Throughout his career, Concord Pacific CEO Terry Hui has been best known for his skyline-defining developments across Canada. Under his leadership, Concord Pacific has played a central role in transforming large parts of Canadian cities, such as Vancouver and Toronto, into dense, master-planned communities. He has also expanded into building communities in the US and UK, as well as businesses including software development, data centres, telecoms, and renewable energy, among others.

Beyond business, Hui has committed his time, resources, and influence to competitive sailing in Canada. His involvement is rooted in personal experience, and his support has led to new opportunities for young athletes, especially women, in a sport where access has often been limited.

A Personal Connection to Sailing

Hui’s interest in supporting sailing initiatives stems from his personal participation in the sport, competing on the European sailing circuit and winning the majority of the regattas he has entered. His experiences revealed the contrasts between countries with established sailing systems and those where athletes face ongoing financial and structural challenges.

In Canada, sailing demands significant investment in equipment, coaching, and travel. Many athletes step away early due to cost. Youth and women, in particular, have faced additional barriers, with fewer high-level opportunities and limited visibility.

Recognizing Barriers in Canada

At the elite level, sailing depends heavily on private funding. National programs provide partial support, but it is often not enough on its own. For Canadian youth sailors, advancing to international competition typically depends on access to substantial external backing.

Women have faced deeper constraints. Historically, major events offered limited inclusion, which affected funding, exposure, and long-term participation for female athletes. Beyond that, women are often passed over for sailing-related employment opportunities because they compete for jobs with men who have the America’s Cup on their resumes, a competition women were not involved in until 2024.

Experiencing these conditions firsthand inspired Hui to get involved and make a change.

Supporting Canada’s First Youth and Women’s America’s Cup Effort

In 2024, the introduction of the Women’s America’s Cup in Barcelona marked a turning point for the sport. For the first time in its 173-year history, women were formally included in America’s Cup competition. It also marked the third iteration of the Youth America’s Cup, introduced in 2013.

Hui worked with the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club to support Canada’s participation in these events, and his involvement helped bring together the resources required for a national team to compete.

Participation at this level requires coordination across training, logistics, and major funding. His support helped make that effort possible for Canadian sailors.

Advancing Opportunities for Women

Hui’s role also extended into advocacy for structural change. Sponsorship access has long influenced who can compete and continue in elite sailing.

He pushed for improvements in branding policies within the America’s Cup framework, aiming to give women greater ability to attract sponsorship. These changes created more flexibility for female athletes and teams seeking financial support.

With improved access to sponsorship opportunities, sailors can benefit from better training programs, more competitive schedules, and better long-term career prospects.

Strengthening the Youth Pipeline

Youth development plays a central role in Hui’s efforts. Early exposure and consistent training are critical in sailing, where experience is built over time.

Hui’s recent support for the America’s Cup through Concord Pacific Racing has helped Canadian sailors gain international experience earlier in their careers. That exposure contributes to stronger development and raises domestic competition for young athletes, allowing them to benefit from clearer pathways and increased visibility.

A Lasting Contribution to the Sport

Alongside his work as Concord Pacific CEO, Terry Hui’s efforts in sailing have supported a historic moment for the sport, contributing to greater inclusion of youth and women and influencing sponsorship structures that help establish athlete careers.

The effects will continue to unfold through the athletes who gain access to higher levels of competition and through the systems that support them.

Hui’s legacy in sailing is defined by greater opportunity and sustained support for the next generation of sailors.

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