Junior and Youth Programs

For youth aged 6+, there’s no better way to spend the summer than at the ABYC junior sailing school program! Participants in the learn-to-sail programs can spend the months of July and August having fun, learning to sail, and meeting new friends. In the more competitive Learn-To-Race stream, training runs from May through October and athletes may participate in local, regional and potentially even international regattas. Participants in both streams work towards achieving their CANSail level certifications, the national standard. The following diagram depicts the progression of the Lean to Sail and the Racing programs.

Our summer programs operate Monday through Friday, 9am to 4pm, and are split into 2, 4 or 8 week sessions according to level.
Take a look at where your sailor fits into the CANSail system!

Optimist Learn-to-Sail Program/Wet Feet

Ages: 6 – 8
Dates: 1-week sessions in Jul + Aug, Mon-Fri from 9am-4pm
This is an introduction to sailing for the young child with no previous experience. In stable, sturdy Optimist dinghies (designed specifically for beginners), sailors learn basic steering and sail control skills in a small-group environment. Off the water, instructors teach the points of sail, boat parts, and weather and safety information through games and interactive lessons. Highlights of this program include surprise theme days and excursions to the beach. This program emphasizes safety, fun, and learning, and provides ideal preparation for the CANSail 1 & 2.

Ages: 9+ up, no previous experience required
Dates: 2-week sessions in Jul + Aug, Mon-Fri from 9am-4pm
This is a basic sailing course for new sailors or those with limited sailing experience. Sailors are introduced to the sport and learn the fundamentals while sailing in RS Zests, RS Fevas, or similar. The course covers the basic elements of sailing theory (parts of the boat, points of sail) and on-water skills in safety, crewing, steering and seamanship. Sailors also learn basic physical literacy through fun activities and sailing games. As in the Optimist Program, the emphasis is on safety, fun and teaching youth sailors to confidently handle a small dinghy.
Note: Participants in this program learn the vital Sail Canada safety skill of righting a capsized sailboat, so be prepared to get wet!!

Ages: 8-14
Dates: Offered in three sessions:
1 – Spring training, May + Jun, Sundays noon – 4pm
2 – 8-week program in Jul + Aug, Mon-Fri from 9am-4pm
3 – Fall training, Sept + Oct, Sundays noon – 4pm
For young sailors interested in learning how to race, this program offers an excellent opportunity to practice in a small group with a dedicated racing coach. No previous racing experience is required however students should enjoy time on the water and have a growing interest in the sport. Students are taught in racing Optimists, the international youth racing standard. They can either sail in their own boat, as Junior Memberships are provided with summer enrolment, or in racing Optimists available for charter from the club. Throughout the year participants have the opportunity to participate in a minimum of 3 regattas at local, regional and international levels, depending on their personal objectives. Training programs are offered from May to October in spring, summer and fall sessions, which participants may opt in and out of depending on their training objectives.

Green Fleet

Beginner racers have their own dedicated coach and can focus on skill acquisition while they begin to learn about racing. They will be competing in the Green (beginner) Fleet while at regattas, where ample on-water coaching and support is provided. They have the ability to work on achieving CANSail levels during the program’s duration.

Championship Fleet

Experienced racers have the opportunity to work with a dedicated coach on advanced skills and tactics in our Championship Fleet. This program is meant for sailors who have completed their Green beginner training in an Opti Race Program and are ready to compete at the Championship Fleet level. Again, sailors will be able to work on achieving CANSail levels during the program. This program requires a minimum of 3 weekends of travel and demands a moderate commitment from both sailors and their parents, who will be asked to chaperone at regattas and/or help provide transportation to races. In addition, regatta fees and travel expenses (transportation, lodging and food) are not covered in the program fee.

ILCA, Opti, C420 and 29er Skiff Racing Teams

Prerequisite: CANSail 4 or Instructor/Coach Permission
Dates: May-Oct, spring, summer + fall sessions
The focus in CANSail 5 & 6 is on integrating higher-level boat handling skills in on-water drills and on-shore coaching sessions. Participants supply their own boats for Opti and Laser (or charter), with double handed boats supplied by ABYC. Centered on the training camp atmosphere, sailors will refine advanced sailing skills and learn racing rules, tactics, strategy and regatta preparation.
Race Team members spend the summer competing at various regattas throughout Ontario under the guidance of a Sail Canada certified Race Coach. Away from the club, Race Team members meet and compete with sailors at local, regional or international regattas. Training programs are offered from May to October in spring, summer and fall sessions, which participants may opt in and out of depending on their training objectives.
Note: This program requires 4 to 6 weekends of travel and demands a high level of commitment from both sailors and their parents, who will be asked to chaperone at regattas and/or help provide transportation to races. In addition, regatta fees and travel expenses (transportation, lodging, and food) are not covered in the program fee.

