Youth & Adult

YOUTH LEARN TO SAIL

What can sailing do for a child?

For most children, the sea is a vast and mysterious environment. They cannot just put on a lifejacket and run across the water. Instead, beginner sailors must learn to make the wind and waves work for them. Learning about the lake teaches children to be self-sufficient and to exercise judgment while instilling confidence.

Being on the water helps children appreciate the natural world around them. The importance of clean water becomes apparent and children become connected to nature through an understanding of winds and weather.

Children who go beyond basic sailing and learn to race develop other skills. To be successful and earn the respect of their competitors, young sailors must honour the rules and learn to take the self-imposed penalties that apply when a rule is broken. The rules and the constant presence of competitors present sailors with an endless and ever-changing stream of tactical situations that require children to learn to assess risks and make quick and responsible decisions. In addition, teamwork skills develop as skippers and crews learn the importance of working together and team racing emphasizes close cooperation within teams of three boats.

There is so much to learn from the water. It is a classroom and a laboratory; a special environment; a place of endless challenges, mysteries, joys, wonders, and thrills; a place that teaches self-reliance, sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect for the natural world around us

General information about our programs

Advancing Sailors: Questions and Concerns
Traditionally the PCYC Sailing School has set a high standard of achievement for its students to insure they move through the levels with confidence and the required base skills. Many of the current instructors frequently repeated levels to meet the program requirements.

In the past, instructors have felt parental pressure to advance sailors who had not achieved the required competence to advance. Obviously this would create serious concerns if, while in advanced levels, the sailor was unable to demonstrate the required skills – especially when some were necessary to sail independently on Lake Ontario.

Please accept and appreciate that not all students will achieve the required skills on the first attempt. It is our goal to insure students can demonstrate consistently the required skills of the level being undertaken – a student that does not consistently demonstrate the required skills does not fail – the student has simply not completed the level.

Please contact your child’s instructor if you have concerns about your child’s advancement. In most cases extra help can be arranged if you wish.

Junior Membership: is a person between the ages of twelve (12) and eighteen (18) years inclusive who is entitled to Club privileges, with the exception of voting. Each application shall be guaranteed by the applicant’s parent(s) or legal guardian.  A Junior Member may be granted a dry sail mooring at the discretion of the Board of Directors.  A Junior Member will be given a 10% reduction in the amount of the Senior Membership initiation fee for each year of Junior membership, to a maximum of 3 years or a 30% credit. 

Discount available for Junior members when registering for Learn to Sail Programs.


ADULT LEARN TO SAIL

I’ve waited 30 years to finally take up sailing and I am so glad I finally took the plunge (literally). I would highly recommend this program to anyone. I am looking forward to coming back next year — Rochelle 2008

Whether you, like Rochelle, have wanted to learn to sail for years, or you sailed as a youngster and want to get back into the sport, or you just want to try something new and meet some new people, whatever the reason you can do it all at PCYC this summer.

Our on-the-water sailing courses follow the curriculum created by Sail Canada. 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 Programs: 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

Our adult sailing courses are divided into two streams: Learn to Cruise (LTC) following Sail Canada’s curriculum, and Learn to Sail (LTS) following the new CANSail curriculum. The program you will choose depends on the type of sailing you intend to do. 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.

Sail Canada Basic Cruising (LTC)
Prerequisites: None

If you have ever dreamed of sailing the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean, keelboat sailing is the first step to get you out on the water. This course is taught on 24ft keelboats. 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:

Start Keelboat Sailing 
Prerequisites: None

The ideal course for the first time sailor. Learn the basics of crewing in this 18 hour introductory     program on a sloop rigged keelboat 6 to 12 metres with an outboard motor in 5 - 20 knots of wind by day.

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 sailing the boats and all participants get the chance to practice all the aspects of sailing from the first lesson on wards.

CANSail Programs (LTS)

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 offerCANSail 1&2 and CANSail 3&4:

CANSail 1 & 2
Prerequisites: None

This is an introductory program to our sport of sailing with a focus on fun, safety and fundamental skills, CANSail 1 replaces CYA White Sail I course; and CANSail 2 replaces White Sail II & III courses. This course is taught using our large fleet of 420’s. Lessons are creatively delivered by our team of qualified and experienced instructors both on and off the water.

CANSail 3 & 4
Prerequisites: CANSail 1 & CANSail 2 checklists completed

CANSail 3 & 4 progressively builds and develops the skills in CANSail 1 & 2, with a focus on keeping the sailor engaged with appropriate challenges and learning opportunities. CANSail 3 replaces Bronze IV courses, and CANSail 4 replaces Bronze V. Spinnaker and trapeze work are now supposed to occur in a new course “Chutes and Wires 1&2 in the new CANSail system. In order to create a smooth transition we will be running our “Chutes and Wires 1” course concurrently with CANSail 4, in order to provide this fun and challenging experience to students that are ready for it!

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.

Registration will be open in January of 2018.