WORLD CUP ATHENA TEAM MEMBERS
Main Trim/Tactics: Sean Wylie, Age 25
Sean began sailing in 2014 and after two years of learning the ropes, started his racing career on the 2016 EYC Laser Race Team. It was that same year when Sean was first introduced to keelboat racing on the C&C 27mkV Still Knot Working. In 2017 he began working as a coach for the EYC Junior Sail Program helping younger sailors develop a passion for the sport while furthering his own. During this time Sean actively raced on several keelboats in a variety of inshore and offshore events. In 2019 he skippered Still Knot Working to a podium finish in the Susan Hood and a win in the LO 300. This success in offshore racing continued, winning the Susan Hood and two LOSHRS 100 mile races in the following years. Inshore racing remained a large part of Sean’s sailing and he found success as a trimmer on a variety of boats. Including in the 8mR fleet he has been a valued main trimmer helping bring race wins and consistent results aboard Aluette, Yquem, and Gefion.
Runners/Pit/Tailing Main: Thea Cheeseman, Age 21
At the age of 12, Thea started Sailing in the Etobicoke Yacht Club Junior Sail Program. Beginning in the R.S. Feva, she quickly progressed to C420s and then to the ILCA race team. While racing ILCAs competitively, Thea expanded her career into keelboat racing by sailing on a J122 named Hooligan. Thea has an extensive racing resume, including representing Canada in the San Diego Winter Women’s Invitational Regatta, competing in 8mr events, and participating in weekly keelboat races. Additionally, she was a key member of her collegiate sailing team, securing top 5 finishes at both the 2022 Team Racing Nationals and 2023 Match Racing Nationals. Most recently Thea had the opportunity to represent Canada at the 56th EDHEC cup in Les Sables D’Olonne, France where she was able to put her mast and tactics skills to the test helping bring home a second-place finish.
Trim: Andrzej Sienkiewicz, Age 24
Andrzej started sailing at the age of 11 at the Etobicoke Yacht Club junior sail program where he was taught how to sail in Optis, RS Fevas, and then 420s. Eventually his passion for the sport and competitive spirit drew him to the laser radial class where he spent 2 years racing on the Lake Ontario circuit, during which he had multiple podium finishes. After graduating from the learn to sail program, he went on to coach the laser race team for the 2018 season.
Andrzej was introduced to the world of keelboat racing during his teenage years through crewing on Still Knot Working (C&C27), on which he learnt all the positions of the boat, from helm to bow. He refined his skills further and began participating in distance racing while crewing on Bill Morland’s Rum Kist Racing (Beneteau 10R). Andrzej was introduced to 8 Meter sailing through Steve Reid as a member of his crew on Alluette where he fell in love with the physical nature of the boats and the competing fleet - nothing comes easy when racing an 8.
Offside Trim: Taylor Knoll, Age 20
Taylor's first time ever sailing was when he was 6 months old on his father's Nonsuch. When he was 6 years old, he began sailing school in Optis and progressed through the levels and then began racing when he was 10. After his podium finish at the RCYC open, his love for racing began. Taylor continued racing for 8 years in Optis, R.S Fevas and C420s before moving on to ILCA’s. He began keelboat racing at the age of 12 and has since competed in countless inshore and local regattas. Taylor has sailed on a variety of boats ranging from a C&C27 to a J120. At the age of 17, he began to skipper his own crew and shortly after, started his offshore racing career. Taylor’s accomplishments include winning his division in the Susan Hood Trophy Race, as the youngest skipper to ever win at 18 years and 203 days, winning division and course in the LO 300, winning the LOSHRS 100mile race, and many podiums across the LOOR events throughout the years. He now serves as Lead Offside Trim on Gefion in the Modern 8 Metre fleet and plans to continue racing in as many offshore events as his schedule allows.
Mast: Sebastian Nagy, Age 21
At the age of seven, Sebastian was introduced to the exhilarating world of sailing by his father, a former racer. From his early days at EYC summer camp to navigating through Opti racing, 420s, ILCAs, and keelboats, his passion for the sport continued to grow. Sebastian's love for sailing stems from the unique experience it offers, connecting him with the physical environment. Moreover, the camaraderie fostered among young sailors aboard the boats further deepens his attachment to the sport. It was during a weeknight club racing event that Sebastian was taken under the wing of Steve Reid, a mentor at the yacht club, igniting his enduring fascination with keelboats. His journey in sailing has been marked by a continuous expansion of his racing prowess, venturing into big boats and offshore competitions including winning divisions in both the Susan Hood and Lake Ontario 300. Today, he serves as lead mast in the Modern 8 Metre fleet on Sarissa Racing Team, additionally serving as lead bowman on a C&C 27 “Still Knot Working” and continues to race his own boat “Sennel”.
Skipper/Team Manager: Andrew Kanarek, Age 23
A seasoned keelboat sailor with significant racing and coaching credentials. He started by racing laser radials and c420s out of Etobicoke Yacht Club's Junior Sail Program. After competing at various dinghy regattas and going on to win the Ontario Sailing Grand Prix Series - he then had his sights set on coaching. After completing the CANSail 1-6 programs and advanced instructor clinics, gaining expertise in advanced sailing techniques and race preparation he then started coaching a laser team for several years. He got started sailing the 8Ms at LYRA 2019 but unfortunately an unrelated leg injury caused him to have to sit out the following season. As a lead bowman for the Alluette Racing Team (8-metre modern) in 2021 their team saw much success on the LORC circuit and numerous local regattas. Andrew served as the primary helmsman for the Occam’s Razor Race Team throughout the winter in BC on a Farr 40 ILC, competing in events like the Southern Straits and Fraser Lightship races. His role as tactician and primary helmsman on the C&C27 mkV Still Knot Working team earned multiple first-place finishes in regattas and the Lake Ontario 300. Additionally, he has raced as a lead bowman on the Beneteau 10R Rum Kist Racing team where he completed the Susan Hood Trophy Race four times. Most notably, Andrew was the skipper and helmsman for the CICSA National Team, securing second place at the prestigious 2024 EDHEC Cup. Andrew’s keelboat racing prowess is complemented by his coaching experience, developing high-performance athletes and fostering a passion for sailing.
Bow: Timothy Morland, Age 24
Tim began his sailing journey at EYC’s summer camp at age 7. Over the following 17 years he learned the basics, then joined EYCs high performance race team, competing in the Optimist, RS Feva, 420, and Laser classes, and representing Canada at RS Feva worlds (Thanks Dad!). After aging out of the Lake Ontario dingy circuit, Tim became EYCs Opti Race coach and joined Steve Reid’s crew on Still Knot Working (SKW) The new SKW crew composed of EYCs coaches quickly began to dominate the C&C 27 fleet, so when the opportunity arose to compete in the 8mR fleet they made the switch immediately. Tim took up the position of bowman and fell in love with the hectic job of managing the narrow 8mR foredeck.