Adrien Bernier Nadeau named Sail Canada 2023 Instructor of the Year presented by Checklick
by Sail Canada 19 Sep 16:35 PDT
Adrien Bernier Nadeau has been honored as Sail Canada 2023 Instructor of the Year presented by Checklick © Sail Canada
Sail Canada has announced that Adrien Bernier Nadeau from Baie-des-Chaleurs, Quebec, has been awarded the title of Sail Canada 2023 Instructor of the Year, presented by Checklick, coinciding with the National Coaches Week celebrations, an annual event concluding this Sunday.
The Sail Canada Instructor of the Year Award, presented by Checklick, is given each year to an instructor who exemplifies excellence in teaching and communication skills on the water, demonstrating respect, fairness, and equity, while fostering pride in the sport. The award recognizes those who have participated in clinics and have gone above and beyond what is expected of an instructor. Award-winning instructors are certified and registered with Sail Canada, making a significant impact and embracing the challenge of enhancing sailing standards at their respective clubs and schools. They are characterized by honesty, sincerity, and honorable relationships with sailors, as well as an eagerness to improve their teaching methods and mentor new instructors. Winners possess a high degree of self-awareness and the capacity for critical reflection on their interactions with sailors and how their viewpoints influence these exchanges.
Nominations were reviewed based on the timeframe from January 1 to December 31, 2023.
“I feel deeply honored and moved by this recognition,” said Adrien Bernier Nadeau. “This acknowledgment validates my passion, commitment, and dedication as an instructor. I take great pride in my achievements as the founder of our sailing school ‘La Belle Vie Sailing’.”
“This award serves as a reminder of the importance of sharing the love and respect for the ocean, as well as marine skills and professionalism, responsibility, and inspiration.”
“I am highly motivated to continue my endeavor to develop and promote sailing in Quebec. The support and cooperation of Sail Canada and the Quebec sailing community are essential to me. Thank you, everyone.”
From sailing instructor at 15 to entrepreneur
Adrien Bernier Nadeau began his sailing instruction journey at 15. After a break to focus on his engineering career, he made a transformative decision in 2019 to return to full-time sailing. Alongside his wife, he launched “La Belle Vie Sailing,” the first school in Quebec dedicated to liveaboard catamaran cruising and providing Sail Canada’s Catamaran Endorsement.
Since 2019, Adrien has progressed as a sailing instructor, obtaining both the “Advanced Instructor” and “Cruising Catamaran Instructor” certifications from Sail Canada. He has also participated in several national and international seminars abroad. Adrien has sailed over 40,000 nautical miles across Canada and the Caribbean.
In addition to receiving multiple awards, Adrien Bernier Nadeau has initiated various projects to promote sailing in Quebec and Canada.
According to the application form: “Beyond being a sailor and instructor, Adrien is also an entrepreneur. He established his own company and sailing school, allowing him to realize his aspirations. His entrepreneurial drive, paired with his love for sailing, has created opportunities that were previously unavailable and enabled the conception of unique projects.”
Further details regarding the Sail Canada Instructor of the Year Award can be found here.
