Ages: 7-9
Dates: 2-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.
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.
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.
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.
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 >
1. Be minimum age – 7 years as of July 1. Maximum age – 18 years as of July 1
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 (eg. Mountain Equipment Co-op, Canadian Tire).
4. Required clothing:
Dates:
2023 Program Dates Coming Soon!
Students may register for one or more weeks.
By the Wednesday of each session, students should inform the instructor of their
interest in completing the following certifications: – Sail Canada
Basic Cruising certificate
Power Vessel Operator’s Permit (Toronto Harbour License) – must be 14
years old Student will be provided with Sail Canada Basic Cruising text (all theory will have been covered in class),
on-the-water testing, and written exams.
There’s no better way to show your kids how to have fun out on the water than to sign up for our adult keelboat program! Get out on the lake and show them how it’s done.
Warning: Your kids may want to join you for family sails.
Explore our adult programs >