What should I (or my child) bring?

Everyone must bring a CSA-approved lifejacket or PFD that fits properly and is appropriate for their weight and size. These can be purchased at any marine supply store, Canadian Tire, Walmart, etc. We recommend purchasing a yellow or orange colour to ensure higher visibility on the water. Wetsuits can also be a good idea during cooler months, particularly May, June, and September.

Make sure to bring a water bottle and waterproof sunscreen; a hat; a change of clothes; swimming attire; a wind jacket; a towel; and snacks. Avoid wearing jeans and heavy cotton, which are uncomfortable when wet. Shoes should be non-slip, and OK to get wet. (Running shoes, Teva-type sandals, sailing booties, and water shoes are good choices.) Crocs are not recommended. Barefoot is not allowed.

What about lunch and snacks?

Summer campers can sign up for the optional lunch program for an additional fee, which provides them with a hot meal from a menu that changes daily (vegetarian options are included). Campers who don’t participate in the hot lunch program should bring their own nut-free lunch, as well as plenty of snacks.

As for adult learn-to-sail, the club has a grill that provides meals on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for those who want to stay and socialize. For those taking weekend courses, we recommend you bring lunch, as there is no food available.

What if it’s too rainy or stormy to sail?

Part of the program includes onshore activities, such as learning knots and other classroom instruction, which keeps students busy on bad-weather days.

Is it a problem if I (or my child) can’t swim?

While it is not essential to be a strong swimmer, we find that those who are uncomfortable near the water may have a harder time enjoying a sailboat. Capsizing is a part of the CANSail 1/2 program, and involves flipping the boat upside-down and being in the water for a period of time. Regardless of swimming ability, you will always wear a lifejacket or PFD when in the boats or on the docks.

How do you ensure students’ safety?

Our instructors are qualified in boat safety and first aid. A life jacket or PFD must be worn at all times when sailing and on club docks. Whenever students are on the water, instructors stay close-by on support boats, and can quickly provide assistance. We follow the Ontario Sailing Concussion Code of Conduct.

I’m an adult beginner. Which course should I take?

Both the Basic Cruising and CANSail 1/2 cater to first-time sailors. Basic Cruising teaches you how to sail on a keelboat (larger boats 20+ feet in length), and CANSail 1/2 is for dinghies (smaller boats designed for 1-2 people).

If you consider yourself to be relatively active and comfortable around water, we recommend taking the CANSail 1/2 course. Since the boats are smaller, being able to move around and shift your weight is necessary to keep the boat flat. There is also a chance of capsizing, in which case you will need to use your weight to bring the boat back into the upright position, while navigating yourself around the boat in the water. You will always be wearing a life jacket.

If you are not as active or mobile, or you don't want to enter the water, the Basic Cruising course is for you. The larger keelboat is more stable than a dinghy, and there is no requirement to enter the water. The course is taught with five students and one instructor, all on the same keelboat.

What if the course schedule doesn’t work for me?

We offer private lessons for adults and youth. The lessons can be one-on-one, or two students per instructor. Visit “Private Lessons” to learn more or email programs@tscc.net.