An introductory keel boating program for ages 10 - 13 with sailing experience and 14-18 without experience. This program entails the basics of sailing and boating safety. The program will include classroom sessions as well as practical on-the-water training.
The classroom sessions will cover topics such as the physics of sailing, the parts of a sailboat, basic navigation, and safety procedures. The on-the-water training will involve rigging and de-riging a boat, steering, trimming the sails, and other sailing techniques. Students may also learn about different types of sailboats and their characteristics.
In this one-week program, participants will progress from basic skills to more advanced maneuvers as they gain experience and confidence on the water. By the end of the program, students should have a good understanding of the fundamentals of sailing on a keelboat.
Dates:
Program Fees:
Early Registration March 31, 2025
$428 or $438 after early registration date
Session 3 is a 4-day program, off Civic Holiday, $340 or $350 after the early registration date
The Learn to Race Program is a two-week program focused on the introduction and development of racing in Optis. Sailors will learn the fundamentals of racing, starts, sail controls, sail trim, basic tactics, and advanced maneuvering.
Sailors are encouraged to take on opportunities in racing and make progress towards reaching the Opti Race Team which is a race-focused program. The LTR team may attend local regattas based on demand.
Prerequisites: CANSail 2 or referred by coach, Sailors should be from 50lbs to 110lbs and under 5'7"
Program dates:
Program Fees:
Early Registration March 31, 2025
Session 1, 2 & 4: $753 or $778 after the early registration date
Session 3 is a 9-day program, off Civic Holiday, $678 or $700 after the early registration date
The Waterfront Camp offers an outdoor, play-based learning environment alongside our Junior Sail program for children ages 5 to 7 years old. The one-week camp is a refreshing opportunity for your children to explore the Hamilton Waterfront and in our indoor, classroom environment. The program focuses on play, crafting, sailing activities, local trips, water sports, and walks around the harbour. Through these experiences, the children will become familiar with basic sailing terminology. Learn what it feels like to be on the water!
Program Fees:
Early Registration March 31, 2025
$261 or $271 after early registration date
Session 5 is a 4-day program, off Civic Holiday, $207 or $217 after the early registration date
CANSail introduces new sailors to the fundamental sailing skills in the Optimist. The type of boat sailed is dependent upon the sailor’s weight and height. The program focuses on creating a fun environment while developing physical literacy. On the water, young sailors work on boat safety, boat-handling skills, and seamanship. In the classroom, students will learn basic terminology, knots, and the rules of the water.
Program dates:
Program Fees:
Early Registration March 31, 2025
Session 1, 2 & 4: $753 or $778 after the early registration date
Session 3 is a 9-day program, off Civic Holiday, $678 or $700 after the early registration date
CANSail introduces new sailors to the fundamental sailing skills in the Zest dinghy. The type of boat sailed is dependent upon the sailor’s weight and height. The program focuses on creating a fun environment while developing physical literacy. On the water, young sailors work on boat safety, boat-handling skills, and seamanship. In the classroom, students will learn basic terminology, knots, and the rules of the water.
Program dates:
Program Fees:
Early Registration March 31, 2025
Session 1, 2 & 4: $753 or $778 after the early registration date
Session 3 is a 9-day program, off Civic Holiday, $678 or $700 after the early registration date
CANSail 3 is a four-week program offered in two-week intervals that builds upon the fundamental skills established in CANSail 1&2 on the water and in the classroom. Sailors at this level will refine and improve their skills from CANSail 1/2 to become more confident sailing alone and in pairs. CANSail 3 introduces boat tuning, sail trim, backward sailing, roll tacking, and surfing. All sailors are given opportunities to apply their sailing skills and sail with friends. CANSail 3 sailors will also be introduced to the basic racing skills to compete in club race nights.
Prerequisites: Participants must be age 11 or over, be able to swim, and have previously completed CANSail 2.
Program dates:
Program Fees:
Early Registration March 31, 2025
Session 1, 2 & 4: $753 or $778 after the early registration date
Session 3 is a 9-day program, off Civic Holiday, $678 or $700 after the early registration date
CANSail 4 is a four-week program offered in two-week intervals that builds upon the fundamental skills established in CANSail 3 on the water and in the classroom. Sailors are challenged to perfect their sailing skills in heavier wind conditions, both individually and in pairs. Greater emphasis is placed on self-sufficiency and problem-solving, including skills such as rudderless sailing, trapeze, fly spinnaker, and advanced theory. CANSail 4 sailors will also be introduced to the basic racing skills to compete in club race nights. Sailors will have the ability to participate in RHYC and other local regattas.
Prerequisites: Participants must be age 12 or over, be able to swim, and have previously completed CANSail 3.
Program dates:
Program Fees:
Early Registration March 31, 2025
Session 1, 2 & 4: $753 or $778 after the early registration date
Session 3 is a 9-day program, off Civic Holiday, $678 or $700 after the early registration date