Youth Sailing Programs

Wetfeet is CANSail’s introductory program for young sailors. This program is a wonderful opportunity to get young children comfortable with being on the water while giving them the skills to safely have fun and gain some basic sailing knowledge. Children spend time on and off the water and are introduced to the sport and culture of sailing and the Junior Sail program at SMSC.

Wet Feet is a gentle beginner course with the day comprising of sailing an Optimist, onshore sailing classes and recreational activities that include field games, nature walks, visiting local beaches by water, and swimming. Instructors experienced with children aged eight and under work with this group to maintain a safe and fun environment. Sailors will work towards their CANSail Wetfeet Level in this program.

Experience: None, but must have completed Grade Primary

Registration Not Open

The Fundamentals introductory program is for those sailors that have either completed the Wet Feet program or children that are new to sailing.

Novice sailors will build a strong foundation of sailing skills, including basic sheeting, steering, and boat handling on all points of sail and will be taught how to perform boat-handling maneuvers in a controlled manner. Sailors are placed in a boat best suited for their size and are gradually introduced to important concepts to improve their sailing experience along with exciting adventures on and off the water. Sailors will work towards their CANSail 1 or 2 level in this program.

Experience: None

Registration Not Open

Designed for young sailors that want to further develop their skills and are looking forward to trying their hand at racing. This program will put a focus on learning the foundations of racing-specific terminology, tactics and boat handling. This group is intended for sailors that have learned the basic skills and are ready for more of a challenge. This group may compete in Club and local regattas. Regatta attendance is recommended but not mandatory.

Experience: CANSail 2 to 4
Weight: Less than 120 lbs
Age: 10 to 15

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Sailors will be introduced to RAD (reduced area design) and full rig C420's and begin to integrate fundamental boat handling maneuvers and balance with basic sail trim and tactics. This program will put a focus on learning the foundations of two-person dinghy sailing with an introduction to racing specific terminology, tactics, and boat handling. This group is intended for sailors that have learned the basic skills and are ready to expand their horizons. These sailors may compete using C420's in Club and local regattas to grow their confidence and racing experience before moving onto the next step. Regatta attendance recommended, but not mandatory.

Experience: CANSail 2 to 4
Age: 12 to 18

Registration Not Open

The Advanced Opti program will focus on intermediate and advanced elements of Optimist racing while refining boat handling skills and race theory. Advanced sailors learn about racing rules, tactics, sportsmanship and teamwork. They will have opportunities to compete at regattas and mentor more junior sailors. Sailors will also learn a variety of other sailing skills to complement any path they wish to pursue once graduating from the Optimist, including seamanship and personal boat maintenance. The team will participate at SMSC’s Bay Wind Regatta and LYC’s Sail Fest. Additional regattas may be attended. Following weekend regattas attended there will be no sailing on the Monday to allow for appropriate rest for sailors and coaches – regardless of regatta participation.

Advanced sailors are strongly encouraged to sail at least 4 weeks and participate in regattas.

Experience: CANSail 4 to 6
Age: 13 to 18

Registration Not Open

420 and Opti Spring Programming is geared towards intermediate and advanced sailors to get a head start on the season. The program will run Wednesdays 4:30 - 7:30 pm and Saturdays & Sundays 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Experience: CanSail 3 minimum

Age: 10+

Registration Not Open

The Advanced C420 sailors team up in pairs to practice advanced skills like spinnaker, trapeze and learn advanced racing concepts. Sailors are expected to be proficient in fundamental and intermediate sailing techniques. Sailors will also learn about important seamanship skills such as boat and sail care and line manipulation. Communication and teamwork are key to being successful in this program while discovering new areas of sailing. Working as a team advanced C420 sailors prepare for and compete in local regattas and gain leadership skills mentoring younger sailors. The team will participate at SMSC’s Bay Wind Regatta and LYC’s Sail Fest. Additional regattas may be attended. Following weekend regattas, there will be no sailing on the Monday to allow for appropriate rest for sailors and coaches – regardless of regatta participation.

Advanced sailors are strongly encouraged to sail at least 4 weeks and participate in regattas.

Experience: CANSail 4, 5 and 6
Weight: 250 lbs combined crew
Age: 13 and 18
Duration: 2 week sessions

Registration Not Open

Participants must provide their own boat and an appropriately sized rig.

ILCA/Laser sailors will focus on performance and refined racing skills. This program is designed for sailors looking to take their sailing and racing to the next level and as such it will not operate as our regular summer Learn to Sail programs – commitment, support and flexibility will be required from parents and sailors regarding training schedules, regatta preparation, travel and training intensity as the coach will work to provide the best environment for sailors to achieve their goals.

Travel and competition at regattas outside of Nova Scotia will be encouraged to assist sailors in reaching their goals.

Sailors are expected to be proficient in fundamental and intermediate sailing techniques. They will learn about racing rules, tactics, sportsmanship and teamwork. Sailors will also learn a variety of other sailing skills to complement their sailing path, including seamanship and personal boat maintenance and sail care. ILCA Laser sailors will compete at regattas and gain leadership skills mentoring younger sailors. This athlete-centered and coach led program will be aimed at providing the sailors with the best opportunity to set and achieve their sailing goals.

The goal of this program is to help athletes achieve theirs if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to discuss – SMSC is committed to offering this opportunity while being flexible and keeping the goals realistic for each participant.

Experience: CANSail 4 minimum

Age: 13+

Expectations: Sailors will participate in the regattas that the team will participate in. This team is designed for those who are looking to take their sailing to the next level - if sailors are not committed and do not follow coach instructions they may be asked to no longer participate in the team.

Registration Not Open