I’m Mats Braaten, a 19-year-old ILCA 7 sailor from Toronto, proudly representing the Royal Canadian Yacht Club. I’ve been passionate about sailing for as long as I can remember. What started as summer lessons on Lake Ontario, Canada, has become a lifelong pursuit of excellence on the water. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of competing at both national and international levels, continually pushing myself against some of the best sailors in the world.
I’m currently pursuing my degree at St. Mary’s College of Maryland and competing with the varsity sailing team in the ILCA 7, 420, and FJ classes while continuing to train and race at the highest levels in the ILCA class. As a member of the Canadian Sailing Youth Squad and the Sail Canada Identified Athlete Program, I’m deeply committed to my development as a high-performance athlete.
This summer, I’m focused on competing at the ILCA U21 World Championships in Ireland, one of the most prestigious events for young sailors. Leading up to that, I’ll be training extensively in San Francisco and Vianna, Portugal, working with top coaches and sparring partners to refine my technique, tactics, and fitness.
Sailing at this level requires not only passion and dedication but also significant financial support. Your support means the world to me. It helps cover essential expenses like regatta fees, coaching, and travel, allowing me to chase my dreams and inspire the next generation of sailors. Every contribution makes a meaningful difference and brings me one step closer to achieving my goals on the international stage.
Thank you for being part of my journey.