Sailing School, Junior Programs

Overview | Junior Program | Adult Dinghy Program | Keelboat Program

General Information

For youth aged 7 through 18, there's no better way to spend the summer than by joining the ABYC junior sailing school program! Participants in the learn-to-sail programs can spend the months of July and August having fun learning to sail and meeting new friends. In the more competitive learn-to-race stream training events are run from May through October and athletes participate in local, regional and international regattas.

The junior program is developed and taught by Canadian Yachting Association (CYA) certified instructors and participants may earn CYA levels upon completion of the curriculum. Junior sailors are sub-divided into groups, depending on age and/or sailing experience and their aspirations. Options for competitive or non-competitive learning are available for the earlier levels while the later levels concentrate on sailing competition and learning to teach. The following graphic shows the learn-to-sail (LTS) and learn-to-race (LTR) continuum at ABYC. Registration forms are available below.

The summer program operates Monday through Friday, 9am to 4pm, with two-, four-, and eight-week sessions available.

Program Descriptions

Optimist Learn-to-Sail Program (Ages 7-9, two-week sessions during July and August)

This is an introduction to sailing for the young child with no previous experience. In stable, sturdy Optimist dinghies (designed specifically for beginners), sailors learn basic steering and sail control skills in a small-group environment. Off the water, instructors teach the points of sail, boat parts, and weather and safety information through games and interactive lessons. Highlights of this program include surprise theme days and excursions to the beach. This program emphasizes safety, fun, and learning, and provides ideal preparation for the CYA Whitesail levels.

Junior Learn-to-Race Program (Ages 8-14, programs are offered Sunday afternoons through May and June, one session during July and August that can range up to eight weeks, and Sunday afternoons during September and October)


For young sailors interested in learning how to race, this program offers an excellent opportunity to practice in a small group with a dedicated racing coach. No previous racing experience is required however students should enjoy time on the water and have a growing interest in the sport. Students are taught in racing Optimists, the international youth racing standard and they have the opportunity to participate in a minimum of 3 regattas through the summer. Participants can earn CYA certification levels and can sail either in their own boat or in racing Optimists provided by the club. Programs are offered from May to October and children and their families can opt in and out as they wish. Fees are charged in 3 main blocks: spring/summer/fall. Spring training is offered through May anbd June on Sunbday afternoons, noon to 4 PM, and the summer program operates through 8 weeks during July and August. Fall training is offered Sunday afternoons from noon to 4 PM, and throughout the year participants can attend local, regional, or international regattas, depending on their personal objectives. The program can accommodate children who want limited competition as well as those who want to compete internationally.

Note: This program requires a minimum of 3 weekends of travel and demands a moderate commitment from both sailors and their parents, who will be asked to chaperone at regattas and/or help provide transportation to races. In addition, regatta fees and travel expenses (transportation, lodging, and food) are not covered in the program fee.

White Sail Program (ages 10-16, two-week sessions during July and August)


For young sailors with no previous experience or for those who want to improve their sailing skills. Taught in Optimists, 420s and Picos, the White Sail program follows the CYA's basic sailing curriculum and gives participants the opportunity to earn nationally recognized Whitesail I, II, and III certificates. In addition to learning the basic elements of sail theory (including the parts of the boat, right-of-way rules, and basic points of sail), sailors in this program are taught to perform the specific duties of skipper and/or crew on the water. When not sailing, the Whitesail group spends time learning theory or playing sailing games.

As in the Optimist Program, the emphasis is on safety, fun, and teaching young sailors to confidently handle a small dinghy.

Note: Participants in this program learn the vital CYA safety skill of righting a capsized sailboat, so be prepared to get wet!!

Bronze Program (age 12 and up, four-week sessions during July and August)

For sailors who have obtained their Whitesail III certificate. In double-handed 420s, Bronze sailors are taught the CYA's advanced sailing curriculum and become eligible to earn their Bronze IV and V certificates. On the water, instructors teach advanced boat handling and sail trim techniques, as well as spinnaker and trapeze skills. On shore, sailors learn advanced sail theory, boat maintenance, and basic racing rules. Highlights of this program include a trip to a Toronto-area regatta. This program emphasizes high-performance sailing and basic racing and acts as a foundation for the Racing Team. Because of the more advanced nature of this program, a four-week commitment is required.

Silver/Gold Senior Racing Team (age 15 and up, programs are offered Saturday or Sunday afternoons through May and June, one eight-week session during July and August, and Saturday or Sunday afternoons through September and October)


For sailors who have obtained their Bronze V certificate. Sailing in Lasers and 29er skiffs, Race Team members spend the summer learning to race and competing at various regattas throughout Ontario under the guidance of a CYA-certified Race Coach. At ABYC, sailors learn racing rules, tactics, and competitive boat-handling skills through on-water drills and on-shore coaching sessions. Away from the club, Race Team members meet and compete with sailors of the same skill level from across Ontario. Programs are offered from May to October with spring training offered Sundays noon to 4 PM through May and June, an 8-week session which operates during July and August, and fall training Sundays noon to 4 PM through September and October. Participants can opt in and out depending on their traning objectives. Fees are charged in 3 blocks: spring/summer/fall. Participants may earn their CYA Silver VI or Gold certificate and can participate in local, regional, or international regattas.

Note: This program requires 4 to 6 weekends of travel and demands a high level of commitment from both sailors and their parents, who will be asked to chaperone at regattas and/or help provide transportation to races. In addition, regatta fees and travel expenses (transportation, lodging, and food) are not covered in the program fee.

Requirements
Space in all of the above programs is limited. In order to ensure that your child is registered, we must receive the following three items: completed registration form, payment in full, and cheque for damage deposit.

Please note that fees paid qualify as child care expenditures for tax purposes. Appropriate receipts are provided.

Damage Deposit
ABYC is aware of the possibility that damage to Club property may occur. We therefore require a damage deposit of $250.00. This deposit is to act as a deterrent against willful damage of Club property. The intent is not to penalize against the normal "wear and tear" which occurs as part of regular sailing activity, but to prevent careless and/or deliberate damage.

Your cheque for $250.00 will remain uncashed and on file at the club. Should it be necessary to cash this cheque, you will be notified before such action is taken. Uncashed cheques will be returned at the completion of your child's programme.