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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 IntroductionAge: 5-11 Prerequisite: No sailing experience required. Sailors under 100 lbs & 64 in recommended for the OPTI Sailboat. Sessions: AM -> Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm for 1 week PM -> Monday-Friday from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm for 1 week Price: $235 A fun adventure and introduction to sailing for our youngest sailors. Designed for fun and building confidence on the water, sailors will learn the FUNdamentals of sailing through games and hands-on learning! This half-day camp is perfect for explorers who want to play, learn, and get comfortable in a boat in a supportive, low-pressure environment. *Minimum 6 participants required for this program to run* | OPTI CANSail 1Age: 6-11 Prerequisite: No sailing experience required. Sailors under 100 lbs & 64 in recommended for the OPTI Sailboat. Sessions: Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm for 1 week Price: $475 Designed for young sailors who have had an introduction to the water and are ready to build their skills. Sailors learn essentials like steering, sail trim, and boat control through hands-on practice and a variety of fun games. This course builds confidence and independence through fun and practice, laying a strong foundation for future sailing progression *Minimum 12 participants required for this program to run* | OPTI CANSail 2+Age: 6-11 Prerequisite: CANSail 1 required. Sailors under 100 lbs & 64 in recommended for the OPTI Sailboat Sessions: Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm for 1 week Price: $475 The next step in the Opti sailing pathway! Sailors transition to sailing solo, building the confidence to handle their own boat in various wind conditions. Through a mix of games and on-water challenges, students solidify their fundamentals while introducing advanced maneuvers and technical skills. This course is designed to support progress through CANSail 2 and beyond. *Minimum 4 participants required for this program to run* |
420 CANSail 1 + 2Age: 12-18 Prerequisite: No sailing experience required Sessions: Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm for 1 week Price: $475 + GST This course encompasses both CANSail 1 and 2, making it the perfect entry point for new sailors or those looking to build on their skills. The focus is on safety, balance, and sail trim, with a strong emphasis on communication and teamwork. Through hands-on learning with games and activities, sailors develop physical literacy and the technical skills needed to handle a boat with confidence. *Minimum 8 participants required for this program to run* | 420 CANSail 3 + 4Age: 12-18 Prerequisite: CANSail 2 required Sessions: Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm for 2 weeks Price: $775 + GST This course covers the CANSail 3 & 4 curriculum, focusing on advanced boat handling, sail trim, and tactical decision-making in a variety of wind and wave conditions. Sailors build on their fundamentals through on-water practice and games, expanding on sailing techniques while learning sailing theory. This program is perfect for those looking to refine their skills and prepare for more competitive sailing opportunities. *Minimum 8 participants required for this program to run* |
Laser CANSail 3 + 4
Age: 14-18
Prerequisite: CANSail 2 required. Sailors over 110 lbs recommended for the LASER Sailboat.
Sessions: Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm for 2 weeks
Price: $475
Designed for sailors ready to learn to sail the Laser, this course focuses on solo boat handling and gaining proficiency in a variety of wind and wave conditions. Sailors learn advanced concepts in the CANSail 3 + 4 curriculum. Through a combination of technical drills, on-water games, and sailing theory, sailors will improve their speed, sportsmanship, and confidence on the water.
*Minimum 3 participants required for this program to run*
OPTI Learn-to-RaceAge: 6-11 Prerequisite: CANSail 1 required. Sailors under 100 lbs & 64 in recommended for the OPTI Sailboat Sessions: Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm for 1 week Price: $475 *The last day of this program will be a regatta! The whole day will be spent on the water!* Perfect for young sailors who are ready to enter the world of competitive sailing. Through a mix of drills, lessons, and practice races, sailors learn the rules of racing, how to navigate a course, and key strategies for fast starts and quick mark roundings. This course is the perfect introduction to the thrill of racing and a look at what being part of the Opti Race Team is all about! *Minimum 6 participants required for this program to run* | 420 Learn-to-RaceAge: 12-18 Prerequisite: CANSail 1 required Sessions: Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm for 1 week Price: $475 + GST *The last day of this program will be a regatta! The whole day will be spent on the water!* Designed for sailors who have completed CANSail 1 and are ready to compete. Sailing with a partner, sailors learn essential racing concepts through a mix of fun drills, tactical lessons, and practice races. The course focuses on the rules of racing, executing fast starts, and mark roundings. This is the ideal stepping stone for those interested in joining the 420 Race Team! *Minimum 8 participants required for this program to run* | Laser Learn-to-RaceAge: 14-18 Prerequisite: CANSail 1 required. Sailors over 115 lbs recommended for the LASER Sailboat. Sessions: Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm for 1 week Price: $475 + GST *The last day of this program will be a regatta! The whole day will be spent on the water!* Designed for the independent sailor ready to transition into the world of competitive sailing. This course focuses on the fundamentals of racing for solo sailors, covering racecourse navigation, basic rules, and strategies for fast starts and mark roundings. Through tactical drills and practice races, sailors build the confidence to compete, providing a perfect stepping stone for joining the Race Team! *Minimum 3 participants required for this program to run* |
