LEARN TO SAIL
The Dalhousie Yacht Club's Learn to Sail Program offers an unparalleled opportunity for athletes of all ages to learn to sail!
Our Mission: Promote the sport of sailing and sailing skill development in youth and adults through qualified instruction of Sail Canada curriculum in a safe, positive and inclusive environment.
The program offers day camps, weekends and evening lessons. All courses utilize the Sail Canada CANSail certification program. With an ever-growing Youth and Adult programs and a thriving community, The Dalhousie Yacht Club is the best for sailors to develop a lifelong commitment to the water!
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Introduction to Sailing
Weekends in June
Age: 8+
Prerequisites: None
Learn the fundamentals of sailing in this weekend course! Students will develop essential skills, including rigging, docking and launching a sailboat safely, how to steer and trim sails, and how to balance the boat to prevent capsizes.
Upon demonstrating these skills, sailors will earn their ICANSail level, a nationally recognized certification at sailing schools across Canada. Since CANSail is a progression-based program rather than pass/fail, some students may require additional time to complete their level.
Sailors of all CANSail levels are welcome, and instructors will provide guidance to help each participant advance to the next stage of their sailing journey.
Fundamentals of Sailing
Weekdays in July/August
Age: 8+
Prerequisites: None
Join us for a fun and engaging summer camp where students will learn how to sail in an exciting, hands-on environment! This program covers essential skills such as balancing and steering a boat, performing sailing maneuvers like tacking and gybing, adjusting speed, and stopping safely. Participants will also learn how to rig, launch, dock, and properly store a sailboat.
Sailors will have the opportunity to earn their ICANSail, CANSail 1, or CANSail 2 certification, depending on their current level. These nationally recognized certifications are valid at sailing schools across Canada. Since CANSail is a progression-based program rather than pass/fail, some students may need additional time to complete their level, it is typical to obtain CANSail 1 or 2 in one week.
Sailors of all CANSail levels are welcome, and instructors will provide personalized guidance to help each participant advance in their sailing journey. For CANSail 3 and 4 sailors, we recommend enrolling for at least two consecutive weeks as CANSail 3 or 4 typically require 2 weeks per level.
TYPICAL DAY OF SAILING
8:50-9:00AM - Drop-Off Time
9:00AM - Rigging, Land Lesson and Games
10:00AM - Launch and On-water lesson
12:00PM - Lunch and Games
1:00PM - Land Lesson, Launch, and On-water lesson
3:00PM - Dock, Derig, Debrief, and more Games!
4:00PM - Pick-Up Time
Adult Programs
Sail Canada Start Keelboat Sailing
Adult Keelboat Course Schedule
June Session - Mondays & Thursdays at 6pm
July Session - Tuesdays & Fridays at 5:30pm
August Session - Mondays & Thursdays at 5:30pm
Prerequisites: None
DYC’s adult keelboat program follows entry-level Sail Canada Standards. This course teaches basic sailing skills with a focus on the operation of the vessel as crew, recommended for those with little sailing experience who want to build basic sailing skills.
For the required forms to accompany registration, click here.
Sail Canada Basic Cruising
Evenings in June-August
Prerequisites: None
The focus of this course is on the development of basic sailing and seamanship skills as well the knowledge needed to make the decisions expected of a skipper and be able to cruise safely in familiar waters as both skipper and crew of a sloop-rigged keelboat in moderate wind and sea conditions by day.
Full standards can be found here.
For the required forms to accompany registration click here.
The CANSail Program, Sail Canada’s national learn-to-sail initiative, is taught by certified instructors and recognized by World Sailing. It introduces and builds sailing skills through hands-on, progressive training in a safe, fun environment, with plenty of on-water time. Tailored to participants’ age and development, CANSail ensures consistent fundamentals delivered in engaging ways.
ICANSail - Basic concepts are introduced and tried by participants as part of an opportunity to get out on the water and experience sailing.
(Discover Sailing)
Alt: Get out on the water and discover sailing! This introductory experience lets participants explore basic sailing concepts through hands-on practice, offering a fun and accessible way to try the sport.
CANSail 1 - Introduction to sailing. CANSail 1 teaches sailors fundamental sailing skills and boat handling on all points of sail. Sailors can sail within defined boundaries set by an instructor.
(Introduction to Sailing)
Alt: Dive into the essentials of sailing! CANSail 1 equips sailors with foundational skills, teaching boat handling and navigation on all points of sail. Under an instructor’s guidance, sailors learn to sail confidently within set boundaries.
CANSail 2 - Basic sailing. CANSail 2 teaches sailors to adjust their bodies and boats for changes in direction and wind speed while sailing and performing boat-handling maneuvers.
(Basic Sailing)
Alt: Build your sailing foundation! CANSail 2 focuses on adapting to wind shifts and directional changes, refining body positioning and boat control during maneuvers. Sailors gain the skills to handle dynamic conditions with confidence.
CANSail 3 - This teaches sailors to integrate the fundamental boat handling manoeuvres and applied sail trim. Sailors may be given opportunities to participate in a race to learn tactics.
