Canada SailGP Team athletes Antonia and Georgia Lewin-LaFrance (Chester, NS), have been named as Sail Canada’s Rolex Sailors of the Year for 2021-2022.
The awards were handed out during Sail Canada’s Celebration of Sailing, which celebrates performances and experiences of Canada’s high-performance sailors of the past, present and future, and was attended by approximately 110 guests including members from Sail Canada’s National Team and Development Squad, as well as from the Canada SailGP Team and several people involved in sailing in Nova Scotia.
Antonia and Georgia Lewin-LaFrance, representing the Chester Yacht Club and the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron, won the award for the very first time, which is given annually to individuals who have provided global recognition to Canadian sailing and Sail Canada.
This award has been given out annually since 1986 to 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.
During the time period ranging from August 7, 2021 to September 14, 2022, the Lewin-LaFrance sisters won the bronze medal at the 2021 49erFX European Championships held in Greece, then took the 6th spot at the 2021 49erFX Sailing World Championships held in Oman, posting the best Canadian performance ever at this competition that has been held since 2013.
They also took the third spot at the 2022 Kiel Week event and have been taking part in multiple events with the Canada SailGP Team since May 2022.