ADULT Learn-to-SailAge: 16+ or 12+ with a parent/guardian in the class Prerequisite: No sailing experience required Sessions: Tuesday & Thursday evenings for 4 weeks. (Times vary by month, depending on sunset) Price: $450 +GST This introductory course is designed for new sailors or those with limited experience to build confidence on the water in a social and relaxed environment. You’ll learn the FUNdamentals of sailing—safety, steering, and sail trim—while working as a two-person team. *Minimum 6 participants required for this program to run* | ADULT Learn-to-RaceAge: 16+ or 12+ with a parent/guardian in the class Prerequisite: CANSail 1 required Sessions: Once a week for 4 weeks, 3 hours per session Price: $225 + GST This intermediate course is for sailors ready to trade casual sailing for the thrill of racing. You’ll learn race tactics & starts, and the rules of racing. Working in 420 or Laser sailboats, you'll sharpen your decision-making and boat handling on the race course. A great introduction to racing for our Spring and Summer dinghy racing series! *Minimum 6 participants required for this program to run* |
RACE TEAMAge: 12-18 Prerequisite: CANSail 2 required Sessions: 3-hour sessions, twice a week, year-round Price: $225/month + GST For competitive sailors looking to push their limits, our year-round program offers high-performance coaching, advanced tactical training, and the opportunity to represent the club at regional and provincial regattas. This is the premier environment for athletes aiming to achieve their CANSail 5 and 6 certifications while mastering the fine details of boat speed, strategy, and sportsmanship. Sailors and parents/guardians are expected to join the team on the Heja App for communication, information, and schedule updates. The link will be sent by email upon registration. *Minimum 6 participants required for this program to run* For more information, visit our Race Team page! | OPTI RACE TEAMAge: 6-11 Prerequisite: CANSail 2 required Sessions: 3-hour sessions,twice a week, year-round Price: $225/month For competitive sailors looking to push their limits, our year-round program offers high-performance coaching, advanced tactical training, and the opportunity to represent the club at regional and provincial regattas. This is the premier environment for athletes aiming to achieve their CANSail 5 and 6 certifications while mastering the fine details of boat speed, strategy, and sportsmanship. Sailors and parents/guardians are expected to join the team on the Heja App for communication, information, and schedule updates. The link will be sent by email upon registration. *Minimum 3 participants required for this program to run* For more information, visit our Race Team page! | KEELBOAT RACE TEAMAge: 12+ Prerequisite: CANSail 2 required. No Keelboat experience needed. Sessions: Sundays from 9:45 am-3:45 pm for 4 weeks Price: $225/month + GST Designed for sailors who want to transition their skills to a larger, more stable sailboat. The focus is on crew coordination, spinnaker handling, and advanced race strategy. Sailors will develop teamwork and communication skills while executing maneuvers under pressure. As part of the team, you will participate in weekly club racing at SNSYC, with additional opportunities to compete in local and regional keelboat regattas! Sailors and parents/guardians are expected to join the team on the Heja App for communication, information, and schedule updates. The link will be sent by email upon registration. *Minimum 2 participants required for this program to run* For more information, visit our Race Team page! |
PRIVATE LESSONS
Age: 6+
Prerequisite: No sailing experience required.
Sessions: Contact us to book a Private Lesson!
Price: $75/hr per boat with a minimum of 3 hours. Lessons may or may not be individual, so you can split the cost and bring a friend.
SNSYC offers private lessons for individuals seeking a personalized sailing session to accelerate their progress. Whether you are a beginner looking for a confidence boost or an experienced sailor aiming to master a specific maneuver, our certified instructors provide one-on-one attention to help you reach your goals faster.
FUNSail
Age: 6+
Prerequisite: Proficient sailing experience required. *This is a supervised activity but not an instructional session. Sailors must be able to rig and sail upwind/downwind in their sailboat of choice.*
Sessions: Fridays from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm in July and August
Price:
- $20 per person
- $10 per person for SNSYC Members (Email us for a discount code!)
- Free for SNSYC Junior Members
- Free for the current week's Summer Camp sailors (for the duration of their camp)
*Pre-registration online is preferred, but cash payments are accepted at the start of the session*
The Drop-in FUNSail is the perfect opportunity to enjoy casual, open sailing in a relaxed and social environment every Friday evening. This is a non-instructional, supervised sailing session designed for sailors to get out on the water! Sailors are responsible for rigging their own boats and demonstrating proficient sailing skills to participate safely.
*Minimum 4 participants required for this program to run*
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.
Price: $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:
Cancellations 14+ days before the start of a program will receive a full refund, less a $50 administrative fee.
Cancellations 7-14 days before the start of a program will receive a 50% refund, less a $50 administrative fee.
Cancellations 0-7 days before the start of a program will receive no refunds, except in cases of extenuating circumstances, which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
No pro-rated refunds for any elective absences. 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.
For more info contact Brooke Jangula, Sailing School Manager sailingschool@snsyc.ca