SMSC Learn to Sail Parent Guide Book

Parent Guide Book

Welcome to SMSC Learn to Sail!  

In this guide book you will find all the information to prepare you and your junior sailor for a fun-filled summer on the water at SMSC! This guide book will include lots of helpful information about our policies, programs and anything else you need to know for a safe and fun summer of sailing.  

If you ever have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at: learntosail@smsc.ca  

  

Youth Learn to Sail Day to Day 

Drop Off and Pick Up: 

Summer programs run 9am to 4pm each day. Thursday Race nights begin at 4:30pm with a pre-race meal and will generally wrap up around 7:00pm.  

Sailors may be dropped off and picked up fifteen (15) minutes before or after their program. Supervision will NOT be provided for sailors outside of these times.  

 

What to Bring:

Sailors are to bring the following items to Learn to Sail every day to ensure that they have a comfortable and safe experience while sailing.  

  • Canadian Coast Guard Approved lifejacket or PFD  

  • Closed Toe Shoes for sailing (No sandals or Flip Flops) and sneakers for games  

  • Allergy medication and instructions for use (if required)  

  • Full change of clothes - shorts, T-shirt/long sleeve shirts, pants, sweaters   

  • Rain Jacket/pants – fleece is warm and takes the chill away  

  • Towel  

  • Water Bottle   

  • Sunscreen (SPF 30 +)  

  • Bathing Suit  

  • Hat  

  • Sunglasses  

  • Wetsuit – MEC, Decathalon, Costco very affordable sailing attire for kids  

  • Lunch   

  • We strongly recommend that each item be clearly and prominently labeled with your family name so it will not get misplaced during the course of the day.  

  • Good-weather clothing: use a “layering” strategy because the temperature can be very different on land versus on the water and may change during the day. Quick- dry fabrics and a wind-proof outer layer on the upper body is recommended. Clothes will get wet and salt stained most days, and the seats of pants and shorts have a good chance of getting torn or ripped. Always pack a spare set of clothes. 

  • NOTE: With all of this it does not need to be top-of-the-line sailing gear simply things that are windproof/waterproof and you’re comfortable with them getting wet!  

 

The decision to send a sailor out sailing each day will be a decision made by each sailor's coach. If the sailor does not have proper clothing or equipment, the coach may decide that the sailor should not go out on the water. 

 

Remember to pack clothes for ALL weather conditions, forecasts change very quickly on the ocean and it is important that sailors have everything they need to get on the water safely.  

 Cubby holes are available for sailors to keep their stuff together throughout the day. SMSC does not guarantee the safety of valuables or electronic devices while attending the sailing program. We recommend that such items be left at home.  

 

SMSC Policies  

Sailor Code of Conduct: 

The Sailor’s Code of Conduct has been developed to provide a safe environment for the sailors, coaches, and equipment. At SMSC, we expect the highest level of sportsmanship, teamwork, fair play, and responsible behavior.  As a member of this team you represent SMSC, this organization, and your family.  Your behavior, either on or off the water, should be to maintain this level of sportsmanship and conduct, and make other sailors proud to be a part of this organization.  The use of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco of any kind, by any participant, at any time, is strictly prohibited.  

In order to achieve this, we ask you follow these guidelines: 

  • Sail for fun and the love of the sport.  Enjoy yourself.  

  • Work hard to improve your skills.   

  • Listen, ask questions, and watch others to see how you can better your skills.  

  • Learn teamwork, sportsmanship, discipline, confidence and self-control.  

  • Be a team player - respecting our teammates.   

  • Appreciate the contribution each person makes to the team.  

  • Learn the rules and play by them. Always be a good sport and set a positive example for others, particularly younger sailors.  

We expect you to:  

  • Use appropriate language – the use of profanity, discriminatory/abusive/aggressive language, and gestures is not permitted.  

  • Respect your instructor/coach, your fellow participants, opponents and officials.  The rules of the Canadian Yachting Association are to be observed by all.  Absolutely no unsportsmanlike conduct will be tolerated.

  • Be on time for sessions.   

