Board of Directors

 Karen-Ann Xavier serves as Chair of the Able Sail Network of Canada, providing leadership and strategic direction to support accessible sailing opportunities nationwide. A passionate advocate for inclusion and accessibility, she works closely with member organizations to strengthen programs, foster collaboration, and expand participation in adaptive sailing.

 Karen-Ann is also an accomplished competitive sailor who has represented Canada internationally. Drawing on her experience in governance, community engagement, and adaptive sport, she is committed to ensuring that sailors of all abilities have the opportunity to learn, compete, and thrive on the water.

Ryan has enjoyed being on the water for over half his life and has been involved in a wide range of sailing experiences, from instruction and boat ownership to competitive racing. His connection to adaptive sailing began with Able Sail Victoria, where he has volunteered for several years and currently serves on the board of directors. While attending graduate school in Toronto, Ryan has remained active with Able Sail Victoria while also supporting adaptive sailing initiatives in Toronto. Ryan is passionate about creating opportunities for more people to experience the independence and enjoyment that sailing offers.

Paul joined Sail Able of Nova Scotia in 1995 after a skiing accident. He attended his first Mobility Cup in Vancouver in 1996. For over 25 years, Paul has been deeply involved in disabled sailing, whether participating or organizing. He raced for the Canadian Sailing Team for five Paralympic games and won three medals (Bronze 2000, Gold 2008, Bronze 2016). Paul has organized Mobility Cups and international sailing championships, and is passionate about seeing more people with disabilities discover the joy and freedom of sailing.

Amanda has been supporting Able Sail programs since 2015. Amanda learned to sail as an adult and enjoys recreational and competitive sailing. A Developmental Services Worker turned Registered Behaviour Analyst, supporting sailors of all abilities allows Amanda to intersect two of her passions. 

Eric has been involved with ASABC since 2001 where he currently serves as the program manager. He feels privileged to work with such great volunteers and staff, whose objective every summer is to provide as many experiences as possible or those of varying ages and physical abilities. 

Kat's passion for sailing has flourished since she first stepped into an Opti at sailing school over 20 years ago. Since 2011, she has had the opportunity to coach/manage several able-bodied and adapted programs in 4 provinces. Kat fell in love with the Able Sail community when she worked for AQVA (Association Québécoise de Voile Adaptée) from 2017-19 and has been a volunteer for Mobility Cup ever since. After graduating from Concordia University with a BSc in Kinesiology, Kat moved to Halifax to explore the marine community.

Grace has volunteered with Sail Able Nova Scotia since 2022 and serves on the organization's board of directors. She enjoys sailing and is passionate about making the sport more accessible to people with disabilities.