2022 LATE SUMMER TRAINING BLOCK

I have just completed the first of two blocks of training with the entire Canadian ILCA 7 Team and new coach in Halifax. This was a great opportunity to fold back in with the rest of my Canadian teammates. I am excited to be working with Andrew and appreciate what he brings to this group, including his growth mindset, technical knowledge, and recent racing experience. The relationship between athlete and coach is an important one, and I'm pleased to be working with someone who brings so much and has such a strong commitment to the group's success.

If you'd like to get to know Andrew you can read the interview he did with Sail Canada here.

2022 US OPEN SAILING SERIES FT. LAUDERDALE

For me, the first regatta of the calendar year has traditionally been in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Known in the past as the Ft. Lauderdale OCR (Olympic Class Regatta), this event has been recently revamped and is now one of several in a series called the US Open Sailing Series (USOSS). This year, I finished 10th in the three-day event. I finished 17th at the same event last year, so this marks an improvement, although it must be noted that there was a stronger international presence the previous year.

Unfortunately, we were only able to race on two out of the three planned days (Saturday, Sunday, Monday) as a strong front passed through on the second day, and racing had to be called off. Thankfully, no tornadoes touched down on the Atlantic coast, although we were under a warning for most of the day.

The regatta began on Saturday with light winds, and we managed to get two races off later in the day. I got called for rule 42 (pumping) on the final downwind of the first race, costing me a few places.

On Monday, there was more wind, but it was coming directly from the west, which means shifty conditions in Ft. Lauderdale. I got called again for rule 42 (pumping) in the first race, meaning I had to retire.

Although I fell short of my goal of finishing top 6, I am happy with how I battled back from this adversity, and I know that my current results do not reflect my capability.

Following this regatta, I had a couple of weeks to polish up my fitness and a short break at home before I headed to Europe to begin the lead-up to worlds in May. I am now on my way to Portugal, where my next event will be the 4th Portugal Grand Prix Round 2, starting on the 19th of February.

RESULTS

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2021 ILCA 7 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

I competed in my second European Championship in Varna, Bulgaria, from the 4th to the 9th of October a few weeks ago. After training in moderate conditions and warmish weather pre-regatta, severe fall conditions set in as the regatta kicked off, bringing colder temperatures, mostly overcast skies, and breeze. Nothing my super warm wet suit and an offshore jacket couldn’t mitigate, but the long waits compounded the adverse conditions on the water as the race committee struggled to efficiently get races going. Some days we spent 6 hours on the water for one race in 18 knots.

As for the racing, it was my first regatta with my new coach, and I am happy with several parts of my regatta. Unfortunately, I missed my goal of making the gold fleet by 7 points due to some costly mistakes made on the first day. I finished 72nd of 115. I felt like I left a lot on the table and could have finished much better, but I do have to appreciate that at my last Laser Europeans in Porto 2019 I placed 127/162.
Progress!

RESULTS

2021 CORK OLYMPIC CLASSES REGATTA & SAIL CANADA SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

CORK is back to normal after a year off!

From August 14 - 17, CORK Olympic Classes Regatta (OCR) took place with the ILCA 6 (Radials), ILCA 7 (Lasers), and Kiteboards. With the 49ers and 49erFXs competing the following week. We had four days of scheduled racing, with ten races to be sailed. Like the first day at Canadians, the first day of OCR brought a good breeze and three races, another big day fitness-wise. The following three days were lighter, and we did not get any racing in on day three because of no wind.

I didn’t have my best showing, getting penalized with multiple flags by the jury for pumping infractions, including one upwind. A career first for me! I ended up a disappointing 3rd overall.

Congratulations to Luke Ruitenberg (1st) -center and Forrest Waccholz (2nd) - right.

I flew to Europe the day after and am excited to join my new coach as I begin to prepare for the European and World Championships. I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of the volunteers at CORK for putting on a great event as usual and to Andy Roy for coaching us.

THANK YOU!

RESULTS

2020 SAIL CANADA FALL TRAINING CAMPS - COMOX, BC

Mild(er) weather and strong winds - ideal late fall training here in Comox, BC Canada!
PHOTO CREDIT: Coach Ken Dool

I'm writing to you all from Comox, British Columbia, where I'm currently training with Canadian Sailing Development Squad. With mild(er) weather and strong winds out on the Strait of Georgia, training here has been a blast. We've received excellent training so far with Sail Canada National Performance Coach Ken Dool. It's a long distance out to the Strait from our base at 19 Wing Comox’s HMCS Quadra and staying warm while sitting on the towline out has been crucial. Once out there, though, the huge waves (affectionately named “big greenies” by our coach) and good breeze have made it worth our while. These conditions are a rarity in Canada, and it's exciting to have found them in a place where we can comfortably sail into the late fall. I heard back home, there has already been a dusting of snow.