(Intermediate Sailing)
Alt: Master the basics and take it further! CANSail 3 blends fundamental maneuvers with advanced sail trim, helping sailors sail efficiently in varied conditions. Opportunities to race introduce tactical decision-making and competitive excitement.
CANSail 4 - Advanced sailing. CANSail 4 teaches advanced boat handling skills where sailors can successfully execute manoeuvres in competitive settings and for tactical and strategic purposes. Sailors participate in a one to two-day local regatta.
(Advanced Sailing)
Alt: Elevate your skills to a competitive edge! CANSail 4 hones advanced boat-handling techniques for tactical and strategic success. Sailors test their abilities in a one- to two-day local regatta, embracing the thrill of competition.
CANSail 5 - Basic integration of racing. CANSail 5 fully integrates boat handling with tactics and strategy. Sailors are also introduced to the concept of rig tuning and its relation to boat trim and conditions.
(Introduction to Sailing)
Alt: Integrate skills and strategy! CANSail 5 combines precise boat handling with racing tactics, introducing rig tuning to optimize performance across conditions. Sailors develop a deeper understanding of how boat trim impacts speed and control.
CANSail 6 - Fully integrates boat handling, sail trim, and rig setup with racing. Sailors train to perform all skills within a competitive race setting in a variety of conditions. Sailors participate in a regional or provincial regatta.\
(Competitive Racing Mastery)
Alt: Race at your peak! CANSail 6 fully unites boat handling, sail trim, and rig setup with advanced racing strategies. Sailors train to excel in competitive settings across diverse conditions, culminating in participation in a regional or provincial regatta.
Meet Your Instructors
The best of the best
Youth Programs
Fundamentals of Sailing
Weekends in June
Age: 8+
Prerequisites None
Learn the fundamentals of sailing in this weekend course! Students will develop essential skills, including steering a sailboat, controlling speed, understanding the points of sail, and learn sailing maneuvers like tacking and gybing.
Introduction to Sailing
Weekdays in July & August
Age: 8+
Prerequisites: None
Join us for a fun and engaging summer camp where students will learn how to sail in an exciting, hands-on environment! This program covers essential skills such as balancing and steering a boat, performing sailing maneuvers like tacking and gybing, adjusting speed, and stopping safely. Participants will also learn how to rig, launch, dock, and properly store a sailboat.
DYC LEARN TO SAIL SHIRT
Holiday Sale
Perfect for long days on the water, this lightweight, quick-dry rash guard keeps you cool, protected, and ready to sail. Featuring the Yacht Club logo and "Learn to Sail" down the sleeve, it’s a must-have for every sailor!
to do: add meet the instructors section
add adult programs: keel boat and adult 420
DYC handbook should be sent out in a email after registration
Fundamentals of Sailing
Weekends in June
Learn the fundamentals of sailing in this weekend course! Students will develop essential skills, including steering a sailboat, controlling speed, understanding the points of sail, and learn sailing maneuvers like tacking and gybing.
Introduction to Sailing
Weekdays in July & August
Join us for a fun and engaging summer camp where students will learn how to sail in an exciting, hands-on environment! This program covers essential skills such as balancing and steering a boat, performing sailing maneuvers like tacking and gybing, adjusting speed, and stopping safely. Participants will also learn how to rig, launch, dock, and properly store a sailboat.
June Weekends - Introductory Youth Sailing
On 4 weekends throughout June, DYC is offering introductory sailing programs for youth focusing on CANSail 1 & 2 instruction. Saturdays will be for sailors ages 8-11 and Sundays will be for sailors ages 12-17. All weekend courses will start at 10 am and run until 2:30 pm. Sailors will meet the instructors at Lakeside Beach in an area near the water behind the park washrooms.
Summer Weekdays - Youth Sailing Programs
Throughout July and August DYC will be offering weekday sailing programs in one and two-week durations. Each day is from 9am until 4pm. Sailors will meet the instructors at the Learn to Sail building by the DYC clubhouse. See our course selection page for more details.
Sail Canada Start Keelboat Sailing
DYC’s adult keelboat program follows entry-level Sail Canada Standards. This course teaches basic sailing skills with a focus on the operation of the vessel as crew, recommended for those with little sailing experience who want to build basic sailing skills .
Summer 2025 Adult Keelboat Course Schedule
June Session - Mondays & Thursdays at 6pm
July Session - Tuesdays & Fridays at 5:30pm
August Session - Mondays & Thursdays at 5:30pm
For the required forms to accompany registration, click here.
NEW! Sail Canada Basic Cruising
The focus of this course is on the development of basic sailing and seamanship skills as well the knowledge needed to make the decisions expected of a skipper and be able to cruise safely in familiar waters as both skipper and crew of a sloop-rigged keelboat in moderate wind and sea conditions by day. Full standards can be found here.
For the required forms to accompany registration click here.
Get the Handbook
The DYC Learn to Sail handbook includes the rules and regulations of the junior program. Once you have decided to register please read the handbook.
Required waivers and forms should then be printed , signed and returned to the DYC office or electronically signed and sent to LTS@dalhousieyachtclub.com. No sailor will be allowed on the water until the forms have been submitted.