Adult Learn to Sail

The focus of the Adult Learn to Sail program is to teach the fundamentals of sailing, with the aim of instilling a love of the sport. Our adult keelboat and dinghy courses are designed for those aged 18 and over with no prior sailing experience. They cover all the basic skills and knowledge required to safely handle a small vessel as crew under moderate, daytime conditions. See below on this page for a more detailed program description. 

Grow your sailing skills with us aboard a Tanzer 22. 

Adult Program – Summer 2024

Dates

Weekend and weekday keelboat learn to sail courses are currently planned for May, June and July. Weekend sessions run on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m., plus all-day Saturday and Sunday. Weekday sessions take place on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. for three weeks (for a total of six classes). A maximum of four students are permitted for each course, and a minimum of two students must be enrolled for us to run a course.

The following sessions are currently open for registration:

• W1 Weekend Session: 31 May – 2 June
• E1 Evening Session: 3 – 14 June
• E2 Evening Session: 17 – 28 June
• W2 Weekend Session: 5 – 7 July
• E3 Evening Session: 8 – 19 July
• W3 Weekend Session: 26 – 28 July

The Sailing School also offers dinghy learn to sail instruction for adults. This course follows the Sail Canada CANSail 1+2 dinghy program. If interested, contact us for more information.

COVID-19 Notice: All planned programming and dates for 2024 are subject to change without notice in accordance with public health requirements in effect. 

COVID – 19 Safety

Fees

Adult learn to sail keelboat courses  – $600 per course

Fee includes course materials (textbook, workbook, logbook), and Sail Canada Student Participation Fee.

Discounts

CBYC full members: CBYC full members  receive a $25 discount (per course).

Multiple registration: Students who register for more than one course, spouses who enroll together, and the parents of children enrolled in the Sailing School youth learn-to-sail program receive a $50 discount (per course/registration).

Other benefits

Collins Bay Yacht Club offers all sailing school students complimentary associate membership in the club for the current season. This allows students and their families to take part in regularly organized dinghy races, to try crewing in keel-boat races (on Thursday evenings and some weekends), to join our Women’s Sailing Program, and to participate in club social activities.  We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to discover the great boating community we have at CBYC and Collins Bay Marina.

Registration and Payment

Registration and payment may be made online, or by mail. Please note that credit card payment is only available for online registration.

Also note that spaces are limited, and registration will only be confirmed when fees are paid in full. 

Online Registration

The preferred registration method is through our online storefront.  Payment for online registrations may be made:

• by credit card at the time of registration,
• by e-transfer to school@collinsbayyachtclub.ca within 10 business days.
• by cheque, mailed or hand delivered to the Sailing School Administrator within 10 business days, or
• by cash, hand delivered to the Sailing School Administrator within 10 business days. Please do not mail cash.  
• Although online registrations may be paid by credit card, we encourage you to consider paying by cash, cheque or e-transfer, to help us avoid the significant credit card service charges; we would rather spend the money on sailing school programs and equipment.

If you register online, please also complete and bring the medical information and waiver form to the first class.  

Click here to go to the Online Registration Storefront. 

Registration by Mail

To register by mail, download and complete the Adult Registration Form and mail it to the Sailing School Administrator (mailing address is in the form). 

Payment for mailed-in registration may be made:

• by cheque payable to CBYC Sailing School (mailed with registration form),
• by e-transfer to school@collinsbayyachtclub.ca within 10 business days, or
• by cash, paid in-person to the Sailing School Administrator within 10 business days. Please do not mail cash.

Spaces are limited: Registration will only be confirmed when fees are paid in full.

Keelboat course description 

The  Adult learn to sail keelboat course follows the Sail Canada Start Keelboat Sailing curriculum. The curriculum is the recommended starting point for those with little or no boating or sailing experience who want to experience sailing on a keelboat and begin to build basic sailing skills in a relaxed environment and at a comfortable pace.  No experience is required. This entry level course builds basic sailing skills with a focus on operation of the vessel as crew. Candidates completing this course will be able to competently contribute to the operation of a keelboat in moderate daytime conditions.

Our course is taught aboard a Tanzer 22 sailboat. Students receive various course materials, including the Sail Canada textbook Basic Cruising and Sail the Canada Keel and Power Logbook.

What to bring

• A Department of Transportation, Canada, approved personal flotation device – properly fitted (PFD/life jacket) – mandatory and must be worn for all classes
• At least 1 full litre of water
• T-shirt and shorts
•  Quick dry shoes (non-marking water shoes or canvas runners are good choices)
• A full change of warm clothing and footwear

Being exposed to wind, water and strong sun, we also recommend:

• A full cover hat with brim
• UV sunglasses with safety lanyard
• Appropriate sunscreen
• Long-sleeved shirt and pants
• Rain gear when inclement weather is predicted

To learn more

About our School

About the CANSail Dinghy Program

About the Start-Keelboat-Sailing Program

Still have questions?

If you need any further information or have questions, contact us.

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