FAQs

What time does the Camp operate?

Students meet instructors at the foot of York Street at 8:15 or 8:45. They are escorted back to the same spot at 4:15 at the end of each camp day. The trip across Toronto Harbour on the club’s tender, Algonquin Queen II is a fun way to start and end the day.

What is a day at QCYC Youth Summer Sailing Camp like?

8:15 or 8:45 students take a supervised tender ride to QCYC on the club’s Algonquin Queen II.
Every morning the boats are rigged by the kids with adequate instruction as part of the CANSail curriculum.
Boats are launched and students spend the morning sailing (weather permitting) – various levels are assembled into crews so that each boat has both beginners and more experienced sailors. Advanced sailors sail with each other.
There is a break mid-day for lunch and land games are organized.
In the afternoon there is usually more sailing. Students are always working towards the CYA standards.
At about 3:30 boats are de-rigged and put away. Land games are organized if time permits.
At 4:15 students return to the city on the Algonquin Queen II again supervised by sailing school staff.
Certain days have different activities and follow a different schedule (e.g. cruising to Wards Beach for the day).

What do students need to bring?

Students must bring a coast guard approved Lifejacket or PFD that fits properly and is correct for their weight. They can be purchased at any Marine Supply store, Canadian Tire, Walmart and other shops. We recommend purchasing a yellow or orange colour (easy to see on the water).
Students must bring a packed lunch, snacks and a water bottle.
Waterproof sunscreen, hat and at least one change of clothes as well as swimming attire, a wind jacket and towel. Shoes should be non-slip and not damaged by water, running shoes or Teva type sandals are often worn.

What if the weather is too bad to sail?

Part of the program includes on-shore training activities such as learning knots and other classroom instruction.
As this is a fun summer camp in a great park, instructors may organize games and other fun activities.
Young sailors will not be sent out on the water in un-safe weather.

My child can’t swim – is that a problem?

While it is not essential that your child be a good swimmer, we find that children who are scared of the water do not enjoy sailing. Your child should feel comfortable around the water but regardless of swimming ability, will be wearing a lifejacket or PFD when in the boats or on the docks.

What safety measures do you have?

Our instructors are all qualified in swimming, first aid, and boat rescue. A life jacket or PFD will be worn by all sailors at all times when sailing on the water and on the club docks. We ensure that there are always an adequate number of instructors per group of students. Whenever students are on the water, there are instructors in support boats to provide any necessary assistance.

How and when do we get to and from the island?

On the first day, QCYC instructors will meet you at our city dock (near the Second Cup at the foot of York St.) at 6:15. All subsequent days they will meet the boat island-side and begin instruction at that time. Class will end in time to take the 9:00 boat back to the city (arriving in the city at 9:15).
The clubs private tender, Algonguin Queen II will take you to and from the island.
It is important that you are there at least 5 minutes early because if you miss the 6:15 boat, the next boat is not until 7:15 and the class will likely already be on the water by this time.

What do I need to bring with me?

A coast guard approved life jacket that is suitable for your weight (you can buy one at any Marine store or at Canadian Tire, Walmart, etc...).
Clothing and shoes that are comfortable to move around in and appropriate for getting wet.
A water bottle or other beverages.
Any snacks you think you might want during the course times.

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