2023 Learn to Sail Programs

Leadership and Teamwork are among the many skills acquired when learning to sail.

Summer Sessions for Youth 

The Shelburne Sailing Academy Summer Sessions for kids and teens (age 7 and up) meet Monday thru Friday from 9am – 3:30pm and include classroom instruction, practical hands-on experience on the water, and lots of fun games and activities both on shore and off.

Summer Sessions begin July 3rd and run for 8 weeks until September 1st. Certain discounts apply for multiple sessions.

For more information, check out this short video:

This year, the Shelburne Sailing Academy at SHYC is overseen by Sailing Director, Rob Stork (past Commodore), Coaching Mentor, Guy Tipton (past member British Olympic Sailing Team), and Head Coach, Tatum Arcon (2021 C420’s Atlantic Canada Champion). Together, they will oversee a team of CANSail certified instructors, many of whom have come up through the Academy’s ranks. All instructors are certified by Sail Canada, the sport’s national governing body.

This year’s programs include:

  • Introduction to Sailing (“Wet Feet”) Ages 7 and up. CANSail level 1.
    • Weeks 1-8, inclusive.
  • Intermediate Sailing (Learn to Sail). Ages 10+. CANSail levels 2-3
    • Weeks 1- 8, inclusive.
  • Advanced Sailing (Learn to Race). CANSail levels 4-6 (subject to student’s prior experience).

Space is limited. To register, click here.

Weekend Adult Learn to Sail

Once again, Shelburne Sailing Academy at SHYC is pleased to offer an Adult Learn To Sail program on select weekends this summer. The program will consist of 2.5 day weekends which include a Friday evening practical demonstration of sailboat equipment and sailing techniques followed by two days of on-water sailing with CANSail certified instructors together with accomplished SHYC member dinghy sailors.

For 2023, we are offering a coeducational weekend, June 16-18 and our women-only Women on Water (WoW) weekend, June 23-25.

A 1.5 day refresher course for WoW students will be on July 7-8. (WoW II)

Space is limited. To register, click here.

In addition to sailing instruction, your Adult Learn-to-Sail program includes:

  • Wednesday night and Friday night racing on the inner harbour.
  • Free loaner program featuring Opti-class and Albacore-class boats.
  • Full membership in SHYC with access to all club facilities, including the new Upper Deck pub.

Sail all summer long without even owning a boat!” 

For more information, email: shelburne.sailing.academy@gmail.com

Note:

  • CANSail is the skills classification system used by Sail/Canada, the sport’s national governing body. 
  • Free loaner program subject to availability for qualified participants.