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calgary yacht club


sailing school

The Calgary Yacht Club Sailing School will be open from July 1 to August 28, 2024. We offer Sail Canada accredited learn to sail summer camp programing for kids aged 5 to 15. 

Adult Learn to Sail classes and private lessons are offered throughout the months of June, July, and August. All Adult Learn to Sail classes take place in the evenings Monday to Friday from 6PM-9PM. Any age is the right age to start sailing!

Summer Camp Descriptions


Wet Feet (age 5-6)

This program is designed to introduce and familiarize young children with the water environment.  The course is taught using our sturdy and stable fleet of Optimist Prams.  In addition to time with these boats, onshore games and crafts will round out the day.  The program is a full day and is one week in duration.


Opti Basic (age 7-12)

This program is designed for those children with no previous sailing experience and is geared to the fundamentals of sailing in the International Optimist Dinghy.  Students will build confidence while learning to safely rig, launch and sail their boat under the close supervision and guidance of their instructors.  Elementary theory is introduced through both on water and on shore games and crafts.  This program is a full day and is one week in duration.


Opti Advanced (age 9-12)

This program is designed for those children with previous sailing experience and those who have completed Opti Basi and achieved their CanSail level. CanSail 2 is an intermediate course which expands on the skills gained in CanSail 1.  Syllabus includes: crewing, skipping skills, sailing terminology, sail theory, upwind sailing.  This program is a full day and is one week in duration.


Opti FAST (age 10-13)

For sailors who have completed the Opti Advanced course and achieved their CANSail 1 and 2 levels. This course focuses on beginner and intermediate racing skills such as accelerating off a start line, tactical mark rounding, and strategy for getting around the race course. This course is ideal for sailors who are independent, want to learn the competitive side of sailing, and who wish to attain their CANSail 3 level. After successfully completing Opti FAST, sailors can repeat the course to refine their racing skills in the Optimist dinghy. This program is a full day and one week in duration.


Water Sports (age 7-15)

This program is designed for children who want to try a variety of water sports. This camp will cover the basics of sailing, kayaking and paddle boarding in a fun, safe and controlled manner. This program is a full day and one week in duration.


Laser Basic (age 13+)

The Laser is a highly popular dinghy designed to be sailed single handed. The Laser is robust and simple to rig and sail, often for competitive racing. To be eligible for this course, you must have completed a 420 Basic course or have CanSail 2 level. This program is a full day and one week in duration.


Laser Advanced (age 13+)

This program is designed for older children who have successfully completed and passed the Can Sail 2 course. This course continues to build upon the Laser Basic program. Those children taking this course are encouraged to participate in our Thursday night race team practice. This program is a full day and one week in duration. 


420 Basic/Intermediate (age 13+)

This program is designed for older children with no previous sailing experience.  Students will build confidence while learning to safely rig, launch and sail their boat under the close supervision and guidance of their instructors.  Participants will sail in the Club 420 Dinghies.  CanSail 1 curriculum will be taught.  This program is a full day and is one week in duration.


420 Advanced (age 13+)

This program is designed for older children who have successfully completed and passed the CanSail 1 course.  This course covers CanSail 2 and 3 curriculums.  CanSail 3 progressively builds and develops the skills learned in CanSail 1 and 2 with the focus on keeping the young sailor engaged with stage appropriate challenges and learning.  Those children taking this course are encouraged to participate in our Thursday night race team practice.  This program is a full day and one week in duration.


Intro to Skiff (age 14+)

Introduces sailors age 14+ to the high performance 29er skiff. Sailors have the opportunity to try out both the skipper and crew positions. The 29er is an ideal next step for an experienced 420 sailor. Sailors will learn the intricacies of sailing a more challenging and faster boat, how to make improvements in rigging and control systems, splicing and whipping, and rudimentary boat maintenance and sail care skills. This program is a full day and one week in duration.

NEED HELP WITH FEES?

The Calgary Yacht Club is partnered with several funding support programs to ensure we can welcome all campers! For financial assistance, please visit:

 Canadian Tire Jump Start
 KidSport
 Chestermere Community Access Program

REGISTER NOW

Adult Learn to Sail 


Double Handed - Beginner

This program is designed for adults with little or no previous sailing experience.  The CanSail 1 and/or CanSail 2 curriculum will be taught aboard the Club 420 dinghies.  Course runs Monday to Friday from 6 pm to 9 pm for one week.


Double Handed - Intermediate/Advanced

This program is designed for adults who have demonstrated the CanSail 1 skill set.  The CanSail 2 and/or CanSail 3 curriculum will be taught aboard the Club 420 dinghies.  This course runs Monday to Friday from 6 pm to 9 pm for one week.


Learn to Laser 

The Laser is a highly popular dinghy designed to be sailed single handed. The Laser is robust and simple to rig and sail, often for competitive racing. The prerequisite for this course is a minimum CanSail 1. This course runs Monday/Wednesday/Friday for 5 sessions.

REGISTER NOW

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellations for both youth summer camp programming and adult learn to sail programming made outside of 14 days prior to the start of the camp are subject to a 5% service fee. Cancellations made with less than 14 days’ notice are subject to a 25% service fee.

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