Introductory Program designed for young sailors aged 7-8 years old. The WetFeet program gently introduces our youngest sailors to the culture of sailing while staying close to shore and having hands on training by a certified coach.

CANSail 1 & 2 introduces fundamental sailing skills. As the first step in learning to sail a small boat, you’ll learn about the different parts of the boat, and learn some basics sailing skills - like tiller steering and proper body position. Level 2 typically require at least two or more weeks of sailing per level to allow sailors time to learn and demonstrate the skills required.

Cansail 3 & 4 build upon the fundamental sailing skills learned in Cansail 2 while introducing more advanced sailing techniques. The courses emphasize boat speed, maneuver efficiency and technical accuracy. Sailors generally require at least 4 weeks of training to demonstrate and complete the skill set.

Students must have completed CANSail 2 before enrolling in CANSail 3

CANSail 5 & 6/Racing Skills – The program emphasizes race tactics and strategy, spinnaker and trapeze skills along with teamwork and responsibility. Sailors generally require CANSail 4, but can be admitted with special approval. Sailors charter a BYC 420 and use that sailboat exclusively. They are responsible for the craft and equipment as if they own it. Sailors are required to compete in several weekend regattas to complete their level. Spring training starts early May and occurs once or twice a week after school and full days on weekends. Summer session are 40hrs per week once school is out. Parents are required to supervise at regattas as well as provide transportation to regattas. A sponsorship program is in place to help with some regatta costs and team uniforms. . The final regatta is CORK in Kingston August 2025. (300 hours training – 60hrs spring & 240hrs summer)

CANSail 1 thru 4 introduces fundamental sailing skills. As the first step in learning to sail a small boat, you’ll learn about the different parts of the boat, and learn some basics sailing skills – like tiller steering and proper body position.

The Learn to Sail program is an excellent opportunity to introduce the older folks to the exciting world of sailing. The adult learn to sail program is a “low pressure” approach to sailing that combines classroom sessions with on the water time with dinghies. This is an excellent introduction to the sport of sailing as it provides the fundamentals of boat handling and sails trim in a fun and easy to learn atmosphere.

Registration Deadline: April 6, 2025

This is a TWO WEEKEND program May 9-11 AND May 23-25

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 more information, please review the Basic Cruising Instructor standard posted on the Sail Canada website.

Prerequisites/Certification Requirements:

• 18 years of age or over;
• Basic Cruising Standard or equivalent;
• Intermediate Cruising Standard Ashore Knowledge Exam;
• Basic Coastal Navigation Standard;
• 2 or more years keelboat sailing experience with significant keelboat sailing experience as skipper;
• Current Standard First Aid Certification;
• Current CPR Certificate;
• Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC);
• VHF ROC(M) with DSC endorsement
• Complete Safe Sport Training (https://ontariosailing.ca/member-services/safe-sport/);
• Submit a police background check to Sail Canada (https://pages.sterlingbackcheck.ca/landing-pages/s/sail-canada/).

Admiral, Commodore, Capitan, Skipper, Monday Nights Levels

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.

Prerequisites /Certification Requirements:

• Be age 18 or older;
• Have the Sail Canada Basic Cruising Standard or be able to demonstrate an equivalent level of sailing skill on a keelboat up to 12 metres in length;
• Have 2 or more years sailing experience with significant keelboat sailing experience as skipper;
• Have Red Cross or St. John Ambulance Standard First Aid Certificate or nationally recognized equivalent and a current nationally recognized certificate in CPR level A or higher;
• Have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC);
• Have a VHF Restricted Operators Certificate (Maritime) with DSC endorsement;
• Complete Safe Sport Training (https://ontariosailing.ca/member-services/safe-sport/);
• Submit a police background check to Sail Canada (https://pages.sterlingbackcheck.ca/landing-pages/s/sail-canada/);
• Demonstrate characteristics and motivations worthy of being a Sail Canada LTC/P Instructor;
• Demonstrate a willingness to support the goals of the Sail Canada LTC/P program.
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It is important that candidates be current in their sailing skills and knowledge prior to entry into instructor clinics. The sailing evaluation demands above average basic sailing skills and there is no time during the clinic for remedial work.

Candidates holding completed and current CANSail level 1/2 Dinghy instructor certification with more than 3 years teaching experience at that level may be considered for this clinic. Contact Sail Canada for additional information.

Please note this clinic is limited to current Sail Canada Keelboat Sailing Instructors

This clinic is limited to current Sail Canada Start Keelboat Sailing Instructors. 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 more information, please review the Basic Cruising Instructor standard posted on the Sail Canada website.

Prerequisites / Certification Requirements:

• Be age 18 or older;
• Have the Sail Canada Basic Cruising Standard or be able to demonstrate an equivalent level of sailing skill on a keelboat up to 12 metres in length;
• Have 2 or more years sailing experience with significant keelboat sailing experience as skipper;
• Have Red Cross or St. John Ambulance Standard First Aid Certificate or nationally recognized equivalent and a current
• nationally recognized certificate in CPR level A or higher;
• Have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC);
• Have a VHF Restricted Operators Certificate (Maritime) with DSC endorsement;
• Demonstrate characteristics and motivations worthy of being a Sail Canada LTC/P Instructor;
• Demonstrate a willingness to support the goals of the Sail Canada LTC/P program.

It is important that candidates be current in their sailing skills and knowledge prior to entry into Instructor clinics. The sailing evaluation demands above average basic sailing skills and there is no time during the clinic for remedial work.

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This is one of the entry level Standards in the series of Sail Canada Standards on sailing keelboats and on cruising. It develops the student’s ability to take command of and operate (with assistance of competent crew) an auxiliary powered sailing vessel, by day, in light to moderate conditions. Basic boating skills are developed under sail and power with a focus on operation of the vessel as both crew and skipper. Individuals with minimal practical on water experience should consider completing the Start Keelboat Sailing Standard before attempting for this training.

This is one of the entry level Standards in the series of Sail Canada Standards on sailing keelboats and on Cruising. This Standard is the recommended starting point for individuals with minimal practical on water experience. This entry level builds basic sailing skills with a focus on operation of the vessel as crew. Candidates completing this Standard will be able to competently contribute as crew to the operation of a keelboat in moderate daytime conditions. This Standard is recommended for those with little boating or sailing experience that want to experience sailing on a keelboat and begin to build basic sailing skills in a relaxed environment and at a comfortable pace. A program leading to this Standard may be offered in a one weekend format or in evening sessions. It is envisioned that the learning objectives can be accomplished in 12-15 hours.

CanSail 1 program for Sea Cadets