Learn to Sail - 2025
Our Learn to Sail 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.
DYC Learn to Sail Registration
Our sailing school fills up quickly, so best to sign up soon. The complete list of courses and course availability is online.
Youth Introduction to Sailing (Weekends in June)
Whether you're new to the sport or a returning student, these weekend sessions are a great introduction and build on the fundamentals of sailing. Students will develop essential skills, including steering a sailboat, controlling speed, understanding the points of sail, and learn sailing maneuvers like tacking and gybing.
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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.
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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.
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Note: There is a once-a-year Sail Canada fee of $24, applicable to both youth and adult programs. This fee is only paid once per year and will be added to the invoice at checkout. If you register for more than one session over the season, this fee is only paid once.
Summer Weekdays - Youth Sailing Programs
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.
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Note: There is a once-a-year Sail Canada fee of $24, applicable to both youth and adult programs. This fee is only paid once per year and will be added to the invoice at checkout. If you register for more than one session over the season, this fee is only paid once.
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
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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.
CANSail is designed to be a set of progressive learn to sail standards focused on providing sailors with a solid foundation of core skills. It allows sailors to learn and progress in any type of boat and consolidates key skills and solid experiences before adding complex skills.
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iCANSail/ CANSail 1 - Learn to Sail
Most young sailors start by completing their iCANSail checklist, learning to become comfortable on and in the water, using the basic sail controls, and working as part of a team. In some cases, sailors will begin working on their CANSail 1 checklist right away. First-time sailors should sign up for this beginner level, which teaches fundamental sailing skills. Taught in small, double-handed boats, it’s a fun and safe introduction to basic sailing. (8 sailors per session).
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CANSail 2 - Learn to Sail
In some cases, sailors can begin working on their CANSail 2 level. This level introduces more complex versions of the introductory skills learned in CANSail 1. Sailors are expected to take the helm more often (steer the boat) and fine-tune their boat handling skills. (8 – 10 sailors per session)
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CANSail 3 - Learn to Sail Fast
In this level, sailors acquire applied skills in larger, double-handed boats (420s). More time is spent training on the water, and sailors are given the opportunity to try racing within the group. (8 – 10 sailors per session)
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CANSail 4 - Learn to Sail Fast
Sailors train to tune and handle their boat with ease as they further their understanding of what does and doesn't make their boat move faster. A fundamental understanding of basic tactics and physics is taught, (8 – 10 sailors per session)
NEW! Sail Adult Dinghy Sailing
Discover the excitement of sailing with our Adult Dinghy Program, designed for beginners through advanced sailors (CANSail 1–4). A dinghy is a small, lightweight sailboat that can capsize. Learn essential skills like rigging, docking, launching, steering, and sail trimming, then progress to tacking, gybing, speed control, and advanced techniques like roll tacks/gybes and racing strategies. You'll also explore sailing theory, including gusts, lulls, clouds, and tactics.
Our certified instructors offer personalized coaching to help you grow at your own pace. Participants can earn nationally recognized CANSail 1–4 certifications. Since CANSail is progression-based, some may need extra time to complete their level.
Monday evenings, 5:30 - 9:30, 10 week program, June 16 to August 18 , 2025. (40 hours of instruction)
Please note: A minimum of 4 participants is required in order for the program to run. Should the numbers be less a full refund will be provided/ possible alternate program.
Cost: $680 + HST + Ontario Sailing fee $24.00 + HST
Maximum participants: 8
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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.