ICAN Sail and CANSail 1

The Stormont Yacht Club (SYC) offers a youth sailing program for beginners. SYC’s Youth Sail Program is based on Sail Canada’s ICANSail (fundamentals) and CANSail 1 (skills checklist) curriculum, and is taught by SYC instructors (members) who are “Sail Canada” trained and certified.

CANSail programs are progressional, and focus on introducing and developing sailing skills in a safe, fun, and active learning environment with lots of time spent in boats and on the water.

ICANSail and CANsail 1 (SYC’s Youth Sail Program ) provides beginner level sailing – instruction, assessments of learning, and certification, with the goal of fostering strong fundamental skills and lifelong participation in the sport. Participants are taught the basics of seamanship – wind direction, points of sail, sheet, steering, maneuvering, and sailing sportsmanship.

Students who successfully complete the program fundamentals receive an SYC – ICANSail Certificate of Achievement. Students who meet the assessment requirements of CANSail 1 are eligible to receive CANSail 1 Certificate.

Photos courtesy of Vladimir Hrynchenko

Youth Sail Program Frequently Asked Questions

The Basics

Registration and questions?  

            Contact:  youth-sail@stormontyachtclub.ca

How many sessions are there in the 2024 season?

• There are 2 one-week sessions in 2024 ; August 12th to the 16th  and August 19th to the 23rd.  The cost is $250 per sailor per week.
• Each one week session is identical, and  will contain the same sailing course instruction.  Returning sailors will be given an opportunity to further develop their knowledge and skills.

How long is each session?

• Each session is one week long, Monday to Friday, 9 am-4 pm. There will be volunteer club members present from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.  Drop off and pick up of students must abide by the times noted above.

What is the age for sailing school?

• The minimum age for sailing school requires the sailor to be turning 9 years old in the current calendar year. We have students up to 15 years old.

Can you join a sailing school if you have no experience?

• No sailing experience is required for the sailing program, however having the ability to swim, comfort on and around the water is required. A Code of Conduct – maturity, respectful and courteous conduct is the expectation.

What types of boats do you sail?

• Our program is at the beginner level.  We use a RS zest sailboat with two sails (Main and Jib)

What is a typical day like?

• Each day starts at 9 am beginning with a classroom lesson. Boats are then rigged by the students (sailors).  The sailors are briefed for their on-water activities. Sailors are usually on the water in the morning for about 1 ½ hours. Lunch is held between 12-1 pm.
• Sailing resumes at approximately 1 pm. Sailors are back on water for about another 1 ½ hours. The afternoon usually finishes with fun onshore activities or a sailing debriefing lesson.  The sailors will de-rig the boats and put all of the sailing equipment away. The day ends at 4 pm.

Note:  Schedule is contingent on safe weather conditions and may be adapted to    indoor theory and practice if required.

What should my child bring to sail in/sail with?

A properly sized life jacket/personal floatation device (PFD) approved by Transport Canada or the Canadian Coast Guard, Department of Fisheries and Oceans , closed-toed water shoes, bathing suit, hat, strap for glasses (if needed), sunscreen, towel, change of clothes, appropriate clothing for the weather (rain jacket and rain pants, sweatshirt), reusable water bottle, snacks and a lunch.