General:
Youth:
Adults:
Have a question not been answered here?
Please contact the LTS Head Instructor, Jack Lacey, headinstructor@qcyc.ca
How do I register for Learn to Sail?
- Visit the youth and adult pages, and browse our course options
- Select a course using the shopping cart icon and click "checkout"
- Follow the prompts to create a new account, which will consist of entering information for yourself and the participant (this is your registration form)
- Proceed to checkout and pay securely online with Mastercard or VISA - you will be directed to Global Payments' secure payment site to do this
If you have any questions, please contact the LTS Head Instructor, Jack Lacey, headinstructor@qcyc.ca
Important notes for youth registration:
Please accurately indicate on the registration form the last certification level that your child has achieved in formal sail training. If you are unsure, please contact Yves Florack, learntosail@qcyc, who may be able to help supply this information. Remember, this is key for the correct registration of your child:
- If you are registering a student in our CANSail 1 or CANSail 2 program, "beginner" fees apply
- If registering for CANSail 3 or CANSail 4, "intermediate" fees apply
- For CANSail 5 or CANSail 6, "advanced" fees apply
If you have any questions, please contact the LTS Head Instructor, Jack Lacey, headinstructor@qcyc.ca
Important notes for youth registration:
Please accurately indicate on the registration form the last certification level that your child has achieved in formal sail training. If you are unsure, please contact Yves Florack, learntosail@qcyc, who may be able to help supply this information. Remember, this is key for the correct registration of your child:
- If you are registering a student in our CANSail 1 or CANSail 2 program, "beginner" fees apply.
- If registering for CANSail 3 or CANSail 4, "intermediate" fees apply.
- For CANSail 5 or CANSail 6, "advanced" fees apply.
Youth Sailing Camp:
What time does the Camp operate?
- Students meet instructors at the foot of York Street for a boat at either 8:15 or 8:45 am
- Please note: these are the times that the QCYC boat leaves the city, so please arrive 5-10 minutes early
- After camp, the kids arrive back in the city to the same location at 4:15 pm
- The trip across Toronto Harbour is on the club’s tender, Algonquin Queen II, and a fun way to start and end the day
What is a day at QCYC Youth Summer Sailing Camp like?
- At 8:15 or 8:45 am, students take a supervised tender ride to QCYC on the club’s Algonquin Queen II
- Boats are rigged (set up) by the kids with adequate instruction as part of the CANSail curriculum
- Boats are launched, and students spend the morning sailing (weather permitting) in crews of 2 - usually sailors sail with kids of the same level, but instructors make sure there is an adequate comfort/skill level in each boat
- There is a midday break for lunch - at QCYC, the beach or on the water - often accompanied by land games
- In the afternoon, there are usually more lessons and sailing as students work on their CANSail skill checklists
- At about 3:30 pm, boats are de-rigged and put away, and land games are organized if time permits
- At 4:15 pm, students arrive back to the city on the Algonquin Queen II, supervised by sailing school staff
Note: Certain days have different activities and follow a different schedule (e.g. cruising to Ward's Beach for the day).
What do students need to bring?
Students must bring a Canadian Coast Guard-approved lifejacket or PFD that fits properly and is correct for their weight. They can be purchased at any marine supply store, or at Canadian Tire, Walmart or similar shops. We recommend purchasing a yellow or orange colour so kids are easy to see on the water.
Students must also bring a packed lunch, snacks and a water bottle. Snacks that can be easily taken on the water are important. Students can give food (e.g. granola bars) to instructors to hold for them while sailing.
In addition, please be sure to pack:
- Waterproof sunscreen and a hat
- At least one change of clothes (they will get wet!)
- Swimming attire and a towel
- A wind jacket/warm sweater
- Shoes should be non-slip and not damaged by water - running shoes or sports-style sandals are often worn
- Extra shoes if you don't want your sailor coming home with wet shoes on their feet
What if the weather is too bad to sail?
Sailors will not be sent out on the water in unsafe weather. On poor weather days, campers will complete on-shore training activities, such as learning knots and other classroom instruction. Plus, instructors will organize games and other activities that take advantage of the beautiful Toronto Island setting.
My child can’t swim – is that a problem?
While it is not essential that your child be a good swimmer, we find that children who are scared of the water do not enjoy sailing. All kids are required to wear a lifejacket or PFD when in the boats or on the docks despite swimming abilities, but those who are comfortable around the water will enjoy themselves more.
What safety measures do you have?
- A life jacket or PFD will be worn by all sailors at all times when sailing on the water and on the club docks
- Our new floating docks, where our sailboats are stored, are located above shallow water, making boat haul out and launch safe for kids of all ages
- Our sailing instructors are all qualified by Sail Canada, and have additional qualifications in swimming, first aid and boat rescue
- There is always an adequate number of instructors per group of students
- When students are on the water, there are instructors in support boats to provide any necessary assistance
Adult Learn to Sail (dinghies):
How and when do we get to and from the island?
The club’s private tender, Algonguin Queen II, will take you to and from the island. You will board the boat at our city dock at the foot of York St., in between Farm Boy and the Beaver Tails restaurant.
The tender leaves at 6:15 pm so be sure to be there at least 5 minutes early. If you miss the boat, the next one isn’t until 7:15 pm and the class will likely already be on the water by this time.
On the first day of your session, QCYC instructors will meet you at our city dock. All subsequent days they will meet the boat island-side and begin instruction at that time.
Class will end in time to take the 9 pm boat back to the city (arriving in the city at 9:15).
What do I need to bring with me?
- A Canadian Coast Guard-approved life jacket that is suitable for your weight (you can buy one at any marine store or at Canadian Tire, Walmart, etc.)
- Clothing and shoes that are comfortable to move around in, and appropriate for getting wet
- A water bottle or other beverages
- Any snacks you might want during the course times
