New Pacific Coast Champion
BRAXTON REIMER CROWNED 2026 PACIFIC COAST CHAMPION AT HARRISON LAKE
HARRISON LAKE, BC – August 2026 — Against the stunning backdrop of British Columbia’s Harrison Lake, Braxton Reimer delivered a dominant performance to claim the title of 2026 Pacific Coast Champion in the WASZP Class, edging out last year’s national champion, Grace Poole, in a thrilling three-day regatta.
The picturesque venue, famed for its steady thermals and flat-water conditions, provided the perfect stage for high-speed foiling action as sailors from across British Columbia converged for one of the year’s most anticipated events. With a consistent breeze ranging from 10 to 25 knots, the competition tested every sailor’s skill, endurance, and strategic decision-making.
A Rising Star from Vancouver
Hailing from Vancouver’s Hollyburn Sailing Club, Reimer has quickly made a name for himself in the foiling scene. Remarkably, he only began sailing the WASZP 18 months ago, learning through the winter months on English Bay, a challenge he credits with sharpening his boat-handling skills.
“I learned to foil all throughout the winter in Canada,” Reimer said with a laugh. “It was pretty chilly with a lot of crashing but the frigid water taught me to stay upright because the consequence of flipping was pretty high at that point.”
When asked about his success in Harrison, Reimer was clear about his methodical approach:
“If you can get around the course doing clean tacks and gybes, and not having big spills, you’re already going to be in the top half of the fleet. Less mistakes, that’s the name of the game.”
His disciplined strategy paid off, with Reimer steadily building a points lead through consistent finishes across all three days.
Grace Poole and the Next Generation
Defending champion Grace Poole, sailing out of Victoria, pushed Reimer throughout the weekend, finishing second overall in a strong performance that underscored the growing depth of talent in the Pacific Northwest foiling community.
Reimer acknowledged the rivalry with respect:
“We didn’t really know how we stacked up against each other until we got to Harrison this year. Grace is in the same situation as me, training hard, mostly alone so lining up in real conditions was awesome.”
Both sailors represent the new wave of Canadian WASZP athletes balancing studies, work, and travel logistics while competing at the highest level. Their rivalry promises to deliver even more excitement as the season progresses toward marquee events like the 2026 WASZP Games in Pensacola, Florida.
Harrison Lake: A Foiling Paradise
Regatta veterans and newcomers alike praised Harrison Lake for its reliable thermals, calm waters, and stunning scenery.
“Harrison is hands down the best sailing venue I’ve ever been to,” Reimer said. “You get champagne conditions with thermal winds, flat water, 15 to 20 knots and the race committee is super laid-back and adapts the course to what works best for foiling. It’s perfect.”
The venue’s relaxed atmosphere with half the fleet camping along the lakeshore and others staying in nearby hotels fostered camaraderie and a festival-like spirit off the water.
Looking Ahead: Pensacola and Beyond
With his Pacific Coast Championship win, Reimer has set his sights on the 2026 WASZP Games in Pensacola, where he’ll face the best WASZP-ers on the planet.
“I’m super excited,” he said. “It’s the perfect event for me and the other sailors from BC. We’ve got a growing fleet at home, and Pensacola is the next big step.”
The victory marks a major milestone for Reimer and signals the continued rise of foiling in Canada’s west coast sailing scene.