2026 Sailing Programs and Registration
Registration for the 2026 Junior Sailing Programs opens on March 1, 2026 at 12pm EST.
PROGRAMS
Morning: Wetfeet Program
Max capacity 15
Mon-Fri 9 AM - 12 PM
Ages 8 & 9 only
$220 per week
Wet Feet is our entry level course where new sailors get comfortable being around boats and on the water. We provide a fun, safe and exciting introduction to sailing giving young sailors a chance to learn basic steering and sail control skills in a small-group environment. Every boat has an instructor on board every day, so fun and safety are the top priorities for our young sailors. This program is designed for 8 and 9 year olds only. No experience necessary..!!
Morning: Intro To Opti
Max capacity 10
Mon-Fri 9 AM - 12 PM
Ages 9 and up
$220 per week
This program is designed for young sailors who are interested in experiencing the fun of single-handed sailing. The Intro to Opti course covers the basic elements of sailing theory (parts of the boat, points of sail) and on-water skills in steering and seamanship and an introduction to racing. No previous experience is required (maximum weight of 115 lbs per sailor).
For sailors aged 9 and up.
Morning: Learn To Sail (CANSail 1, 2)
Max capacity 34
Mon-Fri 9 AM - 12 PM
Ages 9 and up.
$220 per week
This introductory program is for kids looking to try the sport of sailing with no experience required. Keeping fun as the main focus, our lessons are creatively delivered by our qualified instructors both on and off the water. This course covers the basic elements of sailing theory (parts of the boat, points of sail) and on-water skills in safety, crewing, steering and seamanship.
For sailors aged 9 and up.
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Afternoon: Opti Advanced
Max capacity 10
Mon-Fri 1 PM - 4 PM
Ages 9 and up
$220 per week
For young sailors who are interested in building on their single handed sailing skills. Opti Advanced provides an excellent opportunity to practise in a small group with a dedicated coach. This program is best suited for sailors who have experience sailing an Opti, either through our Opti Intro program or an equivalent program. Sailors in this group will be learning intermediate/advanced boat handling techniques, like acceleration and deceleration, and they will be introduced to race tactics in a fun, low pressure, environment (maximum weight of 115 lbs per sailor).
Afternoon: Learn to Sail: (CANSail 3 & 4)
Max capacity 34
Mon-Fri 1 PM - 4 PM
$220 per week
This program is designed for sailors who want to continue their sailing progress in double handed boats. Working through their CAN Sail 3/4 levels, sailors will focus on more advanced boat handling, theory and tactics. Sailors are introduced to concepts such as right of way, reading wind and waves, and proper use of sail controls. Highlights of the program include participating in the annual “Cottage Club Regatta” and the introduction of spinnaker and trapeze.
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Full Day Race Team (420, Laser)
Max capacity 18
Mon-Fri 9-4 (7 week program)
$2200 for full 7 week program
The focus in CANSail 5 & 6 is on integrating higher-level boat handling skills with on-water drills and on-shore coaching sessions. This program is best suited for sailors who are ready to train and compete both on, and off, the lake. Sailors in this program should expect to train on the water for 3-5 hours per day, in virtually all wind conditions. Sailors will have the option to train in 420s or Lasers; however, those that choose to train and race Lasers must provide their own boat.
Race Team members have the opportunity to attend various regattas throughout the summer under the guidance of a certified Race Coach. Away from the club, Race Team members meet and compete with sailors at local, regional or international regattas.
Pre requisite - sailors must be currently working toward their CanSail 4 level.
Full Day Optimist Race Team
Max capacity 5 (capacity increases if sailors have their own boat)
Mon-Fri 9-4 (7 week program)
$2200 for full 7 week program
The focus of the Optimist Race Team is to integrate higher-level boat handling skills with on-water drills and on-shore coaching sessions. Centred on the training camp atmosphere, sailors will refine advanced sailing skills and learn racing rules, tactics, strategy and regatta preparation. Race Team members have the opportunity to attend various regattas throughout the summer under the guidance of a certified Race Coach. Away from the club, Race Team members meet and compete with sailors at local, regional or international regattas.
Note: SLYC has purchased 3 Opti Race boats for the use of the Race Team. These boats will be allocated on a first come first served basis, so please sign up early..!
Race Development Program
Max capacity 10
Mon-Fri 9-4
$440 per week (or $2,200 for full 7 week program)
The SLYC Race Development Program is designed for enthusiastic sailors who are ready to take the next step — building confidence, refining technique, and learning how to compete in a supportive and structured environment.
Through on-water training and focused on-land sessions, sailors will strengthen their race focused boat handling skills while developing the strategic thinking and teamwork needed to race successfully. Our experienced coaches will break down advanced skills into clear, achievable steps so sailors can progress at their own pace.
Sailors train in club-supplied 420s within a positive, training-camp atmosphere that emphasizes growth, sportsmanship, and safety. Over the course of the program, sailors will learn to:
Refine boat handling in all wind conditions
Improve sail control and boat balance for speed and efficiency
Develop confident tacking and gybing under pressure
Practice race starts and short-course tactics
Learn how to read wind shifts, understand weather patterns, and make smart on-water decisions
This full-day weekly program focuses on steady progression and skill development. Regatta participation is encouraged but not required.
Pre requisite - sailors must be currently working toward their CanSail 4 level. Note: a minimum of 4 sailors is required to run this program
