Brigitte Smutny, Provincial Head Coach
Nick Name: Super-Mutti
Date of Birth: October 4

Brigitte has been the Provincial Team Coach since 1998, and has also held the position of Executive Director of Sailing for the same time period. She is German and speaks Germish, which is a hybrid of German and English. Brigitte has 5 children who are all involved in sailing. Her best result in sailing was winning the German National Youth Champs in 1973 and then the German National Champs in 1975. Brigitte says that she loves to sail because, "It's a life-long sport." Her favorite meal is carpaccio and her favorite movie is Fried Green Tomatoes. When asked to describe herself in three words, she said, "passion for sailing." Then added, "persuasive and German."

Craig Baker, Provincial Assistant Coach
Nick Name: Craigster
Date of Birth: October 9

Craig has been sailing his entire life. He grew up sailing at Falcon Lake and saw a lot of success at the racing level. Craig recently became a father when his lovely wife Darcy gave birth to their son, Cole. Hopefully Craig's awesome coaching skills will transfer to parenting, and his awesome sailing skills will transfer to Cole's sailing career.

William Richard Macdonald, 29er/Laser/Coach
Nickname: Will Tha Thrill
Birthdate: September 25, 1987

Willie has progressed over the years from being the team's comedic relief to being the team's comedic coach. He began his illustrious sailing career at the Victoria Beach Yacht Club. Willie sailed with Chris Bradley in a 29er and they enjoyed wearing costumes while racing. This may have been meant as an intimidation factor. Willie's best finish was at the 2006 Youth Champs. Willie enjoys Taco Bell so much that he listed it as both his favourite food AND movie. Willie says that sailing rocks because it's not paper or scissors, which is quite clever. The three words that he feels best describe him are "It's Your Attitude." Yes, we don't understand it either. Watch for Will Tha Thrill in the coach boat this summer!

Julia Bailey, Laser Radial
Nick Name: Jules
Date of Birth: April 9, 1990

Julia hails from Thunder Bay but sails for Manitoba in the summers. Her home yacht club is the Temple Reef Sailing Club. Her best result was a third place finish at the 2006 Youth Champs. Julia received the Susan Mezaros Trophy in 2007, which is awarded to the top 19 and under female sailor in Manitoba and was the provincial Byte champion in 2004. Julia likes to sail because she says, "You have to be physically and mentally fit." Her favorite food is rice and her favorite movie is A Walk to Remember. Three words that Julia uses to describe herself are Enthusiastic, Awesome and Outgoing.

Larissa Blumenschein, 29er
Nick Name: Idgie
Date of Birth: April 4, 1993

Larissa is coach Brigitte's youngest daughter. She is an avid hockey player and competes with the German National Women's team. Her favorite food is Ice Cream and her favorite movie is the Lion King. Larissa thinks that sailing rocks because it's a great way to spend your summer. Three words she uses to describe herself are Athletic, Witty and Caring.

Royden Brousseau, Laser
Nickname: RamRod
Date of Birth: July 24, 1986

Royden is the eldest of 4 sailors in the Brousseau Family. His sailing career began at Royal Lake of the Woods Yacht club where he learned many important lessons from the older kids on the racing team. Royden has seen much success in sailing, grabbing top spot in Optimist Canadians, the Fruitbowl, and numerous provincial championships. Royden is very philosophical about why he loves to sail. "There is no other sport in the world that demands the same from an athlete. It's both a mental and physical game. Sailing has the power to scare you and continur to excite you while competition pushes you and keeps your head in it." His favorite food is tacos, although they sometimes give him digestive problems and his favorite movies are Tommy Boy and Orange County. In three words, Royden describes himself as "Handsome, that's it."

Scott Brousseau, Laser
Nick Name: H Belly
Date of Birth: August 29, 1988

Scottie hails from the Royal Lake of the Woods Yacht Club and has been racing since he was a kid. He is now the head coach of Team Core. Scotty's favorite sailing moment this past summer was when he sailed the Hap Hazard from Royal to Northern Harbour. Scottie's favorite food is sandwiches and his favorite movie is Tommy Boy. Scottie thinks sailing rocks because, "If there was ever a massive flood, and all the boat engines died, I could still get around." In three words, Scottie describes himself as Absolutely, Incredibly, Amazing.

Paloma Corrin, Laser and Windsurfer
Nick Name: Pal
Date of Birth: April 10, 1987

Paloma is the team's resident vegetarian and eco-warrior. She calls Zig Zag Yacht Club home. In 2005, Paloma took home the silver medal in the Byte Class at the Canada Summer Games. When asked why she loves to sail, Paloma replies, "There's nothing better than the adrenaline you get from the ever changing elements. It's also very freeing to be out on the water completely dependent on your own abilities." Her favorite food is an Ethiopian Veggie Platter and her favorite movie is Rear Window. In three words, Paloma describes herself as, "Passionate, committed, enthusiastic!"

