At the Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club Sailing School, we are dedicated to fostering a lifelong passion for sailing in individuals of all ages and abilities. Nestled in [mention your location, e.g., the beautiful waters of [Local Bay/Area]], we provide a safe, fun, and comprehensive learning environment for everyone from complete beginners to aspiring racers. Our mission is to build confidence, teach essential skills, and share the joy of being on the water.

Our Programs: Learning for Every Sailor

We offer a wide array of programs designed to cater to every stage of a sailor's journey:

• Opti Basic & Advanced: Introducing our youngest sailors to the fundamentals in the Optimist dinghy, building confidence and basic skills through engaging activities and games.

• CANSail Basic & Advanced: Our core instructional programs, using the 420 and FJ dinghies. Learn rigging, launching, steering, and advanced maneuvers in a progressive, hands-on environment.

• Adult Learn-to-Sail: Tailored for adults, these courses provide a comprehensive introduction to dinghy sailing, focusing on teamwork, safety, and fundamental boat handling.

• FUNSail: Supervised open-sailing opportunities for experienced sailors to practice skills and enjoy the water in a fun, non-instructional setting.

• Able Sailing: Our inclusive program dedicated to making sailing accessible for individuals with disabilities, utilizing specialized boats and dedicated volunteers.

• Private Lessons: Personalized, one-on-one or small-group coaching to accelerate learning and target specific skill development.

• Race Team: For competitive sailors, our year-round program offers advanced coaching, tactical training, and opportunities to compete in local and regional regattas.

• Keelboat Lessons: Expand your horizons by learning to sail larger keelboats, covering everything from dock maneuvers to navigation and on-board safety (availability pending instructor scheduling).

Our Coaching Philosophy & Team

Our dedicated team of certified instructors and experienced coaches are the heart of our Sailing School. They are passionate about teaching, committed to safety, and bring a wealth of sailing knowledge and enthusiasm to every lesson. Our coaching philosophy emphasizes:

• Safety First: Ensuring a secure environment for all participants.

• Hands-On Learning: Maximizing on-water time for practical skill development.

• Positive Reinforcement: Building confidence and encouraging a love for the sport.

• Individualized Attention: Adapting instruction to meet the needs and learning styles of each student.

All our instructors are certified through Sail Canada, ensuring the highest standards of instruction and safety.

Our Fleet: Boats for Every Stage

We maintain a diverse fleet of well-equipped and safe dinghies, perfect for learning and progression:

• Optimist Dinghies: Ideal for our youngest sailors, providing a stable and forgiving platform for beginners.

• 420s & FJs: Versatile double-handed dinghies used for CANSail programs and Race Team, perfect for developing teamwork and advanced skills.

• ILCA (formerly Laser) 6 & 7: Popular single-handed dinghies used for Race Team training, focusing on individual boat handling and speed.

• Capri Keelboat: Our 'easy to handle' keelboat used for Keelboat Lessons, offering an introduction to sailing larger vessels.

• Specialized Able Sail Boats: We primarily use Martin 16 and Sonar sailboats, designed for accessibility, ensuring everyone can experience sailing.

The CANSail Program

Our programs are proudly delivered under Sail Canada's CANSail program. CANSail is a national training standard that provides a progressive, competency-based curriculum. This means:

• Structured Learning: A clear pathway from fundamental skills to advanced techniques.

• Nationally Recognized Certification: Your achievements are recognized across Canada.

• Focus on Practical Skills: Emphasizing hands-on experience and active learning on the water.

• Safe and Fun Environment: Designed to make learning enjoyable and secure.

We invite you to join the SNSYC Sailing School family and embark on your sailing adventure. Whether you dream of cruising, racing, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the water, we're here to help you achieve your goals.

For more information or to register, please visit our Registration Portal or contact our Sailing School Manager at sailingschool@snsyc.ca