team to five medals at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

He was previously an athlete in canoe sprint in the K1 500m event. He took part in four Olympic Games (2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012), 11 World Championships and a dozen World Cups and European Championships. He was crowned World Champion in his event in 2010, before retiring in 2013.

But it was sailing that started his journey in sports. Raised in Sweden, he grew up sailing with his family, which led him to compete in two America’s Cup campaigns (AC35 with Artemis Racing and AC36 with American Magic).

“His blend of Olympic experience, leadership in high performance sport, and roots in sailing make him uniquely suited to lead the next chapter of our high performance program,” said Sail Canada’s Chief Executive Officer Ryan Kelly.

“Anders shares our belief that supporting athletes starts with building strong team culture and aligning systems from club-level racing to the Canadian Sailing Team. The crossover of his expertise and his athlete-first philosophy make him a valuable addition to the Canadian sailing community. We’re excited for what’s ahead.”

Gustafsson adds, “I’m honored to join Sail Canada and return to the sport that first sparked my love for the water. Canada has incredible sailing talent and potential, and I’m excited to work with athletes, coaches, and stakeholders across the country to build a system that supports performance at every level.”

He will be based in Montreal and will report to Sail Canada’s National Office in Kingston. He will officially assume his duties starting in early June.

Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Sailing Program:
Men’s One Person Dinghy – ILCA 7
Women’s One Person Dinghy – ILCA 6
Mixed Two Person Dinghy – 470
Men’s Skiff – 49er
Women’s Skiff – 49erFX
Men’s Kiteboard – Formula Kite Class
Women’s Kiteboard – Formula Kite Class
Men’s Windsurfing – iQFOiL
Women’s Windsurfing – iQFOiL
Mixed Multihull – Nacra 17

Venue: Los Angeles or Long Beach, CA
Dates: July 21-August 6