Robert Ewanchuk, Laser
Nick Name: Bobbert
Date of Birth: Oct 2, 1989

Rob grew up sailing at Gimli Yacht Club and joined the team as a shy little guy. He has since shed that reputation. Rob's most memorable sailing accomplishment was when he won a race at Youth champs. His favorite food is perogies and his favorite movie is Gone with the Wind. He says that he enjoys sailing because he likes water and in 3 words he describes himself as Really Nice Guy.

Ian Fast, 29er
Nick Name: Fasti
Date of Birth: March 31, 1992

Ian comes from a large sailing family at the Royal Lake of the Woods Yacht Club. Ian's best result was coming 3 rd at the 2006 youth champs. "The rush you get when you're out on the trap with the spin up and the wind is roaring." is what keeps Ian sailing. When asked about his favorite food, Ian said, "Definitely shrimp." His favorite movie is Finding Nemo ("It's a classic") and the three words he feels best describe him are Tall, Dark and Handsome.

Celeste Ferguson, 29er
Nick Name: Lesty
Date of Birth: April 11, 1992

Celeste is the youngest of the three Ferguson siblings on the Provincial Sailing Team. Her home Yacht Club is Zig Zag on Clear Water Bay, Ontario. In 2006, Celeste and her sister, Maddie, received the Susan Mezaros Trophy, which is awarded to the province's 19 and under female champion. Celeste loves sailing because it's, "invigorating, exciting, and a ton of fun." Like the other Fergusons, she says steak is her favorite food. Celeste loves the movie 27 Dresses and describes herself as smart, interesting, and fun.

Chris Ferguson, 29er
Nick Name: Fergie
Date of Birth: May 16, 1990

Chris is the filling in the Ferguson Family Sandwich. His first days of sailing took place at the Zig Zag Yacht Club where he is now an instructor. Chris' best result came last year when he nabbed 2 nd place at the Youth Champs. Chris enjoys sailing because it's, "both physically and mentally challenging." His favorite food is steak and his favorite movie is The Notebook because "it's so romantic, just like me." When asked to describe himself, he used these three words: Ridiculously Good Looking.

Maddie Ferguson, 29er
Nick Name: Mads
Date of Birth: March 7, 1989

Maddie is the elder stateswomen of the Ferguson family. Like her sister Celeste and brother Chris, she learned to sail at the Zig Zag Yacht Club. Maddie sails with her sister and their best result was 3 rd (first female) at the 2006 Youth Nationals. Maddie feels that sailing rocks because, "It is the most exhilarating feeling to be flying across the water." Maddie's fave foods are steak and mashed potatoes (a Ferguson family trend). Her favorite movie is Love Actually and she describes herself as quirky, nice, and responsible.

Jocelyn McClaren, 29er
Nick Name: Joss
Date of Birth: March 31, 1989

Jocelyn represents the Gimli Yacht Club, where her family has a keel boat. Jocelyn's best result was at WISC when she placed second. She also qualified in not one, but two different boat classes for the Western Canada Summer Games in 2007. Jocelyn likes to eat fruit snacks on the water, but prefers sushi when not sailing. In her own words, Jocelyn thinks sailing rocks because of, " The feeling you get on the water when your in your boat that nothing else matters except the wind. Also meeting a whole bunch of cool new people." Jocelyn's favorite movies are the Lion King and the Life Aquatic and she describes herself as Quick Witted, Outgoing and Mischievous.

Frazer McLaren, Laser
Nickname: Fraze
Date of Birth: October 29 th , 1987

Frazer grew up sailing on his family keel boat at the Gimli Yacht Club. He soon realized that single-handed sailing was the way to go and folded his then 6'4'' frame into an Opti at the age of 14. He quickly moved up to the Laser class and was the 2006 Manitoba Laser Champion. Frazer is also a very successful hockey player and was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in 2007. His favorite food is the German dish Maultashen and his favorite movie is FUBAR. Frazer loves to sail because it involves being at the lake and relaxing. Three words to describe Frazer are Big, Fun and Sweet.

Dylan McMorris, 29er
Nick Name: Big Chief Dylan
Date of Birth: April 8, 1991

Dylan sails out of the Victoria Beach Yacht Club and his sailing partner is his brother Rory. Dylan is the Team Representative and does a great job. He and brother Rory took home the Sailor of the Year trophy at the 2007 awards ceremony. When asked why sailing rocks, Dylan replied with all honesty, "I make it rock." His favorite food is McDonalds and his favorite movie is Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. When asked for three words to describe himself, he chose Absolutely and Amazing.

Rory McMorris, 29er
Nickname: Michael Buble
Date of Birth: July 30, 1989

Rory is the eldest of the 2 McMorris team sailors. Rory sails out of the Victoria Beach Yacht Club where he is also an instructor. Sailing with his brother, Dylan, Rory won a gold medal at the Western Canada Summer Games in 2007. When asked why sailing rocks, Rory explains that it's because Chuck Norris said so. Rory is a fan of the movies No Country for Old Men, Gone Baby Gone and Transformers. He enjoys eating almost anything barbequed. Rory's three words to describe himself are Fun, Loud and Happy.

