What time does the Camp operate?
- Students meet instructors at the foot of York Street at 8:15 or 8:45. They are returned escorted back to the same spot at 4:15. The trip across Toronto Harbour on the club’s tender, Algonquin Queen II is a fun way to start and end the day.
- Please contact Learn to Sail Director, Eric Whan at learntosail@qcyc.ca for more information.
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.
- Every morning the boats are rigged as part of course instruction and to gain confidence.
- Boats are launched and students spend the morning sailing – various levels are assembled into crews so that each boat has both beginners and experienced sailors onboard however advanced students sail with each other.
- There is a break for lunch and land games are organized.
- In the afternoon there is 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 again supervised by sailing school staff.
What do students need to bring?
- Students must bring a CSA-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.
- 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.
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 life saving and first aid. A life jacket or PFD must be worn at all times when sailing on the water and on the club docks. We ensure that there are always an adequate number of instructors by limiting enrollment. Whenever students are on the water, there are instructors in support boats in attendance to provide assistance.