FAQ

Each session is two weeks long, Monday to Friday, 9 am-4 pm. There will be staff present from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm but we don’t have a formal “before camp” morning program.

Can Sail 1-2 $595 per two-week session

Can Sail 3-4 $595 per two-week session

Can Sail 5-6 $1190 per four-week session (regatta fees not included)

Adult Sailing Program $450

Race Team Pre-Season $300 (8 sessions)

There are four two-week sessions over the season; two in July, and two in August.

The minimum age for sailing school requires the sailor to be turning 8 years old in the current calendar year. We have students up to 17 years old.

No sailing experience is required for the sailing program, however, comfort around the water and maturity is encouraged.

Our beginner levels sail Club 420s. They are a 4.2m sailboat with two sails (with a spinnaker option) and fit 3-4 sailors.

Our “Wet Feet” program uses Optimist sailing dinghies.

Each day starts at 9 am beginning with games and a classroom lesson. Boats are rigged and the students are briefed for their on-water activities. Sailors are usually on the water from 10:15 am until 11:45 am. Lunch is held between 12-1 pm and often involves a supervised trip to the park for a swim. Sailing school resumes at 1 pm with a classroom lesson. Students are again on water from 1:45-3:30. The day ends at 4 pm, once all equipment is put away.

Lifejacket, closed-toed shoes, bathing suit, hat, sunscreen, towel, change of clothes, appropriate clothing for the weather (rain jacket and rain pants, sweatshirt), lunch, lock... avoid valuables, please!

A lifejacket should fit the child according to weight and chest measurements. It should be in good condition (no mold, tares, broken buckles, or zippers), and should be a bright color. It should be a lifejacket your child wants to wear as they will be in it for several hours every day.

We have individual lockers for the students to use. Please bring a lock for the locker as the Club is not responsible for the loss of stolen items.

Typical water times vary depending on the child’s level. A normal day on water includes ~1.5 hours in the morning and ~2+ in the afternoon (between 3-4 hours per day).

Wet Feet Program:  a fun introduction to sailing for young sailors aged 6 to 9.  Sailors learn parts of the boat, balance, safety, how to work the tiller, and begin to sail in a more controlled environment in front of our club. This has become a very popular addition to our programming at the Brockville Yacht Club Sailing School. Our Wet Feet instructors have specific training working with our younger athletes.

CanSail 1, 2 Basic sailing skills. Students learn water safety, the parts of the boat, how to rig and de-rig a boat, sailing terminology, basic crewing skills, basic helming skills, wind and weather patterns, local hazards, and capsize recovery.

CanSail 3 and 4 Advanced sailing skills. Students will learn advanced helming skills, will sail in conditions up to 14 knots, advanced wind, and weather patterns, trapeze, the physics behind sailing (CE/CLR, slot, draft, sail controls), rudderless sailing, backward sailing, and will incorporate a third sail (spinnaker).

CanSail 5 and 6 Students in the program will learn different types of racecourses, starting signals, and race tactics, and will practice racing and advanced boat handling in conditions up to 18 knots. Students in this program compete in out-of-town regattas and have the option of racing their own personal boat.

Skill- Students must demonstrate a series of skills consistently and comfortably according to Sail Canada Standards to achieve a level. If you have no experience, you will enter the CanSail 1 level.

Even if a student has completed the level, they always have the option to return to the program. Students who do not feel comfortable moving up (to the CanSail 3, 4, or CanSail 5, 6 Programs) can remain at their current level and will learn new skills.

It is important to note that levels are not given out for session completion but for skill completion. CanSail levels are awarded when a student shows all the skills for that level

Your child will learn the CanSail curriculum for the specific level as well as important life skills like communication, leadership, teamwork, and water safety. Please refer to the FAQ regarding CanSail levels for the breakdown of the curriculum.

Written tests are given every session to determine the sailor’s knowledge and see how much they have learned. The tests are based on the CanSail Curriculum taught throughout the session. The CanSail handbooks are a great learning tool to supplement our daily lessons. Students’ knowledge is tested in a variety of ways throughout the session; the written test is only one component.

No. Students are expected to bring their own lunch or a note to leave the property to buy lunch. Lunch service is available from the BYC Bar with sandwiches and salads at an additional cost. Orders must be placed by 10 am on the day of.

If the student wants to participate in BBQ Day, please bring $5. For $5, the student can choose from a hotdog or hamburger and a number of different drinks at lunch. BBQ day happens once per 2-week session on the first Wednesday.

Please make the instructors aware of the specific allergy, and any first aid which should be administered, and provide an EpiPen for the instructors to carry if it may be necessary.

We will sail even on rainy days, so please provide your child with appropriate weather gear (waterproof jacket, change of clothes, sweatshirt). However, if there is lightning, we will not sail. In the event of inclement weather such as a thunderstorm, we will arrange indoor activities for the students.

Lifejackets are worn at all times when the students are in the sail or powerboats; therefore, the student should feel comfortable swimming in a lifejacket. For swimming activities at the park and the club, lifejackets are not necessary. Please speak to an instructor if you have concerns over a student’s swimming ability.

Occurs on the last Friday of the last session. It is a semi-formal affair where the accomplishments of the students are recognized. Students are given certificates for levels they have achieved, and trophies are awarded for outstanding performances. There is a dance to follow after the awards which is always a blast! Attendance is encouraged!

Yes! Sailing School is a great way to meet friends and we provide a positive and welcoming environment.

Our sailing school is taught by a group of Sail Canada Certified Sailing Instructors. They have been specifically trained to coach land lessons and water sessions and handle emergency situations. All of our instructors are trained in first aid and boat rescue and have a number of years of experience within our program and in a variety of sailing settings. They have a wealth of knowledge to share with the students.

Online Forms are available on our website (click here). Forms can also be picked up at the BYC Main Office and in the Sailing School Office after June 1st.

As early as possible as spaces do fill up quickly. To ensure your best selection of sessions, please return the form and payment by June 1st.