Age: 5 to 7 years

Duration: 1 Week

Prerequisite: None

This program introduces young children to sailing, swimming and water safety in a fun, activity-oriented environment. Participants will become confident around boats of all sizes while learning about the water around them. The Sail Canada Wet Feet program and Red Cross Preschool and Swim Kids programs will be used.

Age: 7 to 12 years, less than 115lbs

Duration: 2 Weeks

Prerequisite: None

This program is an introduction to Optimist sailing. Sailors will learn basic boat handling skills, knots and theory through sailing-oriented activities. The CANSail Optimist 1 and 2 curriculums will be used in this program. New participants will now be able to work towards the Red Cross Swim Kids program.

Age: Up to 15 years, less than 115 lbs

Duration: 2 Weeks

Prerequisites: Optimist 1

For sailors who have prior Optimist experience, this program is designed for sailors to become confident sailing independently. An emphasis will be on developing more advanced boat handling skills and theory through on-water activities. CANSail levels will be accredited where appropriate.

Age: up to 15 years, less than 115 lbs

Duration: 2 Weeks

Prerequisites: Optimist 2

For sailors who are interested in mastering Optimist sailing, this program refines boat handling skills and theory both on and off the water. Sailors will master sailing skills to be able to independently sail in the Northwest Arm and Halifax Harbour to a designated location, complete practice drills and build confidence in sailboat maneuvers. CANSail levels will be accredited where appropriate. Sailors will have the opportunity to participate in club regattas, although regatta attendance is not mandatory.

Age: 7 to 18 years

Duration: 1 Week

Prerequisite: None

For sailors new to the sport, or for those who have prior sailing experience. This program is designed for sailors who are out of school and excited to hit the water! The program aims to allow sailors to get out on the water and shake the rust off before the primary programming begins. The program will focus on terminology and basic boat handling through on-water activities that aim to develop confident sailors.

Age: 12 to 18 years, more than 115 lbs

Duration: 2 Weeks

Prerequisite: Optimist 2

For sailors with previous Single-Handed or Double-Handed sailing experience, this course focuses on intermediate to advanced boat handling techniques and theory. ILCA (Laser) sailboats are available with 4, 6, and 7 rigs available (sails appropriate for the skill and size of the child). Sailors will also learn about seamanship, basic sailing rules, sportsmanship and teamwork. CANSail level will be accredited where appropriate. Sailors are encouraged to participate in club regattas, although regatta attendance is not mandatory.

Age: 12 to 18 years, more than 115lbs

Duration: 2 weeks

Prerequisites: Optimist 2

For sailors interested in sailing faster, this program introduces elements of Double-Handed sailing in Club 420, while refining boat handling skills and theory. Sailors will learn two-person sailing skills, communication, trapeze, spinnaker, and teamwork. Sailors will also learn essential seamanship skills such as a boat, sail care, maintenance, and responsibility. Sailors are encouraged to participate in club regattas, although regatta attendance is not mandatory.

Age: 14-18 years

Duration: 1 week

Prerequisites: Optimist 3 or Single Handed or Double Handed

For sailors who are interested in learning how to sail keelboats, this program introduces elements of bigger boat sailing in J22s, while refining boat handling skills and theory. Sailors will learn advanced skills for sailing keelboats, practice extensively on the club's J22s, and have the opportunity to participate in a club Wednesday night race as a part of the course (with instructor supervision). This course is designed to help develop skills of sailors and show them the variety of pathways available to them in sailing through keelboating.

Age: 15-18 years

Duration: 2 weeks

Prerequisites: Single Handed or Double Handed

For sailors who have sailing experience and are passionate about sharing their love for the sport, this year we are offering a Junior Instructor program. This program is designed for those sailors interested in becoming an instructor in the future who have yet to complete any of their instructor qualifications through Sail Canada/Sail Nova Scotia. As part of this course, sailors will receive the following courses:

-Sail Canada Coach Boat Safety

-Standard First Aid with CPRC

Both of these are requirements to become a Sail Canada instructor.

Sailors will also receive instruction from experienced coaches on how to structure a lesson, teach on the water, and manage different groups. This course will be a mixture of classroom learning, on-water sailing skills practice, and participation in the courses listed above.