Wave practice!
PHOTO CREDIT: Coach Ken Dool

Training has been going very well, with some significant improvements coming in the waves with consistent practice. While the certainty of international racing taking place anywhere in the near future is slowly getting murkier, I look forward to testing the progress I’ve made towards my goals whenever we get to race again. My fitness is still improving nicely both on and off the water. The focus has been on sailing this past 3 weeks - with 5 days out of 7 on the water. Additionally I have been in the community centre gym here 2 days a week plus out for a bike ride another 2 days. Next week is a planned 'down' or easier week.

View fullsize

The local scenery around Comox & Courtenay is pretty stunning.
PHOTO CREDITS: photo on R taken from water - Ken Dool, otherwise my photos.

On our two days off per week, I've taken the opportunity to explore the surrounding area both by bike and on foot. I have to admit that I haven't previously spent any time on our west coast, but my first experience has been a stunning one. Not only is this a beautiful part of our country, but the community has welcomed our sailing group with open arms and has been exceedingly kind. I can't say enough how grateful I am to everyone who has helped make this possible.

Heading upwind with fellow team mate and B.C. local Fillah Karim. Wind and waves have been great - and the mountain backdrop is nothing to complain about!
PHOTO CREDIT: Coach Ken Dool

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2020 SUMMER TRAINING WITH CANADIAN SAILING TEAM

I suspect some of you may be wondering where I have been and what I've been up to over this last little bit. Rest assured, my focus on the goal has not wavered. As for many others, the pandemic has introduced much uncertainty into my plans for the immediate future, including when it will be safe to compete overseas again and where I will train when the weather gets cold. Nevertheless, I remain certain about my longterm goal to ensure a Canadian Laser qualifies for the next Olympics (at the Worlds in 2022.)

As many of you know from my last update, I shifted focus to dryland training and fitness at home this spring when competitions and travel to Europe were cancelled. Missed my update?
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At the end of June, when our team received clearance to train together, I travelled to Kingston for the first Canadian Sailing Team camp after a long period of everyone training apart. We spent a week of long sessions on the water honing our skills and practicing racing again with coach Larry Lemieux.

Sail Canada Coach Larry Lemieux.
PHOTO CREDIT: ©Sailing Energy / World Sailing - 2020 Hempel World Cup Series Miami

Sail Canada Coach Lisa Ross.

After that, we loaded up the cars and trailers and travelled out to Halifax, Nova Scotia, to train for an extended period with the new CSDS Laser coach Lisa Ross. In alignment with safety protocols, our team completed a 14-day quarantine prior to fitness testing at the Canadian Sports Centre Atlantic and starting daily on-water training on St. Margarets Bay.

Quality coaching is an essential component for continued growth and improvement in this sport and will be critical to get me to the podium. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Sail Canada Team coaches Larry and Lisa. Their depth of knowledge and experience is helping me continue to advance my skills.

Sail Canada continues to expand its role in getting our athletes back to the podium, with initiatives that include providing coaching to developing athletes with Olympic potential. With that in mind, I'd like to share an easy way for you to show your continued support for Canadian High-Performance sailing! In partnership with Helly Hansen, Sail Canada has released this great limited edition supporter's shirt. Lightweight and sweat-wicking, it's perfect for wearing while out on the water or working out. It would also make a great gift!

Click the button below to snag one (plus a tax receipt for your donation) before they are gone.

2020 ILCA STANDARD MEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Photo Credit: Jon West
www.jonwest.photography

I just returned home to a wintery Toronto, having experienced my first Senior World Championships in Melbourne, Australia. It was a great week, sailing against the best of the fleet, all at the top of their game. After 3 days of races on Port Phillip Bay, I unfortunately missed my goal and finished the qualifying series in the bronze fleet. While this was initially disappointing, it is vital to keep things in perspective. This fleet was stacked with experience and talent, including 5 Olympic medalists and every laser world championship medalist since 2013 but one. As someone who is still at the beginning of their journey in the Laser, though difficult, it was essential to shift my mindset from seeking straight results to seeking valuable experience. 

Each day brought decently strong winds from 15 to 20 knots from a similar direction. Adding to the difficulty was the lack of stability in the wind, with shifts usually only over a range of 20 degrees. Still, a mix of persistent and oscillations left strategy to be a guessing game. This event was an excellent opportunity to benchmark the strength of this fleet in an Olympic year. With the worlds acting as a selection event for many countries, most competitors were at their peak and brought their best. I had some good moments in conditions I am least comfortable in, including a few strong starts around some legends. While it's now clear I have my work cut out for me to ensure I raise my game,  I look forward to returning to the 2021 Worlds prepared to achieve stronger results next year.

A great experience overall.
Photo credit: Elle Bruce

A big thanks to all of my loyal supporters for your help getting me to Australia. I can’t stress enough how valuable this experience has been. Thanks also to my dad who took time off work to support us on the water. And of course to my mum who came and took photos.

RESULTS
ELLE BRUCE PHOTOS

2020 HEMPEL WORLD CUP MIAMI

With the medal race wrapping up just over a week ago, my second Miami World Cup came to a close. Disappointingly, I was in the coach boat watching a number of my teammates instead of in my Laser racing with them. 

