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Youth Learn to Sail

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

The Port Credit Yacht Club offers a variety of youth sailing programs to accommodate all ages and skill levels. Whether you are joining us for the first time or working towards a CANSail level already; there is a fun and exciting sailing experience here for you!

Sailing is a lifelong skill that tests a person’s physical and mental abilities from the first time stepping into a boat, until the last. The fundamental sailing skills taught in our program will enable youth to explore a future in cruising, racing or wherever their passion takes them.

PCYC uses the CANSail Development model created by Sail Canada, the national authority for sailing in Canada. The CANSail model is a standardized system used by the majority of sailing schools in Canada, ensuring all are taught with the same tools. Each level has a suggested age, but children can advance faster dependent upon skill level.

Typical Day

The following is a schedule of what our typical day in our program looks like, all times and daily activities are subject to change, and are weather dependent.

08:30- 9:00 Drop off at side gate
9:00 Rigging (Swimming for Wet Feet)
10:00-10:15 Snacks 
10:15-12:00 Lessons and morning sailing session
12:00- 13:00 Lunch (provided)
13:00- 15:30 Afternoon Sailing session
15:30-16:00 De-rig and de-brief
16:00-16:30 End of Day Pick up at side gate

Lunch and snacks are provided for all participants!

What to Bring

Sailing is an outdoor sport and subject to Mother Nature.  It is important that you have proper protection and clothing for any weather. Here are some suggestions that participants should bring with them every day of the session:

Sunny Days

Rainy Days

  • Refillable Water bottle
  • Lunch
  • Long sleeve Shirt (not cotton)
  • Sunscreen
  • Shorts
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Bathing Suit/Towel
  • Closed toed shoes
  • Extra dry clothes
  • Refillable Water Bottle
  • Lunch
  • Rain jacket
  • Fleece sweater
  • Pants
  • Hat
  • Closed toed shoes
  • Towel
  • Extra dry clothes

A Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is required to participate. We encourage all participants to bring a proper sized PFD. PCYC has a limited number of PFD’s on hand but cannot guarantee availability or proper fitting sizes. It is best if you can bring your own

Extended Hours 

Available for sailors who need to be dropped off or picked up outside of our regular hours. The Learn to Sail Program is flexible for those guardians who need to take some extra time. Extended hours in the morning will begin at 7:30 AM and in the afternoon be offered from 4:30 – 5:30 PM. To register your child for Extended Hours:

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CANSail WetFeet Program - (Recommended ages 5-7)

Prerequisites: None

Wet Feet is our entry level course where kids get comfortable being around boats and on the water.  We provide a safe, fun and exciting introduction to sailing giving the young sailor a chance to develop their fundamental sailing skills.  This program has been launched across Canada, focusing on giving children between the ages of 6 and 8 an opportunity to sail.  Days will be filled with a variety of different activities in addition to sailing, to ensure an enjoyable and well-rounded experience for all participants. Time will be spent in our onsite pool addressing water safety to insure participants are comfortable on and around the water

This program is offered in one week sessions Monday - Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM throughout July and August.  For specific dates, please check out our online registration here:

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CANSail 1 & 2 (Courses for 8-10 and 11+)

Prerequisites: None

This is an introductory program to the sport of sailing with a focus on fun, safety and fundamental skills. We offer 2 levels for CANSail 1&2 using our large fleet of 420s/Zests(11+) and Prams (8-10).  Lessons are creatively delivered by our team of qualified and experienced instructors both on and off the water. Time will be spent in our onsite pool addressing water safety to insure participants are comfortable on and about the lake.

Programs are offered in two week sessions Monday to Friday 9 AM - 4 PM during July and August.  Click to see specific dates and to register for the program.

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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. The “Chutes and Wires 1” course will run concurrently with CANSail 4, in order to provide this fun and challenging spinnaker and trapeze work experience!

CANSail 3&4 includes the opportunity for some local regatta participation (PCYC 's youth regattas - Steerers and Four Sisters etc.). Regattas may require some travel, and parents are needed for planning, chaperoning, pulling trailers, and assisting at regattas. Please note that regatta fees and travel expenses (transportation, lodging, food) are not covered in the program registration fee. Coaching will be provided at regattas.

Programs are offered in 4 week sessions Monday to Friday 9 am-4 pm during July and August.   Click to see specific dates and to register for this program.

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