  • Attend regularly – you need to develop your individual skills, sailing fundamentals, as well as develop team discipline, unity, spirit, commitment and loyalty.  

  • NEVER participate in any physical violence, fighting etc. during any events/programming, under any circumstances.  

If you do not follow the Sailor’s Code of Conduct consequences will incur with the possibility of removal from the program. 

Please understand that the enforcement of this policy is to ensure a safe and fun environment for all. 

Sailing Safety Policies: 

  1. CCG approved lifejacket or PFD must be worn at all time when on or near the water.  

  2. Sailors must wear clothing appropriate for weather conditions and have layers and changes of clothing.  Sailors are required to wear a minimum of a t-shirt.  Sailing exposes sailors to a variety of elements, some such a UV rays or cold, which can be dangerous.  Sailors therefore need to come prepared.  If you need assistance ensuring your sailor is properly dressed, please speak with the Head Instructor.  If a sailor comes ill prepared on more than two occasions, a meeting will be organized with the parent(s) to ensure a safe environment for their sailor.  

  3. Closed toe shoes must be worn at all times. Sandals and flip-flops are not permitted.  

  4. Waterproof sunscreen is required (SPF 30+).  Spray on application the easiest for younger children.  

  5. UV sunglasses and hats or visors are a must.   

  6. Wetsuits and other dinghy gear are recommended.  

  7. All sailors must respect the SMSC Rules and Regulations, Sail Canada’s Code of Conduct, and the NCCP Code of Ethics.  

  8. There is a very strict no bullying policy that is rigorously upheld. This policy does not tolerate any form of bullying/harassing based on ability, age, race, sex, gender, sexual-orientation, religion, or socio-economic status.  Non-compliance of this regulation will result in a revision of a sailor’s registration, possible suspension, and the possibility that the sailor will be asked not to return to the program.  If you will not be attending, please let an instructor know the morning of, or a day ahead.

  9. Sailors must respect their coaches, their peers, and the members of SMSC.  Fun and safe learning environments are essential to the CANSail curriculum.  Sailing is a difficult sport to master and having a respectful and supportive environment is crucial.  As such, the SMSC Sailing Program does not tolerate disrespectful behavior from sailors directed towards its staff, its students, or its members.   

  10. Sailors must respect the SMSC Sailing Program’s equipment and facility.  Like hockey, skiing, and cycling, sailing requires equipment that is expensive.  SMSC strives to provide sailors with the best gear and boats possible so that all sailors have the opportunity to learn the joy of sailing.  The program’s instructors put in a lot of effort to maintain equipment.  We ask that sailors respect the equipment, caring for it as best that they can.  We also ask sailors to respect the wonderful facility that is provided for the program, keeping it tidy, clean, and a fun environment.  

  11. The SMSC Sailing Program does not tolerate any foul language, including any derogatory language or curse words.  

  12. If your sailor is taking any medication, please ensure that the Head Instructor is notified.  Such information will be kept strictly confidential, but the program wants to ensure that in such a wet and damp environment that medication is kept safe, and that instructors understand its usage in the event of an emergency.  

Penalties and Discipline Enforced by SMSC   

Failure to follow the SMSC Safety Rules may result in a variety of consequences including removal from the program. 

Swimming: 

St. Margaret Sailing Club is very lucky to be located on such a beautiful and clean bay. We are also able swim right off our docks at the club! There are a couple of rules that sailors should know about before jumping off the big dock.  Any sailors in Wet Feet and Fundamentals will be required to wear their life jackets when swimming and jumping off any dock at all times!  Any sailor in Intermediate, and up, will be required to bring their life jacket/PDF to the swimming location. Sailors being required to wear them will be up to the discretion of their coach. Failure to abide by these guidelines may result in removal from the program.

Safety:

Safety is paramount to SMSC.  Our coaching staff are all certified for the following: First Aid / CPR, Pleasure Craft Operators Certificate, Coach Boat Safety, Radio Operators Certificate, and Technical Courses.  Each coach boat is equipped with all Transport Canada required safety equipment and an updated first aid kit and a VHF radio.  Coaches are trained and equipped to activate our Emergency Action Plan (EAP) whenever necessary.   

