Sailor makes shock comeback to represent Canada at Sailing’s World Cup in Rio
Ben Flower heading for the sailing Gold Cup
Torbay raised sailing champion Baabii’o Flower has been selected to represent Team Canada at the prestigious Star Sailors League (SSL) Gold Cup in Rio de Janeiro – an event widely regarded as the football World Cup of sailing.
A South Devon sailor with an extraordinary championship pedigree is set to make an unexpected return to international competition after being called up to represent Canada on one of sailing’s biggest stages.
Baabii’o (Ben) Flower, a Nova Scotian-born sailor but growing up and training out of Torbay, has been selected as a grinder for Team Canada at the upcoming SSL Gold Cup in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The competition, which brings together national teams from around the world, is designed to be sailing’s equivalent of the FIFA World Cup, with countries competing for the ultimate international team title.
Flower brings an impressive résumé to the Canadian campaign, having won three World Championships, four European Championships and an incredible 17 national titles throughout his career.
His selection marks a particularly special moment given that he announced his retirement from competitive sailing in October 2025. However, the opportunity to represent his birth nation on the international stage once again proved too good to turn down.
“It’s a real honour to get selected to be part of Team Canada once again. I never thought I’d get the opportunity again, so this is a real special moment for me.”
The call-up comes after years of competing at the highest level of the sport. Flower narrowly missed out on Olympic selection ahead of the 2024 Games, although he gained valuable experience within the Olympic programme as a training partner.
Despite stepping away from elite competition, he has remained heavily involved in sport over the past year. Based in South Devon, he has developed his coaching career across both football and sailing, specialising in sports science, strength and conditioning.
A former South Dartmoor Community College pupil, Flower has also maintained strong links with the local sporting community. A passionate Torquay United supporter, he is a member of Torbay Triathlon Club and continues to train in the Bay.
His selection is a remarkable return to the international stage, bringing together his Canadian roots, extensive championship experience and years of elite sporting preparation.
As a grinder, Flower will play a crucial physical role within the Canadian crew, providing the power and endurance required to operate the boat’s high-performance sailing systems and help maximise its speed around the racecourse.
For Canada, the addition of a three-time world champion and multiple European and national champion brings a wealth of experience to its Gold Cup challenge.
For South Devon, it means another local sporting connection on the international stage – and an unexpected comeback story for an athlete who thought his elite sailing career had already reached its conclusion.
With the world’s sailing nations preparing to battle it out in Rio, Flower will be hoping to help Canada make its mark on what promises to be one of the sport’s biggest international showcases.