William
Staples

Athlete Bio

William Staples, from Beaconsfield, Quebec, started sailing at a very young age, having been born into a family of avid sailors. From family outings on their Laser 28 and Lightning to being present at regattas, sailing has been an integral part of his life. After a competitive journey that started in the Optimist class in 2011 and led him through the Laser and 29er classes, he began competing in the 49er class in 2021.

William’s ambition in sailing is clear: he strives to achieve an Olympic medal. He loves the sense of freedom he experiences on the water and the exhilaration that comes with every wave. This passion, combined with his competitive spirit, fuels his dedication to the sport.

Over the years, William’s passion and skill have only grown. One of his most cherished memories in sailing came from his first day at the 2022 49er Junior Worlds, where his team secured high rankings and basked in the beauty of Lake Como. The team’s successful execution of their plans and the confidence on the start line made this day unforgettable for William. The transition to the 49er class came naturally following a growth spurt and an unfortunate halt in the 2020 29er season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This change, however, only increased his love for the sport.

While sailing is William’s primary focus, he also invests in his future off the water. He is currently enrolled in a Social Sciences program at CEGEP à Distance, keeping a potential business career in mind for the future. Beyond sailing, he is passionate about water sports in general. Recently, he’s found a new challenge and interest in windfoiling, and when the wind is still, you might find him surfing. With a diverse set of interests and an unwavering passion for sailing, William Staples continues to make waves in the sailing community.

William Staples is competing in 49er with his brother Thomas Staples.