UNIVERSITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK
SAILING TEAMSAILING TEAMThe University of New Brunswick was late to the game in establishing a varsity sailing team. Dalhousie, Memorial and other universities in the region have had sailing teams for years, but the UNB Sailing Team was New Brunswick’s first and only student-run university sailing team. The UNB sailing team is comprised of students with a wide range of experience levels and background. And the team has only experienced upwards growth since its inception.
Todd and Cody shared a similar vision for the team even before its inception in September 2017. The initial vision for the team was to get students on the water. A core group of 8 sailors was established who trained and competed regularly, along with a team of executives to help lead them. In March of 2018, we received provisional status as a CICSA team, allowing us to compete against other Canadian universities.
Our future vision for the team is to establish a permanent dinghy training facility on the grounds of the Fredericton Yacht Club on Lincoln Road in the form of recycled shipping containers to promote sustainability and to further our recruitment initiatives to foster a recurring talent pool at the university.
The continuous growth of the team relies on interest from students at UNB. We are looking for enthusiastic students who are keen to learn and willing to invest their time to learn the ropes. We accept anyone and everyone, regardless of experience level, whether interested in leisure or competition sailing.
The UNB Sailing team is a provisional member of Canadian Intercollegiate Sailing Association (CISCA). The team is partnered with the Mactaquac Sailing Association and the Fredericton Yacht Club. The team is also partners with the Fredericton Small Craft And Aquatic Centre.
A typical week in the sailing season may include 420 training downtown, 1-2 keel boat races at either Mactaquac or Douglas Harbour and the potential of a CICSA event. The off-season focus shifts to classroom sessions and physical fitness ensuring a productive schedule year-round. Interesting and unique events such as trips and other opportunities are always lurking in the background as well.
Opportunities are currently underway and fast approaching. It is recommended in order to get the most of this experience, to start attending occasions such as sails and meetings posted in the group.
Sailing is so much fun, but one of the biggest reasons the team exists is to bring together students from UNB who share a passion. This is the perfect chance to meet amazing people and form connections and friendships for years to come.
Every year, the team organizes several social events, which includes ski trips, a Christmas party, socials, and visits to the local microbreweries in the area.
Jessie Bennett is in her third year of Kinesiology. She is the president of the team and involved in all aspects of keeping the team running.
Grace Flemming is in her third year of Chemical Engineering. She is a member of the dinghy racing team and occasionally attends keelboat racing events.
Dylan Hubble is in his third year of Computer Science student. He is currently a member of the dinghy racing team, and attends most keelboat races.
Ben is in his second year of Buisness. He is a member of the dinghy racing team and occasionally attends keelboat racing events.
Chris is a third year Forestry student. He is currently a member of the dinghy racing team, and attends most keelboat races.
Caroline is in her fourth year of Buisness. She is a member of the dinghy racing team and occasionally attends keelboat racing events.
If you're interested in joining the team, wish to help out in any capacity, or for any other matters, feel free to contact Todd or Cody by email. You may also contact us through our public Facebook page.
Any comments or feedback related to the UNB Sailing Team website can be directed to our GitHub page.
We need help.
We receive limited funding from the university and community, and as a result it is difficult to arrange travel for students who wish to compete in intercollegiate sailing competitions. We also rely on membership fees to fund the rental of dinghy boats for training, which can be a significant cost for students. Donations and support from the community help keep the team sustainable and able to introduce students to the world of sailing.
All help is welcomed. We are looking to work with local businesses to form sponsorships through brand promotion. We are also seeking donations of any kind, such as monetary donations or the provision of sailing gear and equipment. If interested, please contact Todd Ward via email at toddpward@gmail.com.
