Old Keelboat Programs

Welcoming all adults of all sailing levels! Courses are open to members and non-members of ABYC.

Select courses have online registration forms that youll find below in the course info. For all
other questions regarding course registration, call 416-698-4498 ext 221, or email lead_instructor@abyc.ca

 

ABYC Courses 2023

https://www.sailing.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Start-Keelboat-Sailing-27-February-2021-1.pdf To be able to sail safely as the crew of a sloop-rigged keelboat 6 to 12 meters with an outboard or inboard motor in 5 – 20 knots (not gusting over 25 knots) of wind by day. This Standard is ideal for individuals with limited on-water experience. The focus is on the initial development of practical skills while participating in the operation of a keelboat.

For full details check the KEELBOAT SAILING STANDARD


To be able to cruise safely in familiar waters as both skipper and crew of a sloop-rigged keelboat of 6 to 10 meters with an outboard or inboard motor in moderate wind and sea conditions by day. The focus of this standard is on the development of basic sailing and seamanship skills as well as the knowledge needed to make the decisions expected of a skipper. For full details check the Basic Cruising Standard To be able to cruise safely in familiar waters as both skipper and crew of a sloop-rigged keelboat of 6 to 10 meters with an outboard or inboard motor in moderate wind and sea conditions by day. The focus of this standard is on the development of basic sailing and seamanship skills as well as the knowledge needed to make the decisions expected of a skipper. For full details check the Basic Cruising Standard
There are many Weekday, Weeknight and Weekend Programs on offer. For a full list of dates and times go to Schedule and Registration


This is the first entry level in the Sail Canada Cruising Instructor Program. At the course, you will receive training and coaching on how to teach, plan lessons, and evaluate students. You will be evaluated on your practical boating and sailing skills on-water and dockside and theory knowledge through working papers as well as proctored examinations. Candidates should be current in their sailing skills and knowledge prior to entry into this clinic. Candidates who successfully complete this course will be able to teach and certify the Introduction to Boating and Start Keelboat Sailing standards. For full details check the Syllabus Details


This is the second entry level in the Sail Canada Cruising Instructor Program. Successful candidates are able to teach and certify the Introduction to Boating, Start Keelboat Sailing and Basic Cruising Standards as well as PCOC (Pleasure Craft Operator Card). At the course, you will receive intensive training in how to teach, plan lessons, and evaluate students. You will be evaluated on your practical boating and sailing skills on-water and dockside and theory knowledge through working papers as well as proctored examinations. Candidates should be current in their sailing skills and knowledge prior to entry into this clinic. The sailing evaluation demands above average basic sailing skills and there is no time during the clinic for remedial work. Working papers that should be completed prior to the clinic cover topics including, local knowledge, safety equipment and regulations, Sail Canada practices, operation and maintenance of inboard and outboard engines, the marine head, and crew overboard procedures. Proctored examinations include Rules and Buoyage, Basic Cruising and PCOC. For full details check the Syllabus Details


This is an introduction to how to rig the boat. You will rig both main and jib and an asymmetric spinnaker in the roles of main trimmer, pit and foredeck. For full certification, Modules 2, 3 and 4 must be complete. Module 1 can be demonstrated in Module 2. For full details check the Syllabus Details


Now that you know how to rig the boat, it is time to learn the ins and outs of the race course. In module 2 you will learn the windward leeward course setup, experience sail handling around the race course and the setup of the start line, race committee boat and start and finish flags and signals. Module 2 runs over 2 training sessions. The first session you will take a trip around the race course without any other boats. The start will be timed and then you will work the boat through the manoeuvres of getting around the course. Day 2 takes you around the course again but with the racers in a full hands on capacity. For full certification, Modules 2, 3 and 4 must be complete. Module 1 can be demonstrated in Module 2. For full details check the Syllabus Details


You have rigged the boat, been around the race course a few times and now you want to learn a little about how the rules work. Module 3 includes 3 training sessions. The first session is in the classroom learning the fundamental rules from the Racing Rules of Sailing, how to hail and how to exonerate. Day 2 and 3 sees you out on the racecourse again putting the rules in play and engaging with the other competitors. For full certification, Modules 2, 3 and 4 must be complete. Module 1 can be demonstrated in Module 2. For full details check the Syllabus Details


This is the final module in the Intro To Race program. To gain full certification, modules 2, 3 and 4 must be completed. Module 1 can be demonstrated in module 2. Module 4 is the written test night. To achieve certification the test must be written to a success of 70%. For full details check the Syllabus Details


Time to ramp up your sailing game to include an asymmetric spinnaker. Cruising or racing now sees a lot of fun with an asymmetric spinnaker. This two day course will take you through rigging, hoisting and dousing, gybing and trimming an asymmetric spinnaker. This course does not have a written test. The course is taught on an L30 race boat. For full details check the Syllabus Details


Offshore racing spans lakes and oceans. Its not your average day out on the water. Anytime you are running the boat for several days you are Offshore and its a whole new world of challenge. You are going to be at sea for days either solo or fully crewed. Diane’s unique Offshore Racing Program connects with students on three levels. All three levels of training are delivered by Diane. To register for this course you must first be confirmed to attend. Please contact lead_instructor@abyc.ca for confirmation to register.


