Twelve-year-old Callum Douglas has qualified to represent Canada in the Optimist Class Sailboat this summer in Paraguay.

Douglas sails with Comox Bay Sailing Association and is thrilled to represent Comox and Canada on the world stage. He trains with an incredibly fun and hard-working team each week on the waters of Comox Bay and he credits his teammates and his coaches for the quality of training that has allowed him to qualify for this prestigious event.

Douglas will travel to Encarnacion Paraguay, where he will race on the Parana River against up to 300 competitors. He races in the Optimist class, a single-handed sailboat that is about eight feet long.

Douglas loves racing and sailing in big winds. He has sailed in winds gusting upwards of 42 knots. He loves the rush and looks forward to competing in a new location, even if it means dodging piranhas. He said he will do his best to avoid capsizing.

Douglas currently attends Grade 7 at Ecole Robb Road and will be headed to Mark R. Isfeld Secondary upon his return from the event which ends at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year.

Douglas is fundraising to cover the expenses of his trip to Paraguay. Visit to help him with his costs.

For more information about the Comox Bay Sailing Association, visit