Phil Robertson to be driver for Canada Team SailGP

SailGP Team Canada has appointed two key members as they prepare for Season 3 in Bermuda. Jean-Sébastien Chénier Proteau will be its General Director while Phil Robertson will be the driver of the team. 

Heading the Canada SailGP Team will be General Director Jean-Sébastien Chénier Proteau, an accomplished team manager from Montreal who will bring extensive experience in professional sailing team management. He has experience in the elite sailing competition as he has worked with the China SailGP Team, with Dongfeng Racing on the Volvo Ocean Race and in his most recent role, as CEO of Spindrift. 

On the water, world Match Race champion Phil Robertson (NZL) will be leading the helm of the Canadian F50. Robertson is well known for his expertise in getting newcomers ready in the fast-paced F50 racing championship. Now, he is actively building a team of world-class Canadian athletes. 

New beginning onboard SailGP Team Canada

Robertson has led the China SailGP team to a podium finish during the first season. He will finish the second season with Spain SailGP team next month at the grand final in San Francisco. 

Related article: Australian team secures spot in SailGP Grand Final

“Not only do we have the ambitious task of building a team from scratch, with little or no experience of this type in Canada, but we also have the goal of being competitive against the best teams in the world.” -Phil Robertson, driver of the Canadian SailGP Team. 

His first steps, according to him, are to build a solid sailing team and develop everyone’s knowledge of foiling. Then, he plans on working on specific skills needed to sail an F50 catamaran. Even if extensive sailing experience is critical, there is nothing that can prepare you to race on an F50.

The story behind Canadian Team SailGP

Founded by the lifelong sailor Fred Pye, Canada SailGP Team will be the first sports ownership in Canada. This will be a start-up in all senses, and the team is focused on building partnerships and a fan base across the country. 

“With jean-Sébastien and Phil on board, the team has a strong leadership on and off the water. It is one of the first key steps in our multi-year plan that aims to inspire a whole generation of sailors across the country.” -Fred Pye, owner of Canada SailGP Team. 

Season 3 of the SailGP will be action-packed with events scheduled all over the world, as well as prospects for an event in Canada in 2023 for season four. The third season will kick off on May 14-15 in Bermuda. However, before then we can expect SailGP Season 2 to end in the Sail Grand Prix of San Francisco with a big finale. 

Meanwhile, if you want to stay updated with previous editions, do not miss on Nautical Channel Rolex Spirit of Yachting for all the SailGP action!

Images from SailGP