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Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club - Home
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Sailing Programs
Discover the joy of sailing with our diverse range of programs, designed for all ages and skill levels!
At SNSYC, we are passionate about sharing our love for the water and helping you develop a lifelong passion for sailing. Whether you're taking your first steps on a dinghy, refining your racing skills, or looking for accessible sailing opportunities, we have a program for you.
Not sure which program is best for you? Scroll down to read through our available programs!
*All registration is done online through the links above. Programs and dates will be available through the links*
OPTI BASICOur CANSail accredited introduction to sailing an Optimist Dinghy. Designed for fun and building confidence, children will learn the FUNdamentals of sailing, including balance, steering, and making the boat move using the sail, often with two sailors per boat. This course incorporates lots of games and activities, making it perfect for new sailors and those with limited sailing experience. Pricing: $450 Sessions: Monday-Friday from 9:00am - 4:00pm for 1 week Ideal For: Children typically aged aged 7-10, under 110 lbs, with little to no prior sailing experience. | OPTI ADVANCEDCANSail accredited course for advanced Optimist sailing. Children learn to sail by themselves! Young sailors become more independent as they continue to develop basic sailing skills, while more advanced skills are introduced, further building on the FUNdamentals of sailing. Fun activities and games help to solidify new skills! Pricing: $450 Sessions: Monday-Friday from 9:00am - 4:00pm for 1 week Ideal For: Children who have completed CANSail 1. For children aged 7-10, under 110 lbs. |
CANSail BASICAn introductory course for new sailors or those with limited sailing experience. Taught in the 420 dinghy. The course focuses on safety, balance, steering, sail trim, and seamanship. Beginner sailors will learn the FUNdamentals of sailing and how to work as a team with two sailors per boat. Activities and games are a big part of learning physical literacy for sailors! Pricing: $750 Sessions: Monday-Friday from 9:00am - 4:00pm for 2 weeks Ideal For: Youth aged 10-17 years, with little to no prior sailing experience. | CANSail ADVANCEDSailors build on existing FUNdamental skills, working towards skill proficiency in a variety of conditions and situations. Sailors are introduced to concepts such as reading the wind and waves, advanced boat handling, beginner racing skills and rules, and sportsmanship through on water games and activities. Taught in the 420 dinghy. Pricing: $750 Sessions: Monday-Friday from 9:00am - 4:00pm for 2 weeks Ideal For: Youth who have completed CANSail 2, aged 10-17 years. |
ADULT LEARN-TO-SAIL
An introductory course for new sailors or those with limited sailing experience. The course focuses on safety, balance, steering, sail trim, and seamanship. Beginner sailors will learn the FUNdamentals of sailing and how to work as a team with two sailors per boat.
Pricing: $425
Sessions: Twice a week for 4 weeks
Ideal For: Sailors ages 16 and older, or 13 with a parent/guardian in the class. No sailing experience required.
Adult LEARN-TO-RACE
An intermediate course for sailors with basic sailing knowledge who want to experience the fun and strategy of racing. The program focuses on race starts, tactics, sail trim for speed, and racing rules. This program is run in the C420 or Laser sailboats. A great introduction to racing before our spring and summer racing series!
Pricing: $200
Sessions: Once a week for 4 weeks.
Ideal For: Sailors ages 16 and older or 12 with a parent/guardian in the class. Both with basic sailing knowledge.
*Minimum 6 participants required for this program to run*
RACE TEAM
For competitive sailors, our year-round program offers advanced coaching, tactical training, and opportunities to compete in local and regional regattas. Looking to get your CANSail 5 and CANSail 6? Race Team is the place to be!
Pricing: $225 per month
Sessions: Twice a week, year round.
Ideal for: Those with a minimum of CANSail 2 committed to competitive sailing, looking to enter the world of competitive racing and elevate their skills.
For more information, visit our Race Team page!
OPTIMIST RACE TEAM
For competitive sailors, our year-round program offers advanced coaching, tactical training, and opportunities to compete in local and regional regattas.
Pricing: $225 per month
Sessions: Twice a week, year round.
Ideal for: Those with a minimum of CANSail 1 committed to competitive sailing, looking to enter the world of competitive racing and elevate their skills.
For more information, visit our Race Team page!