The following is a list of safety guidelines that sailors must adhere to when participating in our Junior Sail programs:  

  • Every day sailors must check-in with their coach upon arrival and check-out prior to departure.  Between 9am and 4 pm sailors stay with their respective coaching staff unless told to do otherwise by Head Instructor.  

  • Sailors must always wear appropriately sized, Transport Canada approved lifejacket or PFD when on or near water.  

  • Sailors may not leave the dock and/or beach before their instructor indicates it is safe to do so.  

  • Sailors must remain within eyesight of their coach at all times when on the water.  

  •  Sailors must notify the Head Coach in advance of any potentially harmful medical condition(s).  If applicable, please provide the Head Instructor with appropriate allergy/emergency medication.  

  •  Sailors are asked to notify their coach immediately if they become injured or feel unsafe. 

Sailor Levels and Transitioning through Programs 

CANSail 

The CANSail Program is Sail Canada’s national training program for sailing in dinghies. The program is made up of core standards that promote progressive training of core dinghy sailing skills and knowledge. CANSail programming means lots of time on the water in a safe, fun, and active learning environment. Sailors learn the skills and enter into fun and challenging experiences suited to their age and stage of development. The programming is designed to get – and keep – sailors excited about sailing for life!  

INTRODUCTORY PROGRAMS – FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS ACQUISITION 

  • WetFeet – Introduction to sailing for sailors aged 5 to 8 years and designed for implementation in an Optimist Dinghy. 

  • Fundamentals – Introduction to sailing. CANSail 1/2 teaches sailors the fundamental sailing skills including basic sheeting, steering, and boat handling on all points of sail. Sailors can sail within defined boundaries set by an instructor. This program takes place in Opti’s and Pico’s. 

    INTERMEDIATE PROGRAMS – FUNDAMENTAL SKILL CONSOLIDATION 

  • Intermediate Opti – Intermediate sailing. CANSail 3/4 teaches sailors to integrate the fundamental boat handling manoeuvers and balance with basic tactics and strategy as well as applied sail trim. Sailors are exposed to a greater variety of conditions and perform more advanced boat handling manoeuvers. Sailors begin to look at tactics and strategy.  

  • Intermediate 420 – Intermediate sailing. CANSail 3/4 teaches sailors to integrate the fundamental boat handling manoeuvers and balance with basic tactics and strategy as well as applied sail trim. Sailors are exposed to a greater variety of conditions and perform more advanced boat handling manoeuvers. Sailors begin to look at tactics and strategy.  

    ADVANCED PROGRAMS – APPLIED SKILL ACQUISITION 

  • Advanced Opti – Integration of racing. CANSail 5/6 fully integrates boat handling with tactics and strategy. Sailors build their knowledge of rig tuning and its relation to boat trim and conditions. Sailors train to perform all skills within a competitive race setting in order to achieve accurate sailing within a regatta and in all conditions.

  • Advanced 420 – Integration of racing. CANSail 5/6 fully integrates boat handling with tactics and strategy. Sailors build their knowledge of rig tuning and its relation to boat trim and conditions. Sailors train to perform all skills within a competitive race setting in order to achieve accurate sailing within a regatta and in all conditions.

What group or boat should my sailor be in?  

As sailors progress through these levels, they will move through the different stages of our programming at SMSC. Each of our program descriptions includes the recommended CANSail level for the participant to have. CANSail is an excellent program because you can work towards your levels in any boat. We offer the option for sailors to sail in single-handed Optis (small boats with an age maximum of 15 and a weight maximum of about 125lbs) or in double-handed boats where there is more space for older or larger sailors and you get to work collaboratively with a crew-mate.   

Do sailors need to know who their partner will be to participate in a double-handed or c420 group? Nope! We can place sailors with a partner as part of the group and will often move partnerships around at the Fundamentals and Intermediate level so that sailors can gain the experience of sailing with different people. At the advanced level if you have an identified training partner that is awesome but we can also facilitate that as well.  