Adventure Sailing / Multi Watercraft Week

Dates:One-week sessions Jul 03 – Aug 21 , Mon-Fri 9:00 – 4:00
**NEW** This youth sailing camp is aimed at kids aged 8 to 12 and would like to be introduced to learning how to sail. This junior sailing camp gets the kids out on the water this summer where they can have some fun!! They will enjoy a variety of watercraft, including sailing dinghies, kayaks and SUPs. The instructor is a Sail Canada certified instructor and will be teaching techniques and skills found in the CANSail curriculum. Please note however, with a greater emphasis on fun on the water, this course does not earn CANSail Certification. Of course, it serves to teach new skills, improve existing techniques and for many, will be a stepping stone to taking their levels at a later date.
Participants will get to experience a variety of watercraft with a fleet that includes Wayfarers (CL16), Kayaks, RS Fevas, SUPs and C420s. Highlights include cruising to an isolated beach for a BBQ, and possibly even as far as the Islands!
The program runs as a one-week session, Mon-Fri 9:00 – 4:00. Participants should bring their own pfd. All watercrafts are provided by ABYC.
There are no refunds within 30 days of the program start date, and all refunds are subject to a 3.5% fee.

Sailing for Teens (13+)

Dates:Two-week sessions in July and August , Mon-Fri 9:00 – 4:00
**NEW** For teens that are looking to learn how to sail! Participants in this course are 13+ years of age. This piece of our junior sailing program enables the sailors to work towards earning the internationally recognized CANSail certification, levels 1 & 2. This course is offered in two-week sessions in July and August, Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sailors are introduced to the sport and learn sailing fundamentals while sailing in ABYC’s fleet of boats. These include RS Zests, RS Fevas and C420s. The course covers the basic elements of sailing theory (parts of the boat, points of sail) and on-water skills in safety, crewing, steering, and seamanship. Sailors also learn basic physical literacy through fun activities and sailing games. As with the WetFeet Program, the emphasis is on fun, safety, and teaching young sailors to confidently handle a small dinghy. This is one of the best sailing summer camps in Toronto! Note: Participants in this program learn the vital safety skill of righting a capsized sailboat, so be prepared to get wet!!
**Some exceptions to the age limit might be possible on a case-by-case basis. Please contact sailingschooldirector@abyc.ca to discuss.
There are no refunds within 30 days of the program start date, and all refunds are subject to a 3.5% fee.

Girl’s Sailing Camp

Dates:Aug 28th – Sep.1st, 9am – 4pm
**NEW** This 5-day youth sailing camp (9am-4pm) is being offered at the end of the summer during the week of Aug 28th – Sep.1st.
The camp will be kicked off with the ABYC Girl Regatta (Aug 26/27). To register for this regatta please click here. (https://theclubspot.com/regatta/PjhygJJMLR)
The girls in sailing camp will be led by National Team sailor, and Olympic hopeful, Clara Gravely. She will be joined by ABYC’s Head Instructor Katrina Bonin.

All levels of experience available from complete beginner to experienced racer (including foiling option). Please sign-up to the appropriate grouping in the registration. (Beginner, CANSail1/2, CANSail3+, Foiling)

On land, we will run a series of seminars including technical debriefs, group discussions and bonding activities. Conditioning, female health and sports and experiencing foiling with the exciting Wazps boat will be part of the sailing camp. Clara Gravely will share her experiences of her career as a national team sailor, while Coach Katrina Bonin will share her experiences as a coach with the aim of inspiring the girls to stay involved in this amazing sport as a racer or a coach.
On the water, there will be a mix of training drills to build confidence in the boat, as well as fun games and races to foster a love for sailing in a safe setting. Racing techniques and skill development will be trained by Clara and visiting coaches.
The goal of the camp is to wrap up the summer by giving our female sailors the chance to connect and share their love of sailing with other girls in the sailing community!
For more information about girls in sailing program at ABYC see https://leapsailing.com/
Program fees are non-refundable within 30 days of program start date. Any refunds are subject to a 3.5% fee.

Adult Dinghy Course

Dates:June, July and August, Tuesday and Thursday 6-9 pm,
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.

Psst Moms, Dads…

There’s no better way to show your kids how to have fun out on the water than to sign up for our adult dinghy program yourself! Get out on the same boats your kids are on and show them how it’s done.
Warning: Your kids may want to race you.
Register Now >

General Program Requirements

1. Be minimum age – 6 years at time of program.
2. Be able to swim 20 meters unaided.
3. Bring own properly fitting Department of Transportation approved life jacket. Lifejackets can be purchased at any local boating supply store or outdoor sporting goods store (e.g. Mountain Equipment Co-op, Canadian Tire).
4. Required clothing:

• closed-toe shoes (no sandals, please!)
• windproof/waterproof jacket
• sun hat, waterproof sun screen & towel
• complete change of warm clothes