Adult Learn to Sail

Registration will be available to PCYC members January 8th and to non-members on January 19th!

Our sailing courses follow the curriculum created by Sail Canada and upon successful completion you will achieve the Sail Canada Standard for that course. Proof of this achievement is recognized by boating associations, facilities and charter operations around the world

Our adult sailing courses are divided into two streams: Learn to Cruise (LTC)  and Learn to Sail (LTS) following the Cruising & CANSail curriculum.  LTC is taught on keelboats which are larger, have a weighted keel to provide stability, and prepare participants to become keelboat owners. LTS is taught in dinghies which are smaller boats where you are the weight which provides stability. Both are excellent ways to start your sailing career.

The Adult programs offered at PCYC are listed below, however please feel free to contact Learn to Sail for more information 905-278-7911 ext 241 or learntosail@pcyc.net

LEARN TO CRUISE

Start Keelboat Sailing 

Prerequisites: None

Courses: 3 consecutive weeks - Tuesday & Thursday 6-9pm, 

The course is ideal for the first time sailor. Learn the basics of crewing in this 18 hour introductory     program on a sloop rigged keelboat.You will receive instruction in sailing terms and definitions, marine weather, knots and the duties of skipper and crew. During the course you will be learning how to safely depart for a day on the water, handling the boat both under sail and power including emergency situations.

Objective:

This course will make you feel safe and comfortable so that you can enjoy your time on the water. Emphasis is placed on learning the fundamentals, sailing the boat so all participants get the chance to practice all the aspects of sailing from the first lesson onwards.

Membership required: No

What’s next? Upon completion of this course you’ll have a great base of knowledge for sailing on a Keelboat. Consider developing your keelboat skills further in our Adult Basic Cruising or Adult Learn to Race programs. You might also consider crewing on Monday and Wednesday race nights. For more info on crewing contact learntosail@pcyc.net

Sail Canada Basic Cruising

Prerequisites: None

Courses: 4 Consecutive weeks - Monday & Wednesday 6-9pm OR 2 Consecutive weekends Saturday & Sunday 9am-4pm.

If you have ever dreamed of sailing the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean, Basic Cruising is the first step to get you out on the water. This 24 hour introductory course builds on the Start Keelboat course and is taught on a keelboat. Successful students are awarded the Sail Canada Basic Cruising Standard. Upon completion of this course you will be able to sail a “day-sailor” safely and efficiently in moderate wind and sea conditions. You will also be able to demonstrate the necessary sailing skills required for the Sail Canada Basic Cruising Standard.

Training will include, but not be limited to:

LEARN TO SAIL

CANSail Dinghy Programs

Dinghy sailing is a fantastic way to learn to sail. Small and responsive, these boats are fast and exciting and provide a good work-out. With an experienced CANSail instructor as your coach, you will master the skills and knowledge required to safely sail a dinghy in moderate wind and sea conditions. We offer CANSail 1&2 and CANSail 3&4:

CANSail 1 & 2

Are you new to sailing? Our Adult Dinghy course is perfect for adults looking to get their feet wet and learn basic sailing skills, including rigging and launching the boat, steering, tacking, and jibing. With a Sail Canada certified instructor as your coach, you will develop the fundamental knowledge required to safely sail a dinghy in moderate wind on Lake Ontario and the ability to achieve your CANSail levels 1 and 2. All courses are taught using our fleet of RS Zests. Small and responsive, these boats are lightweight and easy to handle, making them a popular dinghy sailboat for beginners.

Timing: Twice a week (every Tuesday & Thursday) for 4 consecutive weeks offered in June, July or August

Pre-requisites: None

Membership required: No

What’s next? Upon completion of this introductory sailing course, consider applying your fundamental skills to a keelboat in our Adult Basic Cruising or Adult Learn to Race courses.

Women on the Water (WoW)

Ready to learn the fundamentals of sailing while meeting new friends? Our Women on the Water introductory sailing dinghy course offers PCYC women and their friends a fun and social sailing experience on Lake Ontario. Learn basic sailing skills, including rigging and launching the boat, steering, tacking, and jibing from Sail Canada certified instructors on our fleet of double-handed 420s. The 420 is a versatile two-person dinghy sailboat approximately 4 meters long which allows you and a partner to take turns helming and crewing while you gain the knowledge required to safely sail a dinghy in moderate wind and sea conditions. To finish off each lesson, you’re invited to enjoy a free beverage and socialize with your new sailing friends at the PCYC clubhouse. 

Timing: Every Wednesday for 4 consecutive weeks offered in June, July or August

Pre-requisites: None

Membership required: Yes, PCYC Member or friend

What’s next? Upon completion of this introductory sailing course, consider applying your fundamental skills to a keelboat in our Adult Basic Cruising or Adult Learn to Race courses. Or achieve your CANSail 1 or 2 levels in our Adult Dinghy Sailing course.

Adult Learn to Race (keelboat)

NEW in 2023! This course is perfect for anyone who has completed at least one PCYC introductory sailing course or equivalent. Taught by racing enthusiast, Katie Nicoll, get ready to unleash your competitive spirit and apply your fundamental sailing skills onboard our fleet of J/24s. The J/24 is a versatile and responsive keelboat approximately 7 metres long with a sloop rig and fixed keel. This course will cover racing rules, sail trim, starting line tactics, practice starts; and upwind and downwind strategies.

Timing: Every Tuesday 6-9pm for 4 consecutive weeks offered in June or July.

Pre-requisites: At least one introductory sailing program or equivalent

Membership required: No

What’s next? If you already own a keelboat, apply your new skills and join our PCYC Monday and Wednesday race nights! Otherwise, consider crewing on race nights as our racers are always looking for crew with some racing background.

What’s Next?
PCYC welcomes you to join the club as a Crew or Associate Member. Sailing is a lifelong sport. By investing your time now you can enjoy the benefits for years to come.