KEELBOAT RACE TEAM
A course for sailors who want to learn racing on keelboats. The program focuses on crew coordination, spinnaker handling, and advanced race strategy. Sailors will develop teamwork and communication skills while learning to execute complex maneuvers on a larger, more stable vessel. The Keelboat Race Team will participate in the weekly club racing with keelboats from SNSYC.
Pricing: $225 per month
Sessions: Sundays from 9:45am-3:45 pm for 4 weeks.
Ideal For: Sailors ages 12 and older with basic sailing experience. No prior keelboat experience required.
For more information, visit our Race Team page!
PRIVATE LESSONS
Accelerate your learning and target specific skills with Private Lessons at SNSYC. Our personalized sessions are perfect for those seeking focused, one-on-one (or small group) instruction to rapidly improve their sailing proficiency. Whether you want to master a challenging maneuver, prepare for a specific certification, or simply gain confidence, our experienced instructors will tailor each session to your unique goals.
Pricing: $75 per hour per boat, with a minimum booking of 3 hours. *Lessons may be individual, or you are welcome to split the cost and bring a friend to share the experience*
Booking: To arrange your private lessons and discuss your specific needs, please contact our Sailing School Manager directly.
Ideal For: Individuals seeking customized, accelerated learning.
KEELBOAT LESSONS
Discover the world of larger boats with our Keelboat Lessons! Perfect for those looking to expand their sailing horizons, whether you're a complete beginner, a dinghy sailor ready to 'upgrade,' or a crew member aspiring to become a confident skipper. Using the Capri, our own 'easy to handle' keelboat, these instructional and familiarization courses will cover essential topics such as getting the boat ready, leaving the dock, effective boat handling, understanding points of sail, plotting a course, anchoring, on-board safety, how to return to the dock, and how to maintain composure in various situations.
Ideal For: Sailors interested in transitioning to larger boats, gaining experience on keelboats, or developing leadership skills.
Pricing: $75 per hour, with a minimum booking of 3 hours. *Lessons may be individual, or you are welcome to split the cost and bring up to 3 friends to share the experience*
Booking: To arrange your keelboat lessons and discuss your specific needs, please contact our Sailing School Manager directly.
FUNSail
Supervised open-sailing sessions for those who already know how to sail and rig a dinghy. These are non-instructional sessions to practice, enjoy the water, and connect with other sailors in a relaxed environment.
Pricing:
· $20 per person for non-members.
· $10 per person for Senior, Social and Intermediate members.
· Junior Members are free!
· Attendees of camp programs can attend the funs sails at no cost during the camps they are registered for.
Sessions: Tuesday & Thursday from 5:00 pm - 7:30pm. Starting from July 1 - August 28, 2025
Ideal For: Sailors with existing sailing knowledge looking for casual, and more sailing time.
ABLE SAILING
Our inclusive Able Sail program with partnership from Able Sail Victoria, offers individuals with disabilities the opportunity to experience the joy and freedom of sailing. Our specialized boats and trained volunteers ensure a safe, accessible, and empowering experience on the water.
Pricing: $30
Sessions: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, various time slots.
Ideal For: Individuals of all ages with disabilities seeking accessible sailing instruction and opportunities.
Registration for Able Sailing can be found at Able Sailing Registration
More information about Able Sailing can be found at Able Sail Victoria
Registration Information
Ready to set sail? Register below
Sailing School RegistrationFinancial Assistance is available for families who need it. Please contact us for details.
Cancellation Policy:
A full program refund will be issued 3 weeks prior to the start of an SNSYC program. A pro-rated refund, less $50, will be issued to those who must cease attendance after a course has commenced due to unanticipated illness (upon receipt of certification by a doctor) or other extenuating circumstances such as family emergency, as deemed satisfactory to the SNSYC Executive. SNSYC reserves the right to cancel a program for any reason without prior notice. In this case, full refund is given. SNSYC will not be responsible for refunds on airline flights, hotel reservations, or other incidental fees incurred in conjunction with the program.
- All courses are subject to a minimum enrolment. If placed on a waitlist, interest in enrolment is assumed. Should a vacancy arise, automatic enrolment in the course will take place and the cancellation and enrolment policy takes into effect.
- The Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club carries a portfolio of general liability insurance policies but does not cover students for personal injury.
Participant Waiver: SNSYC Participant Waiver.pdf *Must be signed and returned by all participants prior to going on the water*
For more info contact Brooke Jangula, Sailing School Manager sailingschool@snsyc.ca