Queen’s University Student Training for European Regattas, Place on Olympic Team

Published on: 2020/07/07 - in News

Queen’s University student James Juhasz has officially started his high-intensity training program with fellow sailor Vishnu Saravanan in Malta this week, preparing for upcoming competitions at the Kiel Week Regatta (Sept. 5 to 13) and European Championships (Athens Greece, Oct. 9th to 16th).

Juhasz boarded his flight to Malta on Friday following a decision to defer graduation at Queen’s until 2023 to allow for singular focus on sailing. The Oakville native, who is studying History at Queen’s, chose the Kingston university in part because the city is considered a “sailing haven” that is home to the national team during the summer.

“Juggling between school and sailing was manageable up to a certain point,” he explained. “And that point is now well behind me. I could not be happier with this choice. I know it is the right thing for me at this point in my career.”

Run by SailCoach, the Maltese training program is considered one of the leading private programs for sailors in the laser class. Juhasz sailing partner Vishnu Saravanan has trained there since 2018 and has since achieved podium finishes at the U21 World and European Championships in 2019.

James Juhasz trains with fellow athletes including Vishnu Saravanan at the Maltese training program run by SailCoach at Royal Malta Yacht Club

“I’ve watched Vishnu’s career closely and admire him for his dedication pursuit of excellence” said Juhasz. “He is passionate about sailing and has made a similar commitment to the sport. When I met him in 2019, and learned of his training in Malta, alone, I knew an opportunity existed and I jumped on it. I’m happy he reacted well to my offer to become his training partner and by the Royal Malta Yacht Club’s decision to welcome me as well.”

Both September’s Kiel Week Regatta and the European Championships in October were rescheduled from their earlier dates due to the pandemic and will be important eventsin helping to security a permanent spot on the Canadian Olympic Team and competing in the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Learn more about James Juhasz at his website and by following him on Instagram


Photos (submitted): James Juhasz