For generations of Canadian sailors, CORK/Sail Kingston has been a rite of passage—a place where young athletes first measure themselves against top competition. As one of the country’s most important grassroots-to-elite regattas, we play a pivotal role in athlete development. For Georgia Lewin-LaFrance, who grew up sailing out of Chester, Nova Scotia, summer trips to Kingston were more than just a routine regatta, they were a key part of her journey to the Olympic stage.
“I loved coming to Kingston every summer growing up to compete at CORK,” said Georgia. “The facilities are great, and the freshwater sailing conditions are even better. As a youth sailor, everything felt big and exciting, especially travelling from Nova Scotia to compete there.”
Some memories stand out more than others but not always because of what happened on the water.
“One of my favorite memories is just walking the boat park as a kid and seeing the older athletes I looked up to. I thought the 49ers looked so cool too. It made the whole thing feel possible.”
Years later, that possibility turned into reality. Georgia, sailing the 49erFX, represented Canada at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, finishing 11th overall—Canada’s best-ever Olympic performance in 49erFX.
Still, when asked about the most memorable regatta of her career, Georgia is quick to point to more than just the Games.
“Probably the Olympics. There’s just nothing quite like it—the build-up, the emotion, the intensity. But honestly, there are also many little moments from other events that have stuck with me just as much. My first youth worlds in the 420 class
was also a regatta I’ll never forget. They all add up in different ways.”
CORK continues to be an essential stepping stone for Canadian sailors.
“There’s something special about CORK’s mix of grassroots and high-level racing. You see sailors of all levels on the same water, which creates a cool sense of community,” she said. “Plus, for a lot of Canadians, it’s where you first get that taste of real competition—it’s kind of where the dream starts.”
From wide-eyed youth sailor to Olympic competitor, Georgia’s experience through CORK to the world stage embodies the pathway that continues to launch Canadian sailing talent year after year.
Follow Georgia’s Journey
Georgia Lewin-LaFrance continues to represent Canada on the international stage, with her sights set on future World Championships and Olympic campaigns. Want to follow Georgia’s sailing career? Follow her journey through these channels:
- Instagram: @lewinlafrancesailing
Paris 2024 Olympic Sailing in Marseille, France on 30 July, 2024. (Photo by World Sailing / Sander van der Borch)
- Facebook: Lewin-LaFrance Sailing
- Website: lewinlafrancesailing.com
For more on Team Canada and the next generation of sailors coming up through events like CORK, follow:
- Sail Canada: sailing.ca
- CORK/Sail Kingston Facebook: facebook.com/CORKSailKingston
- CORK/Sail Kingston Instagram: @corkkingston
The next big moment in Canadian sailing might just begin in Kingston.