Chris grew up sailing in the GTA and beyond. He was a sailing instructor in the late 80s and early 90s across Toronto in clubs like Whitby, Ashbridges Bay and Pier4. He ignited the passion for saling by coaching many who are still racing around the globe today both at local clubs and some to Olympic levels and beyond. Chris was an avid racer his whole life in the Laser, J/24, International 14, Snipe, J/105 and most recently a competitive racer in the VXOne. Chris was a valued teammate, his energy, passion and skills always made him a central figure to whatever program he was part of. Chris' daughters grew up sailing and he loved taking them to Optimist regattas and sharing his insights when the opportunities arose. If you were sailing with Chris you knew it and were much better for the experience.
Chris Johnston Legacy Initiative
The legacy fund is to promote youth in sailing and integrate youth into established sailing fleets through the development of sailing pathways and youth program integration.
Chris had a vision of supporting the next generation of youth sailors. In the year before his passing, Chris had joined the Membership Committee at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club, where he was looking forward to advancing ideas that would help introduce and integrate younger sailors into the Club’s racing fleets.
The Legacy Initiative will carry forward Chris’s vision by providing financial support, allocated equally between, the WIND Athlete Development Fund for Youth Development at RCYC and the WIND VX1 One Canada account, the boat Chris raced in and was deeply passionate about.
Through this support, the initiative will help provide young sailors with opportunities in racing and the camaraderie and competitive spirit that Chris valued so much.
Fair winds to our friend.