Is it necessary to take an INTRO course before CANSail 1?
NO…. We offer the Intro course to accommodate sailors that prefer just a 1 week experience. New Sailors are welcome in CANSAil 1.
What is CANSail?
The CANSail Program is Sail Canada’s national learn to sail program. The CANSail program is taught by trained and certified instructors and it’s curriculum is recognized by World Sailing.
CANSail is focused on introducing and developing sailing skills in a hands on way. Programs progressively introduce and develop the fundamental skills in a safe, fun, and active learning environment with lots of time spent on the water. CANSail programs are tailored to different individual’s age and stage of development – while fundamental skills are consistent, how they’re delivered changes to meet participants where they’re at.
Where and when do the classes begin and end?
INTRODUCTION TO SAILING (1 week class) Sailors will meet each day at Dougal Park in lower Gibsons at 9:00 am. Please pick up at 3:00 pm.
All other Levels/Sessions will meet each day at Dougal Park in lower Gibsons at 9:00 am. Please pick up at 3:30 pm.
*** Parents are asked to pick up “on time” at the park to reduce contact between sailors at day’s end.
We have exclusive use of the Gazebo where we will gather for some shore lessons, warm-up exercises/games and then it’s a short walk down to Gibsons Marina and out to the docks for the remainder of the day.
What should I bring to the sailing course?
Gibsons Sailing Club will provide all the necessary equipment to sail with the exception of life jackets. The sailors will need to bring:
- Ministry of Transport of Canada approved PFD (Personal Flotation Device) that fits properly and is correct for their weight. They can be purchased at any Marine Supply store, Canadian Tire etc.
- Water bottle – we recommend 1 litre or more – refillable
- Healthy lunch and snacks
- Waterproof sunscreen – apply before arriving and throughout the day
- Hat and Sunglasses!
- Appropriate clothing for the weather (rain or shine). Note: temperatures on the water are often much cooler than on land
- Closed-toe shoes (ie – old runners, Keens or Aquasocks). The shoes should not fall off the feet if they go swimming.
- Hair ties for long hair. Loose hair can be caught in ropes and pulleys when sailing.
- Change of clothes (you will get wet)
- Bathing suit and towel. You may also want to consider a comfortable wetsuit for the earlier sessions. A “shorty” should be fine. A tight fit is preferable, a loose wetsuit will not provide enough protection when wet in cool winds.
Rainy Days
Camp will run on rainy days. We may have use of the use of the Kinsmen Hall in the park if it hasn’t been pre-booked. As an alternative, we may shelter under the Gazebo in the park for those that are unable to arrange a ride home. There will be theory lessons, knot tying, games and perhaps a hike in the forest. Please notify us if you choose to stay home due to weather.
Injuries
If a sailor is injured during the program, the parent/guardian or emergency contact will be notified. For minor injuries, you will be informed at the end of the day. However, if the sailor is not feeling well enough to continue or the instructor determines they would be better off at home, you will be asked to pick them up.
In the event that a concussion is suspected, you will be contacted immediately to pick up your child. A Concussion Assessment Tool is available here to monitor symptoms.
What is the cancellation policy?
All accepted registrations are subject to a $35 cancellation fee for sailing courses.
There will be no refunds for cancellations made within 14 days of the scheduled start date. (Exceptions may be made if the cancellation is due to illness or injury).
There will be no refunds after the start date for the course.