Andrew Mutomaki, Laser/Lightning
Nickname: Boxcar Andy
Date of Birth: October 15, 1982

At 26 years of age, Andrew is the team's most senior member. He began his sailing career at the Thunder Bay Yacht Club and has since relocated to Winnipeg. He is the only member of the provincial team who has racing experience in the Lightning class. Andrew's best result was a 5 th place finish at the NOCoast Laser Champs in 2007. He says that he enjoys sailing because he's never known anything else. This shows Andre's true passion for the sport. Like his team mate, Royden, his favourite meal is tacos. His favorite movie is the The Life Aquatic and he describes himself as Red, Dedicated and Laid Back

Paige Nuttall, Laser Radial
Date of Birth: January 30, 1990

Paige grew up sailing at the Royal Lake of the Woods Yacht Club. Her best result came last summer when she won the Byte class at WISC. Paige loves to sail because, "It's a good way to meet new people and see new places and it keeps me busy in the summer." Paige's favorite movie is the Sound of Music and she describes herself as positive, funny and outgoing.

Gordon Parke, 49er
Nickname: Gordo/Gordie
Date of Birth: August 17, 1987

Gordie is a member of the Zig Zag Yacht Club where he is also the Head Sailing Instructor. Gordie is also a proud member of the Winnipeg Sailing Centre Moss Ball Team. He is a big fan of Smelly Markers and has even been known to steal them from other instructors at IDP clinics. Gordie's best sailing result was at CORK in 2006 where he placed 12 th in the 29er class. He attends the University of Toronto and is also a member of the collegiate sailing team. His favorite movie is Wind and his favorite food is steak, which seems to be a favorite of all Zig Zag sailors. According to Gordie, the three coolest words in the English language are Circle of Fire.

Austin Ross, Laser 4.7
Nick Name:  Austin
Date of Birth: May 20, 1994

Austin represents the Falcon Club along with his brother, Kyle.  Austin 's dedication to sailing paid dividends this past summer when he won the Laser 4.7 at Youth Nationals.  His favorite food is pizza and his favorite movie is 300.  When asked why sailing rocks, Austin replied that it's, "Because you can control your own destiny."  In three words he describes himself as Competitive, Persistent and Quiet.

Kyle Ross, Laser Radial
Nick Name: K-Ross
Date of Birth:

Kyle learned how to sail at the Falcon Yacht Club, where he started as an Opti sailor. Since joining the provincial team, his best result was a second place finish at the Western Canada Summer Games. Kyle's favorite food is pasta, he enjoys the movie Anchorman and three words he uses to describe himself are Calm, Determined and Patient. When asked why sailing rocks, Kyle replied, "Because you can always improve."

Katja Smutny, 29er
Nick Name: Futz
Date of Birth: Sept 23, 1984

Katja, is coach Brigitte's second daughter and comes by her passion for sailing honestly. The fact that she sails for the Winnipeg Sailing Center only serves to up her coolness quotient. Katja's best sailing result was when she won Youth Champs in 2002. Chris Ferguson is Katja's favorite part about sailing. She loves home-cooked german meals and the movie Crash. Three words that Katja uses to describe herself are funny, loud and unpredictable.

Tanja Smutny, Laser Radial
Nickname: Taenscha
Date of Birth: September 25, 1983

Since arriving from Germany in 1997, Tanja has made a major impact on both the provincial and national sailing scene. She recently competed in the World Radial Championships in New Zealand where she proudly represented both Canada and the Winnipeg Sailing Centre. Tanja's best result was a 5 th place finish at the 2007 NQR regatta. Her favorite food is German chocolate and the favorite movie is the Boondock Sailing. Tanja describes herself as smart, competitive and fun.

Lawrence Stewart, Windsurfer
Date of Birth: February 1, 1985

At the tender age of 23, Lawrence is one of the senior men on the sailing team. A member of the Gimli Yacht Club, Lawrence's best result came in 2004 when he won the Canadian Raceboard Championships. Lawrence is one of only two members of the Provincial team who windsurf, and when asked why he loves it, he replied, "Windsurfing rocks because it's fast, fun, and competitive." Lawrence thinks that all food is delicious, but believes that bison spare ribs are "Really good." Lawrence's favorite movies are Lord of War and Gangs of New York. He describes himself as athletic, honest, and driven.

Vanessa Stewart, 29er
Date of Birth: August 18, 1990

Vanessa sails out of the Zig Zag Yacht Club. Her best result was a bronze medal finish at the Western Canada Summer Games. Vanessa has been a part of the provincial team since 2005 and won the Most Improved Sailor Trophy at the 2007 awards ceremony. When asked why sailing rocks, Vanessa replied, "Go for a sail and you'll find out!" Her favorite food is ice cream and her favorite movie is the Lion King. Vanessa describes herself as friendly, happy, and conscientious.