Choosing A Sailing School
- Cap't Howie
- Feb 10, 2018
- 4 min read
There are many options in learning to sail in Toronto but the first choice to make is whether you will be a dingy sailor or a keel boat sailor.
Dingy sailing is fun, exciting and WET! You typically learn on an open 14-16' boat with a centreboard. It generally has only 1-3 crew on board.
A Keel boat is larger; from 22-100'+ long has a permanent keel, cabin (of varying sizes), sail and auxiliary motor. Typically there will be 3-5 active crew.
Dingys are generally only sailed during the day, whilst keelboats will be outfitted with lights and may be sailed into the dark and may also have live-a-board accommodations.
This blog will focus on Keel Boat Training and what to look for in a quality program.
Program:
Most schools in Ontario follow one of a number of internationally recognized curriculums.
Sail Canada is the most recognized program locally as it is our national sailing representative organization.
American Sailing Association and US Sailing are both organizations from south of the border
Royal Yachting Association is the UK equivalent
International Yacht Training is an independent organization that is based in BC
NauticEd.org is an online program with affiliated schools that provide practical training.
So what's the difference? Sailing is sailing and the skill set required is the same whether you are in Canada, US, UK, EU, or Australia. All are similar and have recognized levels or standards throughout the world. It's really a matter of preference. If most of your sailing is in Canada, then take a Sail Canada program. If sailing in the US is your thing, then one of the US programs is recommended and in the EU try an RYA course. While all are options the most common curriculum is the Sail Canada Program and it is recognized throughout the world. The only caveat is that in the EU you also require an International Certificate Competency which is only issued by RYA and IYT schools in Canada.
Equipment:
As keel boats come in sizes from approximately 22' and larger (up to 100'+) lets focus on what beginner course are taught on. Most schools use a boat 22-35' with either an outboard or inboard auxiliary motor. All schools must now comply with minimum Transport Canada safety requirements beyond the standard recreational boats. However, the quality and age of the equipment may vary substantially with each school. Ideally, you want a school with the most modern and up to-date equipment. So far as size, you want to learn on a boat that you are comfortable with handling once you complete your course. There is no sense in learning on a 22' boat if your intention is to sail a 35' boat once you graduate. However, there is nothing wrong with starting small and working your way up to a larger yacht. Generally, Introductory and Beginner Courses are taught on 22-30' boats and more advance courses 38-45'.
Instructors
There is much to be said about a great instructor vs. a good one. What makes one better than another? Firstly, I would say its teaching skills and the ability to convey the course material to the student. A lot of information (and new information at that) is presented in a very short period of time. You should look for a school who's instructors have years of experience in teaching. They will have honed their teaching skills and have enough tricks to be able to teach to any type of emotional intelligence.
Secondly, much of the lessons learned are not direct instruction from a book, but the instructors sailing experience. You want your instructor to have varied experiences from local cruising, racing, and offshore ocean passage making. These added experiences allow a great instructor to share the tips and tricks he/she has learned along the way.
Location and Time
These are straightforward concepts in that your course must be convenient for you. Don't forget to take into account traffic issues and your schedule in finding the right school. Understand the make-up policy for missing a class. The classes are very short and something new is taught each hour. Missing one class will create a void in your learning and will require extra study on your part to understand the lesson and to conceptualize the lesson without being there to practice.
In summary
Take a program based on where you will be sailing,
Learn on a boat that represents the latest equipment and mirrors what you will want to sail on after your lessons
Ensure your instructors are experienced both in teaching the material and sailing years and different types of waters.
Finally, the school and course time should be convenient for you to ensure maximum participation/attendance.
I welcome you to visit Gone Sailing Adventures. Our Sail Canada/NauticEd/Inernational Yacht Training programs are provided in a number of different time formats on the newest yachts on Lake Ontario, led by ocean experienced sailors. Located in the Toronto harbour, we are easily accessed by public transit, and local expressways. We also provide custom tailored programs and teach on our yachts or privately on yours. After your sailing lessons, consider joining our Small Boat Club to continue practising your new skills .
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