Summer Sailing School 2026 – Off-Season

Summer Sailing School

Registration for Summer 2026 is now open!

Welcome to the Salt Spring Island Summer Sailing School,

Our goal is simple: to give every sailor who comes through our program a safe, positive, and genuinely fun experience on the water. Whether a sailor is stepping into a boat for the very first time or building confidence and skills week by week, they will be supported, challenged, and encouraged by a team that is passionate about the sport and cares deeply about their well-being.

Safety is at the heart of everything we do. Our coaches are highly trained, our programs follow national sailing standards, and we make thoughtful decisions each day based on conditions, experience levels, and what will best support learning. Just as importantly, we believe that feeling safe also means feeling respected. We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, kindness, and mutual respect, where every sailor is valued and supported by their peers and coaches alike.

Sailing here is about more than learning how to hold a course or trim a sail. It’s about confidence, teamwork, problem-solving, and developing a lifelong connection to the ocean. Our program emphasizes learning through experience, cooperation, and enjoyment, helping sailors grow not only in skill but also in confidence and responsibility.

We look forward to welcoming young sailors and families for another season of learning, adventure, and shared time on the water.

Fair winds,

Sailing Lessons for Children and Youth ages 9 to 18

There is no requirement to be a member of the Salt Spring Island Sailing Club to take part in lessons. However, priority will be given to club members and their families.

Funding shouldn’t keep any young sailor from experiencing the joy of being on the water. If the registration fees are a barrier to your sailors participation, please contact us via email as there are subsidies available.

How to choose a sailing program:

Matching sailors with the appropriate boat and course for their body size is important for safety and to creating an enjoyable camp experience for everyone.

Please follow the guidelines below when registering your child.

Sailors who are at the weight and height criteria may be considered for the Dinghy Program even if they are underage. Please contact the Sailing School for more information.

Does your child require specialized instruction or attention?

If Yes, please contact the Sailing School to discuss.

If No, please continue with registration.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Course Descriptions

CANSAIL OPTIMIST PROGRAMS (Ages 9-12)

Using the Optimist dinghy, sailing double handed for Opti Intro, and single handed for more advanced courses.

Opti Intro – iCANSail & CANSail 1

An introductory sailing course for new sailors or those with limited sailing
experience. Children will learn safety, crewing, steering and seamanship.

No prior sailing experience is required.

Opti CANSail 2

This course continues to develop their skills in the Optimist dinghy as single-handed sailors.

Pre-req: CANSail 1

Opti CANSail 3 & 4

This course is for the confident Opti sailor who wants to learn how to sail fast. We will be introducing elements of racing, sportsmanship and teamwork.

Pre-req CANSail 2 or 3

Opti Racing

A week to focus on building and strengthening racing skills. This is a recommended course for Opti Race Team members and those preparing for fall regattas.

(not currently scheduled for 2026)

Pre-req CANSail 3

CANSAIL DINGHY PROGRAMS (Ages 12-19)

Using 420 and RS Zest dinghies, mainly sailing doubled handed for all courses.

Dinghy Intro – CANSail 1

An introductory sailing course for first time sailors or those with limited sailing
experience that provides the essential skills for on water safety, technical knowledge, and practical ability.

No prior sailing experience is required.

Dinghy CANSail 2 – 2 weeks

Over a two-week period, sailors will be introduced to a variety of basic and
intermediate single-handed sailing skills in the 420.

Pre-req: CANSail 1, intro or equivalent sailing ability.

Dinghy CANSail 3 & 4 – 2 weeks

Sailors build on existing skills in all types of conditions. An introduction to elements of racing and a greater understanding of how sails work and how a sailboat moves in a 420. It is recommended that sailors take this course twice in order to achieve both CANSail 3 and 4 sailing levels.

Pre-req: CANSail 2 or CANSail 3

Dinghy Racing

A week to focus is on integrating boat handling and fast sailing skills with fun.
Sailors will refine advanced sailing skills and learn tactics, strategy, racing basics and regatta preparation.

(not currently scheduled for 2026)

Pre-req: CANSail 3

Cancellation Policy: A cancellation fee of $50 will be charged on cancelled registrations. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than 14 days before the course start date.

Scholarships: Funding shouldn’t keep your child from enjoying sailing. We have a number of scholarships available for keen sailors. Contact Sailing School Coordinator for more information.

For more information, contact the Sailing School Coordinator.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER