Summer Sailing School 2021

Summer Sailing School 2022

JUNE 10 UPDATE IN LIGHT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC: Registration for the summer 2021 Sailing School has been temporarily suspended. We are currently developing a model for students 10 years and older to participate in a modified 2021 Sailing School, according to required government protocols and mandates. Watch this page and the registration page for updates during June, looking toward a possible July start.

BEGINS JUNE 27 THROUGH TO SEPTEMBER 3

Schedule Coming Late Spring 2022

Welcome to Salt Spring Island’s Sailing School! We offer summer sailing camps in July and August for youth ages 9 – 19 interested in developing strong sailing skills and having a lot of fun.

We offer two programs: The Opti Program and the Dinghy Program. The Opti Program is designed for younger sailors using Optimus boats which are the most widely used sailing dinghy in the world and excellent for smaller sized sailors. The Dinghy Program is designed for teens who are large enough to safely sail our fleet of 420 and Zest boats. Both programs are full day programs and provide sailors with the opportunity to complete Sail Canada’s CANSail levels at their own pace and with support from skilled instructors. Please see course descriptions below.

How to choose a sailing program:

Matching sailors with the appropriate boat and course for their body size is important for safety and to creating an enjoyable camp experience for everyone.

Please follow the guidelines below when registering your child.

Sailors who are at the weight and height criteria may be considered for the Dinghy Program even if they are underage. Please contact the Sailing School for more information.

We’re pleased to be able to offer our summer junior sailing programs during this 2021 summer, but with a different look because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have adapted our programs to follow current operating guidelines from the provincial government, viaSport and BC Sail. We are looking at a July 6 to August 28 timeline.

Some of the highlighted changes for 2021 include:

All of our classes will be delivered in a ‘single-handed’ environment (one student per boat), and each student will be assigned one set of equipment per program session.
Each boat will be cleaned at the end of every use. (To access the Sailing School’s COVID 19 Safety Plan, sisc-covid-safety-plan-august)
We are restricting classes to ages 10 and up, as we will be spending most of our time on the water.

As a part of the course registration, registrants will be “wait-listed” until we have final authorization to run the programs. Please only put your child on the wait-list if you fully intend to take the spot. If the class is not on the list on the registration site, it means that the spots and the wait-list spots are filled. And classes are being added, including CANSail 3/4, so please check back.

We hope that this summer offers more opportunities for youth who want to stay local and experience a new sport. The BC Government and SISC believe that outdoor distanced camps (with COVID19 modifications) are one of the safer activities to do. We have scheduled many one-week classes for those who may want to try out sailing. Training runs Monday to Friday from 9 am to 3 pm unless otherwise noted. There will be no classes on BC Day (Monday, August 3).

We have an excellent team of instructors who are Sail Canada trained and certified. Our programs follow Sail Canada’s CANSail curriculum. This summer’s youth programs are designed for students between 10 and 18 years old. There is no requirement to be a member of SISC to take part in our summer programs.

If you are unsure of what program to put your child into. As a guideline, smaller children should sail Optimists until they are 12, as a Laser is often difficult to manage when you are underweight – and it is less wet.
If there is a program that you are unable to take, but would like to, please let us know because we expect to rearrange programs depending on the commitment and demand.
Any other inquiries related to Sailing School.

BEGINS JULY 5 THROUGH TO SEPTEMBER 3

Welcome to Salt Spring Island’s Sailing School! We offer summer sailing camps in July and August for youth ages 10 – 18 interested in developing strong sailing skills and having a lot of fun.

How to choose a sailing program:

Matching sailors with the appropriate boat and course for their body size is important for safety and to creating an enjoyable camp experience for everyone.

Please follow the guidelines below when registering your child.

If your child is…

Sailors who are at the weight and height criteria may be considered for the Dinghy Program even if they are underage. Please contact the Sailing School for more information.

Click here to read the COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Plan details.

Click here to go to the Sailing School Registration Information Page.

Course Descriptions

CANSAIL OPTIMIST PROGRAMS (Ages 10-12)

All Optimist programs are one week courses. Classes run from 9 am to 3:30 pm Monday to Friday (unless otherwise noted).

The Opti Basic and Intermediate courses provide opportunity for attaining CANSail levels, but some sailors may need to take the program twice to achieve the level.

The Opti programs are taught in the Optimist boat. Children will be single-handing the boat.

Opti Basic (ages 10-12)

Basic sailing course for new sailors or those with limited sailing experience. Children will learn safety, crewing, steering and seamanship. Sailors have the opportunity to complete their CANSail 1.

Opti Intermediate (ages 10-12)

Pre-req: CANSail 1

Opti Intermediate continues to develop their skills in the Optimist dinghy as single-handed sailors. Sailors have the opportunity to complete their CANSail 2 and some may take this course twice to complete the level.

Opti Advanced (ages 10-12)

Pre-req CANSail 2

Opti Advanced is for the confident Opti sailor who want to learn how to sail fast. We will be introducing elements of racing, sportsmanship and teamwork.
Sailors have the opportunity to complete their CANSail 3.

Opti Racing (ages 10-12)

Pre-req CANSail 1

A week to focus on strengthening racing skills. This is a recommended course for Opti Race Team members and those preparing for fall regattas.

CANSAIL DINGHY PROGRAMS (Ages 13+)

Our sailors are using single-handed boats such as Lasers, RS Zests. Two-handed 420s are available for family pairings and we will offer a discount.

Intro to Sailing – 1 week

An introductory sailing course for first-time sailors or those with limited sailing experience that provides the essential skills for on water safety, technical knowledge, and practical ability. No prior sailing experience is required.

Sailors in this course have the opportunity to complete their CANSail 1 level. Some may need to take this course twice to complete the level.

Basic – CANSail 2 – 2 weeks

Pre-req: CANSail 1, intro or equivalent sailing ability

For somewhat experienced sailors. Over a two-week period, sailors will be introduced to a variety of basic and intermediate single-handed sailing skills in the RS Zest. Sailors in this course have the opportunity to complete their CANSail 2 level.

Intermediate/Advanced CANSail 3 & 4 – 2 weeks

Pre-req: CANSail 2 or CANSail 3

Sailors build on existing skills in all types of conditions. An introduction to elements of racing and a greater understanding of how sails work and how a sailboat moves, in 420 dinghies or Laser. It is recommended that sailors take this course twice in order to achieve both CANSail 3 and 4 sailing levels.

Dinghy Double or Single?

Registration for dinghy courses are available as a “Single” or “Double”. PHO orders have eased allowing us to pair students in a 420 with parents permission. Single courses will be on the Zest or Laser (Intermediate/Advanced).

Masks: As per PHO orders, we do not require masks while participating in this outdoor sport.

Sailing School FAQ

A Typical Day at Camp*

Drop-off
On-shore lesson
On-water lesson, practice and games
Lunch
On-shore lesson
On-water lesson, practice and games
Pick-up

*Schedule will be adjusted as needed if the wind/weather is too strong.

Sailing School FAQ

Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel, please let us know as soon as possible. If you cancel outside of two weeks prior to the start date, you’ll recover a refund less a $50 cancellation fee. We don’t offer refunds within two weeks of the start date of your course.

For more information, contact the Sailing School Coordinator.

Cancellation Policy: We acknowledge the many COVID-19 related circumstances that may cause a sailor to need to cancel a registration between now and when a session starts. Refunds will be given if you or a family member are unwell.

For more information, contact the Sailing School Coordinator.

For evolving details of the Junior Racing Program / Youth Sailing Team, currently in revision, click here.

Click here to download Frequently Asked Questions info sheet.

When and where?

Sailing school runs from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday except holidays.

All courses take place at the Salt Spring Island Sailing Club at 152 Douglas Road.

What should I bring / wear?

Personal Flotation Device (i.e. lifejacket) approved by the Ministry of Transport of Canada, that fits properly and is correct for your child’s weight.
If you don’t have PFD you can borrow one for the duration of the course.

Closed toed, non-slip shoes that can handle immersion in salt water.
No flip flops or open toed shoes please!

Weather appropriate clothing including layers.

A change of clothes and towel (kids will get wet!).

Waterproof sunblock.
Please apply before arriving and bring for additional applications.

A litter-free, healthy lunch and snacks

Refillable water bottle

A facial mask or well-fitted cloth face covering.
Masks must be worn in accordance with the most current BC public health guidelines.

How much time will we be on the water?

Sailors will be on the water as much as possible. Students will need to be comfortable getting wet, being solo or in pairs (depending on COVID guidelines) in a small boat, following instruction and occasionally being in the water. Sailors must always wear a lifejacket on the docks and on the water.

It is windy! Why is the class not sailing?

Our Instructors gauge the wind intensity, direction, and puffs to decide if the sailors can safely go out. Too strong of wind may overpower or capsize the Optis or Dinghies. Too many boats capsizing at once compromises safety and is not a good way to instill a love of sailing. Our goal is to always spend as much time sailing as possible, but if conditions do not allow we will often do safe capsizing drills off the dock or land lessons.

Does the Sailing School have a COVID-19 Protocol?

Yes! It is available for download on our website. Parents are required to review and accept the Protocol before registering their child/children.

A lot of work has gone into creating and implementing the Protocol to ensure we can safely operate the Sailing School this summer. It is important that parents/guardians understand and are prepared for the Protocol that will be required every day of the program. Please ensure your child/children are also aware prior to the first day.

What are the drop-off/pick-up procedures?

Due to COVID-19 restrictions there will be a specific path/process for drop off and pick up. When entering the parking area please follow the signs and directions of staff and volunteers. Parents/guardians are asked to leave immediately after drop-off/pick-up (unless they engaging in other Sailing Club-related activities).

I have more questions. Who do I ask?

Please review all the information on the Sailing School website before contacting our volunteer Sailing School Coordinator. Any remaining questions should be directed to:

CONTACT

Facilities and Cancellation Policies

SISC Summer Sailing School uses a dinghy sailboat fleet of 420’s, RS Zests, Lasers and Optimists (Opti’s). In addition, our instructors use inflatable “chase boats” for on-water instruction and safety purposes. All our Sailing School boats are easily accessed and set up on a platform at the water level. This allows students and instructors to safely rig up the boats on the dock and easily slide the boats into the water when they’re ready to sail.

Member Use of Inflatable Coach Boats: Member use of the Coach boats must be booked through the Dinghy Fleet Captain. If used for emergency, then please inform the Dinghy Fleet Captain of use by email or text afterwards, so that proper cleaning can be completed (dinghy@saltspringsailing.ca)

For more information, contact the Sailing School Coordinator.