As sailors outgrow the Opti or are above 15 they may consider transitioning into either a ILCA or a c420. When making the decision about where to go next in your sailing journey we encourage you to reach out to us at SMSC as their coach will be able to provide recomendations and answer any questions.  

 

How do I view my sailors progress?  

When you register for SMSC’s programming through checklick a profile is created for your sailor. This profile is also where their progress through the CANSail levels is recorded. Coaches fill out the CANSail checklist online throughout the summer. You may login to your sailors Checklick profile by visiting the checklick website site.  https://app.checklick.com  

If you have forgotten the password for your sailors profile, please email learntosail@smsc.ca with your sailors name, and the password can be reset for you.  

It is a good idea to check your sailor’s checklick profile before registering them to see what progress they have previously made. 

  

Terms & Conditions of Registration:  

 

Terms of Service 

I understand that programs of this nature contain an element of hazard and, in consideration of my child being permitted to take part in the program, I agree to save harmless and keep indemnified St. Margaret Sailing Club, and their respective agents, officials, servants and representatives from and against all claims, actions, costs, expenses and demands in respect to death, injury, loss, damage to person or property, howsoever caused, arising out of or in connection with taking part in St. Margaret Sailing Club's activities, notwithstanding that the same may have contributed to or caused or occasioned by the negligence of the same bodies or any of them, or their agents, officials, servants or representatives. I also understand that St, Margaret' Sailing Club is responsible for supervision of my child during class time only. If I cannot supervise my child outside these times, it is my responsibility to arrange for alternate supervision. I further understand and agree that this release is binding upon myself, my heirs, executors and assigns. 

By confirming registration, I am verifying that I have read through and agree to the terms and conditions outlined above. I understand it is the sole responsibility of the individual registrant attending the course(s) to ensure that they meet all of the registration requirements. Registrants who do not meet the age requirements and/or course prerequisites will not receive course completion credit. 

 

Registration Minimums 

SMSC reserves the right to cancel any program if registration minimums for the program to operate are not met. In the event that a program you have registered will be cancelled you will be contacted via the email you registered for that program with and you will be offered with an alternate program option OR you will be able to choose to receive a full refund for the program.  

 

Refund Policy 

No refund is available unless the space can be filled from the waiting list. Refunds or exchanges must be requested a minimum of 5 days prior to the start date of your course. In order to request a refund, please contact St. Margaret Sailing Club at learntosail@smsc.ca with the order number and registrant name. A 20% administration fee will be applied to all refunds. Refunds will be made with the same method as the original payment. St. Margaret Sailing Club reserves the right to refuse a refund or exchange that does not meet the outlined terms. 

Our Program Vision and Values   

SMSC Learn to Sail believes in creating a positive learning environment where youth can build sailing and life skills.  

Valuing sailors and their personal goals in the sport is at the center of SMSC’s programming. SMSC strives to have sailors learn important sailing and life skills in a supportive environment where they can explore the exceptional St. Margaret’s Bay and all that the sport of sailing has to offer.  

SMSC is a Sail Canada accredited program using Sail Canada’s internationally recognized sail training program - CANSail.  

About the Club 

St. Margaret Sailing Club started with a group of local sailors hosting events out of their back yards.  Since then, it has grown to its permanent home located on the shores of French Village Harbour.  Even though members have changed over the years and the location has moved, one thing that has always stayed the same, is our beautiful St. Margaret’s Bay.  Over the years SMSC has been put on the map for competitive sailing after hosting a number of high profile world class regattas such as the 2006 Laser North Americans, 2009 Laser World Championships, 2011 Canadian Sailing Championships, the 2013 420 North American Championships and Co-Host of the 2022 World Championships. Every year SMSC hosts Eastern Canada’s largest Regatta “The Bay, The Wind” which always sees a strong turn out from local sailors.  

If you would like more information about St. Margaret Sailing Club; what services we offer, how to become a member or to find out about numerous volunteer activities please check us out online at SMSC.ca. Or to see pictures of our events or our Learn to Sail program you can follow us on Facebook.