TEAM ALBERTA MEDIA RELEASES
TEAM ALBERTA’S BRIANNA BRAND LIVES AND BREATHES SAILING
Brianna Brand’s life is full of sailing, music and academic accomplishments
(Winnipeg, AB) Brianna Brand loves to set the sail and glide away on the water. The award-winning athlete, musician and high-school student impress with a complete résumé of accomplishments, both on and off the water.
The 18-year old athlete from Chestermere, Alberta has been sailing for over 10 years now at Lake Chestermere, where she not only trains, but is the lead instructor at the Calgary Yacht Club.
Still in her teenage years, Brand is qualified to coach up to CanSail 4 level sailors. Determined, she intends to pursue her coaching by completing the rest of her certifications which would allow her to coach a race team.
The biggest influence in Brand’s sailing career can be attributed to her grandfather. He served in the British Merchant Navy, and joined the sailing community in Canada when he immigrated.
Brand noted: “My grandfather did everything from working on tall ships, to racing dinghies and pleasure sailing. I started to sail because of him, and I aspire to continue the history of sailing in my family.”
Brand also credits the support and guidance of her parents as a source of motivation: “My parents have raised me to believe that any success is possible if you put enough hard work and dedication into it. I aspire to continue to implement the values of hard work, dedication, kindness and teamwork that I see in my parents every day into my own life to achieve goals and successes.”
The 2016 Alberta Provincial Champion was twice named Junior Athlete of the Year at the Calgary Yacht Club, in 2014 and 2016. At the Chestermere High School, she made the honor roll in the last four years (2014-2017).
When Brand is not exploring the open waters, she finds joy and passion in music. The classically trained singer carries her guitar on most trips to find peace in herself. “It’s easier to travel with a guitar than a piano,” laughs Brand. The award-winning athlete received the Outstanding Contribution to Musical Theatre and Outstanding Musicianship in Concert Band awards at the Chestermere High School.
Brand will be racing the 29er Crew boat at the 2017 Canada Summer Games.