Sailing Program
What to Expect
Our sailing program is a week-long camp designed to introduce young people to sailing while giving returning sailors the opportunity to keep developing their skills. Each day combines time on the water with activities on shore, creating a full day of learning, adventure, and fun. Sailors can join for 1 week or multiple as each week has new fun activities and things to learn!
Camp runs Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and welcomes sailors ages 8-16.
Every week looks a little different depending on the weather, the group, and what our instructors have planned, but you can expect plenty of time learning, exploring, and spending time outside.
Learning on the Water
Our instructors teach the fundamentals of sailing through a combination of hands-on experience on the water and practical learning on land. On shore, they build their understanding through activities such as knot tying, boat and equipment care, water safety, sailing concepts, and discussions about wind and weather.
Depending on their experience and the boats they are sailing, sailors may work on skills including:
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Boat handling and steering
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Understanding wind direction
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Sail trim and control
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Tacking and gybing
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Boat balance
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Knots and line handling
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Water and boating safety
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Working with a sailing partner or crew
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Racing principles and more advanced sailing skills
Sailors are encouraged to progress at their own pace. Our goal is to give each sailor the skills and confidence to take on new challenges while making sure they feel supported along the way.
Beyond the Boat
Sailing is dependent on the weather, and conditions on Pigeon Lake can change throughout the day. While we always make the most of safe opportunities to get on the water, we cannot guarantee how much time will be spent sailing during a particular week.
A change in weather does not mean a boring day at camp. We have a variety of activities planned for days when sailing is not possible, including team-building challenges, knot tying, water safety activities, crafts, games, tie-dye, special guests, and other activities connected to life on and around the lake.
Our goal is to make sure there is always something to look forward to, whether we are sailing across the lake or spending the day on shore.
One Week or Multiple?
Sailors can register for one week of camp or join us for multiple sessions throughout July.
We encourage sailors who are able to attend multiple weeks to consider doing so. Sailing is a skill that becomes more comfortable with practice, and additional time in the boats gives sailors more opportunities to build on what they learned, become familiar with the equipment, and take on new challenges.
Returning for another week also means another chance to experience different weather conditions, activities, boats, and challenges on the water.
What to Bring?
Sailors should come prepared for a full day outside and for changing conditions on the lake.
Please bring:
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A properly fitting Transport Canada or Canadian Coast Guard-approved lifejacket
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Swimsuit
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Wetsuit
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Water shoes
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Sunscreen
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Bugspray
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Hat
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Towel
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Water bottle
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A dry change of clothes
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Running shoes
Please ensure all personal belongings are labelled to avoid lost items!
Registration
Sailing sessions run throughout July, with sessions typically hosted at both Argentia Beach and Ma-Me-O Beach.
Registration is completed through our registration partner, ACTIVE Network. Availability and session information will be listed through the registration system.
Please check the current registration listing for the most up-to-date session dates, locations, and availability.
Questions?
If you have questions about our sailing program, equipment, registration, or whether sailing camp would be a good fit for your sailor, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us.
