2013: Winner of the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup with New Zealand in San Francisco
Rio 2016: 4th at the OIympic Games, Nacra class
2015: 4th at the Nacra World Championships
London 2012: 5th at the Olympic Games, 470 class
SailGP Having previously appeared for New Zealand, the United States and Switzerland in SailGP, Jason Saunders made the move to become France's Flight Controller in September 2023.
Youth Saunders grew up racing at the Tauranga Yacht & Powerboat Club, New Zealand. He learnt to sail in the Optimist dinghy followed by the P Class and Starling (New Zealand only class of boats). He eventually moved into the double handed 420 and 470 classes.
Career Saunders is a two-time Olympian. He competed at the London 2012 Olympic Games in the 470 class, placing 5th overall. Post Games he switched class to the mixed gender multihull Nacra 17, when it was first introduced as Olympic discipline back in 2013. He raced at Rio 2016 with Gemma Jones - the duo were one of the youngest crews competing - and finished 4th overall.
Saunders was also part of the winning New Zealand team at the Inaugural Red Bull Youth America's Cup in San Francisco in 2013.
Personal When not sailing, Saunders still spends time on the water Wing Foiling. He also enjoys playing Squash and competing in Triathlons. In 2021 he completed an Ironman.