After day one I was sitting in 12th place and felt I could move up to secure a spot in the medal race.
Photo Credit: Pedro Martinez/Sailing Energy

Although impressively half of the 10 competitors in the Laser medal race were Canadian, the athlete from Trinidad and Tobago beat out the Canadians to finish 4th and secured a spot at his 3rd Olympics. Sadly this leaves Canada without a place in the Laser fleet at the Tokyo 2020 games. 

Unfortunately, this turn of events will bring some changes to the team. A few athletes will likely retire, meaning that valuable training partners will disappear. While 2020 was never my goal, I had hoped to experience a Canadian Olympic trials process and was looking forward to spending a bit more time with the senior members of our team to better prepare myself for 2024. 

Checking in with Canadian Team coach Larry Lemieux.
Photo Credit: Pedro Martinez/Sailing Energy

While my results for this event could have been better, I feel confident about the training I had going into the event. I am grateful for the reminder of the importance of staying focused on the process. After the first day, I was sitting in 12th place and felt that I could move up into the medal race. Unfortunately, I put extra pressure on myself to achieve this and lost sight of the process, which is what has gotten me to strong results. Over the following days, I fell to 23rd place after some flag trouble (penalties) and poor decision making. While 23rd is a significant improvement from last year, it's essential to acknowledge that the fleet was weaker, with 40 instead of 100 boats and almost no sailors from outside of North and South America. 

Regardless, I'll move forward, grateful for the valuable lesson, and a deep motivation to ensure that our country spot at the 2024 Olympics is qualified before the final regional qualifier, so Canada isn't in this situation again.

RESULTS
VIDEO REPLAY - MEDAL RACE (Laser begins 2:40)

2019 CORK OCR / SAIL CANADA SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Getting a good start. In the center of the photo here - 215019.

I finished up the summer regatta season with a 9th place finish at CORK OCR / Sail Canada Senior Championships. I was ecstatic to be sailing back in Canada on fresh water and in reasonable temperatures. A trying 4 days saw all sorts of conditions from light to heavy winds. While I was disappointed with my finish due to my inconsistency in results I managed to have another regatta with consistently strong starts. While unsatisfied I recognize my improvement from 12th place last year and have identified more areas for improvement on my journey to the top.

I am really grateful for the support from everyone to pursue my lofty goals, especially my parents who were on the water watching and mum managed to get some great photos as always!

Keeping good company upwind. Just to leeward of me in this shot is fellow Canadian Sailing Development Squad teammate and winner of the regatta Luke Ruitenberg (214514).

Next up I’m staying in Kingston while I prepare for U21 Worlds this fall.

2019 CORK OCR RESULTS
PHOTOS

APPOINTMENT TO THE CANADIAN SAILING DEVELOPMENT SQUAD

It is with great pleasure that I share Sail Canada’s recent announcement.

“Friday, July 26th, 2019 - Kingston, ON

Sail Canada is proud to announce that Noah Collinson and Liam Bruce have been named to the 2019 Canadian Sailing Development Squad.

Liam and Noah have been identified by Sail Canada as athletes with potential for success for the 2024 Olympic Quad and their recent results at the International Kiel Regatta and the 2019 Laser North American Championships have qualified them to the Development Squad.”

— SAIL CANADA

As a member of the Canadian Sailing Development Squad I will now have access to additional coaching and training partners. Joining the national sailing team is another key step in my continuing progress towards the goal of representing Canada at the 2024 Olympics. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow Ontario Sailing teammates, my coach Chris Cowan, my parents and my loyal supporters for their help in achieving this milestone!

The 2019 Laser Under 21 Regatta in Split Croatia - October 26 - November 2nd is my next peak event. If you are considering making a contribution - know that any amount towards covering off my expenses to get to Croatia would be greatly appreciated. Click the link below to see my fundraising efforts to date.

SAIL CANADA TRAINING CAMP - OAKCLIFF SAILING CENTER

Earlier this month I was fortunate to have the opportunity to join the Sail Canada Team camp at the Oakcliff Sailing Center in Oyster Bay, New York. We spent 4 days in close quarters with dorm style living for 40 people. This was an awesome opportunity to be around more senior athletes who are years ahead of me in terms of experience. Getting an up close look at what they are doing day in, day out and their advice was invaluable. One piece that really stuck with me is that you need to put in work at the next level above where you currently are, not where you are now. At this camp we spent 3 days sailing and had a fitness test. I was disappointed with my scores in comparison to my previous tests but did finally break the 7 min mark on the 2k row test. I set a personal best of 6:59 but I know there is still significant room for improvement.

Lots of support from the team!
Photo credit: Ken Dool

I will be continuing to increase my training load and focusing on my fitness in the lead up to my important winter events in Florida this January. In the meantime I am currently in Clearwater, Florida for a short training camp and then on to St. Petersburg, Florida to compete in the District 13 Laser Championships December 1-2.  

Results for D13’s should be available here once racing starts.