Come for the skills.
Leave with all the fun you had.
Summer Camps
Fun, fabulous sailing camps offer on-water adventures for the sailor-to-be. Kids get outside and learn to sail with our professional, qualified sailing coaches while developing confidence, independence and teamwork skills. Sailing, seamanship and nautical skills plus boat picnics, sandcastles, field games, BBQs and even a Pirate Day will make a summer to remember in a safe and comfortable environment. Kids will gain valuable leadership skills and make new friends. Come with siblings, friends or on your own to build lasting relationships enjoying a lifelong sport.
Ages 10 – 17
Two weeks: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Camps start July 2nd, 2024 and finish August 23rd, 2024
Intro (CANSail 1)
An introductory sailing course for first-time sailors that provides the essential skills for on water safety, technical knowledge, and practical ability. No prior sailing experience is required. Sailors in this course can complete their CANSail 1 level.
Prerequisites: None
Cost: $675
Basic Skills
(CANSail 2)
This course is for individuals who have completed the Intro course and are somewhat experienced sailors. Sailors will be introduced to a variety of basic double-handed sailing skills. Sailors in this course have the opportunity to complete their CANSail 2 level.
Prerequisites: CanSail 1
Cost: $650
Intermediate (CANSail 3)
This course is for sailors who are ready to tackle the greater technical and theoretical challenges that sailing incorporates. Refined boat-handling skills and introductory elements to racing are introduced and practiced. Sailors are exposed to a greater variety of conditions and participate in a club race. Sailors in this course have the opportunity to complete their CANSail 3 level.
Prerequisites: CanSail2
Cost: $650
Advanced (CANSail 4)
This course teaches sailors to perform advanced boat handling manoeuvres in a variety of conditions. This course helps sailors to acquire a greater understanding into how sails function and how the boat moves. Sailors can successfully execute manoeuvres in competitive settings and for tactical and strategic purposes. Sailors participate in a one to two-day local regatta. Those in this course have the opportunity to complete their CANSail 4 level; a level that is also a prerequisite for those interested in coaching.
Prerequisite: Advanced, CANSail 4, or equivalent sailing ability.
Cost $650
Race (CANSail 5/6)
This one-week course is designed to be taken multiple times in a summer allowing sailors who have completed their Advanced level to work on CANSail 5 and CANSail 6. CANSail 5 and 6 are more difficult courses than the prior levels and it is likely that it will take more than just 2 weeks to complete. Sailors who are working towards their CANSail 5 or 6 will also have to compete in a BC Circuit regatta to have the opportunity to complete their level.
Prerequisite: Advanced, CANSail 4, or equivalent sailing ability.
Cost $300.00
Learn to Sail (Girls and Non-Binary)
This camp is designed for individuals who identify as either female or non-binary. In this camp, sailors will be introduced to various skills ranging from basic sailing skills to introductory racing skills. Individuals will refine techniques such as boat handling and double-handed skills. Sailors will have the opportunity to work on various CANSail levels.
Prerequisite: CANSail 2
Cost $250
FAQ
At what age do you start sailors?
Due to the nature of the onshore wind and beach at Ambleside as well as the ramp, which requires physical strength to pull boats up to the yard, we require students to be a minimum of 10 years old.
What kind of boats do students train in?
The club owns a large fleet of two-handed boats, comprising RS Zests, RS Fevas, and Flying Juniors. We also own 8 Lasers, 6 with radial rigs. Depending on the program and individual proficiency levels, students will sail one of these boats.
What do participants need?
Every sailor will need to bring a lifejacket (Personal Flotation Device) that fits, shoes with closed toes, clothing that can get wet, sun protection, and their own food/water. Students should be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.
What time do your camps run?
Summer camps run from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday with the exception of holidays (Canada Day and BC Day). Our adult lessons run from 9 am to 4 pm, Saturday and Sunday.
What happens at camp?
Depending on the weather, our instructors take their sailors all over English Bay. Students will learn how to steer their boats, launch and land, and have lots of time for games and activities throughout their time at HSC. Highlights include a pirate day, a cruise to another beach for lunch, and a BBQ at the end of the camp.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations made more than two weeks before the course start date will get a full refund (less a $35 administration fee). Any cancellations within two weeks of the start date will not be refunded unless demonstrable extraneous circumstances exist. To cancel out of a current sailing session, please email the director at programdirector@hollyburnsailingclub.ca