Planning to go across the lake? Want to do some overnight sailing? Take the next level in learning with Sail Canada’s Intermediate Cruising Course. Intermediate Cruising Theory is filled with learnings about the systems onboard the typical 35’ cruising boat, sail trim components and even a little bit about engines and passage planning. We divide Sail Canada’s Intermediate Cruising into two components. The theory component here is carried out in a zoom classroom environment. Then in the summer if you want to achieve full certification you will spend 5 days onboard our CS33 to complete the on water component of your training. For full details and on water pre requisites, check the Syllabus Details .


Sail Canada’s Intermediate Cruising is the next step up from Basic Cruising.
It is designed for those who are either:
  • moving into boat ownership
  • wanting to bareboat charter
  • wanting to learn more about the systems on boats
  • wanting to learn how to do a cruise of more than a few hours and various ways to handle the boat at a whole new level
Pre Requisites You must have the following pre requisites to register. Some certifications may be in progress :
  • Basic Cruising
  • Basic Navigation
  • ROC(DSC)M
  • 2 years experience skippering boats or 10-15 daytime voyages of greater than 10 Miles


Basic Navigation is an essential component of sailing. Whether it is getting out of the harbour or getting across the lake, we all need to know how to plan and execute the navigation aspect of the trip. Thinking of taking Intermediate Cruising? This course is a prerequisite.


This Sail Canada course is offered in two modules. Module 1 focuses on the fundamental skills. Looking to learn a little about Celestial Navigation as a special interest course? Then this is for you.
For full details check the Syllabus Details


Module 2 of the Celestial Navigation Course will focus on achieving full certification with a written test on the last day. To achieve accreditation, you will need to successfully pass the test and present your Sail Canada Intermediate Navigation accreditation.
For full details check the Syllabus Details


This course will help you plan for and execute a passage that may involve a long distance or overnight scenario to a known or unknown destination – in order to gain comfort and confidence to go cruising in safety with proper preparedness. The course will simulate a sample passage in the Southern Gulf Islands, as it will expose sailors to a greater range of required preparations, planning, navigation, hazards and execution in waters that have significant tides and currents. Some topics that will be covered are provisioning, sail plan, weather check, engine check, proper documents, crew briefings/preparations, crew overboard, emergency preparations, destination planning, navigation planning, passage making.


Looking to improve your communications skills on the radio? Everyone who operates a keelboat should have their Operators Certificate. The Maritime Radio course teaches emergency radio procedures, and everyday operating techniques. Learn all about the uses of marine radios, choice of frequencies, operation, phonetic alphabet, procedural words and phrases, as well as Digital Selective Calling and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, (DSC/GMDSS). NOTE: Students should pick up their textbook at the ABYC office before the first class. For full details check the Syllabus Details


Looking to improve your communications skills on the radio? Everyone who operates a keelboat should have their Operators Certificate. The Maritime Radio course teaches emergency radio procedures, and everyday operating techniques. Learn all about the uses of marine radios, choice of frequencies, operation, phonetic alphabet, procedural words and phrases, as well as Digital Selective Calling and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, (DSC/GMDSS). NOTE: Students should pick up their textbook at the ABYC office before the first class. For full details check the Syllabus Details


Looking to improve your communications skills on the radio? Everyone who operates a keelboat should have their Operators Certificate. The Maritime Radio course teaches emergency radio procedures, and everyday operating techniques. Learn all about the uses of marine radios, choice of frequencies, operation, phonetic alphabet, procedural words and phrases, as well as Digital Selective Calling and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, (DSC/GMDSS). NOTE: Students should pick up their textbook at the ABYC office before the first class. For full details check the Syllabus Details


Designed for those who have completed or are in the process of completing the Basic Cruising course. Students often feel that they just need a bit more time on the water to review and practice what they have earned. This extra time on the water allows participants to go for a sail with an instructor on board, wherever the winds may take them!


Have you ever wanted to learn to sail a small dinghy? This could be your chance! Using our fleet of RS Zests and RS Fevas, you can opt to sail single- handed or double handed with a friend or partner. Learning to sail is a fun way to get out onto the water and enjoy our beautiful bay at ABYC. This course is taught by accredited Sail Canada Junior Sailing School Instructors who have had extensive experience in all levels of sailing experience. These friendly, experienced instructors and race coaches will introduce you to sailing a dinghy or help you improve your sailing techniques. This CanSail level course to learning how to sail is run over a three week time period with classes on Tuesday and Thursday 6-9 pm. This course is being offered June, July and August. No previous sailing experience is required.


ABYC is a Sail Canada and Transport Canada certified recreational boating school.

Youth Learn to Sail Optimist Racing Toronto

Psst Moms, Dads...

Have kids that would enjoy getting out on the water, learning new skills, and making new friends? Check out our range of dinghy and keelboat junior and youth programs. Learn more