Youth Learn to Sail
Registration for the 2026 season is open now.
Give your child a lifelong skill in one of Ontario's most complete youth sailing programs. PCYC's Learn to Sail program pairs certified CANSail instruction, the national standard used by Canada's top sailing schools, with a full-service, professionally staffed club environment few programs can match: an onsite heated pool for extra water-safety practice, small class sizes, and a coaching team that takes every sailor from their first day in a boat to competitive racing.
Whether your child is stepping into a boat for the first time or working toward their next CANSail level, there's a program built for their age and ability, right on Mississauga's waterfront, minutes from home.
Here's what a typical day looks like. Times and activities may change based on weather.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 08:30 – 09:00 | Drop off at side gate |
| 09:00 | 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 included every day.
Sailing is an outdoor sport, so proper clothing matters. Here's what participants should bring each day:
| Sunny Days | Rainy Days |
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A Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is required to participate. We recommend bringing your own properly sized PFD. PCYC keeps a limited supply on hand for those who need one, so bringing your own is the best way to guarantee a proper fit.
For families who need drop-off or pick-up outside regular hours, extended hours are available: mornings starting at 7:30 AM, and afternoons from 4:30 to 5:30 PM. Click Here to register your child for Extended Hours.
Prerequisites: None.
WetFeet is where young sailors fall in love with the water. It's a safe, joyful introduction to sailing, built around fundamental skills, confidence-building, and a variety of activities beyond just sailing. Time in our onsite heated pool gives every child extra, focused water-safety practice, building real confidence before they're ever off the dock.
This program runs in one-week sessions, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM, throughout July and August. For specific dates, please check out our online registration.
Prerequisites: WetFeet.
WetFeet Advanced is the natural next step for sailors ready to move faster. It carries the same well-rounded mix of activities as WetFeet, but sailors go straight to sailing with full sails up from day one, skipping the introductory warm-up days. Onsite pool time continues to build the water safety and confidence that set PCYC sailors apart.
This program runs in one-week sessions, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM, throughout July and August. For specific dates, please check out our online registration.
Prerequisites: None.
CANSail 1 & 2 is where the fundamentals become real skill. Sailors train on our fleet of Prams (ages 8 to 10) or 420s and Zests (ages 11 and up), guided by qualified, experienced instructors both on and off the water. Regular time in our onsite pool keeps water safety front and centre as confidence grows.
This program runs in two-week sessions, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM, during July and August. Click to see specific dates and to register for the program.
Prerequisites: CANSail 1 & 2 checklists completed.
CANSail 3 & 4 is where PCYC sailors start racing. Building directly on CANSail 1 & 2, this level challenges sailors with new skills, and through the Chutes and Wires 1 course running alongside CANSail 4, an exciting early introduction to spinnaker and trapeze work.
Sailors also get real regatta experience at events like PCYC's own Steerers and Four Sisters, with full coaching support on race day. Parents play a role too: planning, chaperoning, and towing trailers. Registration fees cover the program itself; regatta travel costs are handled separately.
This program runs in four-week sessions, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM, during July and August. Click to see specific dates and to register for this program.