Our Team | Whistler Sailing

Meet our team

Behind every great tack and gybe is a great team - meet the faces that make it all happen!

Francois Hebert

General Manager

Francois is a seasoned outdoor educator and competitive sailor who has led Whistler Sailing Association since 2011. As General Manager and Head Coach, he has steered the organization’s growth to include 15 instructors, a fleet of 45 boats, and eight coach boats - supporting over 1,700 student days on the water each summer.

Francois began his sailing journey in Montreal, honing his skills on Lake Ontario before competing with the Quebec Sailing Team from 2000 to 2006. Among his many accomplishments, he earned a bronze medal at the 2001 Canada Summer Games, placed 22nd at the 2022 Tasar World Championships, and won the 2023 ILCA 7 US Masters National Championship.

In winter, Francois trades wind for snow as a certified CSIA Level IV Ski Instructor and CSCF Level III Coach, with over 200 days of guiding experience from Whistler Blackcomb to Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing. Whether on water or snow, Francois brings a passion for outdoor education and community-helping build and shape Whistler into a hub for both sailing and wing foiling.

Leadership Team

At the helm of Whistler Sailing is a committed leadership team charting the course for community connection, youth development, and a love of life on the water.

General Manager

Francois Hebert

A lifelong sailor with a steady hand at the helm, François keeps Whistler Sailing on course and full speed ahead.

Head Coach

James Cannon

Second in command on and off the water, our Head Coach steers the team with skill, heart, and a sharp eye for wind shifts.

Charting the message

Jill Wynott

Jill navigates the digital side of Whistler Sailing - from websites to visuals - keeping our story shipshape and sailing strong.

Coaches at the Helm

From fine-tuning techniques to chasing perfect wind, these are the legends who shape our sailors and lead the charge on the water.

Sailing Instructor

Connor Warner

Connor brings energy, expertise, and a love of the lake to every lesson - always ready with a laugh and perfect sail trim.

Sailing Instructor

Lira Ilyasova

With vibrant energy and a creative spirit, Lira keeps the team smiling and the sails flying - always ready with a joke and a splash of colour.

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Senior Sailing Instructor

Jeff Baird

Jeff provides essential leadership on and off the water, playing a key role in daily operations and ensuring every program runs smoothly and safely.

Guiding the Vision

Made up of passionate volunteers and seasoned sailors, our board helps steer Whistler Sailing through calm waters and strong gusts alike - always with heart and direction.

Commodore & President

Patrick McCurdy

As Commodore, Patrick is the steady heart behind Whistler Sailing, offering guidance, vision, and unwavering dedication to the community.

Planning & Facilities

Mick Gannon

Mick brings vision and expertise to every project, playing a key role in shaping and improving the facilities that support Whistler Sailing.

Regattas & Events

Maria Cannon

Maria is the driving force behind our most memorable events, bringing organization, energy, and a love for community to everything she does.

Treasurer & Secretary

David Stein

As Treasurer and Secretary, David keeps our finances shipshape and our records in order - the quiet anchor behind the scenes.

Memberships, Race & Adult Recruitment

David Ellis

David champions our membership, racing, and adult programs - always working to grow the fleet and welcome more sailors to the community.

Fundraising

Megan Risk

Megan plays a vital role in our fundraising efforts, helping to secure the support that keeps Whistler Sailing thriving and growing.

Director at Large

Alex Nichols

An avid wing foiler and passionate advocate for innovation on the water, Alex brought his vision to life by inspiring the creation of Whistler Sailing’s wing program.