Summer Sailing Camps
A great time to learn to sail is when you’re young and ready to take on the world. Our sailing camps offer young sailors a fun and safe environment in which to prosper.
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Our sailing camps offer young sailors a fun and safe environment in which to prosper, allowing them to learn to sail in an engaging environment with age-appropriate programming. The camps program is run in collaboration with Harbourfront Centre.
Want to become an instructor?
Ask about our Sailing Instructor-in-Training program (IIT) (must be 15 or older). Call 416 203 3578.
Programs
iCANSail
Ages 6–8 yrs
$425 (4 days)
$480 (5 days)
This camp is intended to familiarize younger campers with safety and sailing. Under the guidance of our experienced Sail Canada Instructors, campers will work toward developing a solid foundation of skills in the first step within the Sail Canada accreditation system. Participants will gain enough confidence to sail and paddle their way around the protected waters of Toronto’s Inner Harbour. They will learn about boating safety, balance, boat control and other sailing-specific skills. Campers will also participate in on-land sail-related games and activities in this fun and safe camp.
Prerequisites: No experience required. Suitable for first-time sailors.
Certificate: iCANSail Sail Canada Accreditation
Junior Seadogs
Ages 6–9 yrs
$425 (4 days)
$480 (5 days)
Calling all aspiring sailors! Junior Seadogs is perfect for our youngest sailors. This camp introduces campers to the captivating world of on-water adventure, whilst also engaging them in on-land programs such as arts, crafts and active games. The on-water portion of the day will introduce campers to a series of lessons based on the Sail Canada Basic Cruising syllabus. The on-land portion involves activities and crafts that will also encompass syllabus element.
Prerequisites: No experience required. Suitable for first-time sailors.
Certificate: THNC SEADOGS Completion Certificate
CANSail 1
Ages 9–15 yrs
$770 (9 days)
$805 (10 days)
Taught by our experienced Sail Canada Instructors, this two-week course will have campers navigating Toronto’s Inner Harbour in comfortable, easy-to-sail dinghies, while learning about water and boat safety, boat control, knots, rigging, capsizing and other topics relevant to developing young sailors. With curriculum based on Sail Canada standards, campers will work towards earning an internationally recognized CANSail 1 certificate by demonstrating skills learned in the program. Most of our time is spent on the water, weather permitting.
Prerequisites: iCANSail certification is recommended but not essential. Suitable for first-time sailors.
Certificate: Participation in this camp does not guarantee a certificate. Successful candidates will receive a Sail Canada CANSail 1 certificate.
CANSail 2
Ages 9–15 yrs
$770 (9 days)
$805 (10 days)
After your young sailor has successfully passed their CANSail 1 certification, CANSail 2 is the natural next step in their development. Under the experienced guidance of our Sail Canada Instructors, sailors can build on previously taught skills and work their way toward earning an internationally recognized CANSail 2 certificate by demonstrating skills learned in the program. Most of our time is spent on the water, weather permitting.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of CANSail 1 is a requirement for this program.
Certificate: Participation in this camp does not guarantee a certificate. Successful candidates will receive a Sail Canada CANSail 2 certificate.
CANSail 3 or 4
Ages 11–15 yrs
$1,600 (1 month)
Taught by experienced and certified Sail Canada Instructors, this comprehensive 4-week course builds on the fundamental skills established in the CANSail 1 and 2 programs both on and off the water. This program is taught to Sail Canada’s CANSail 3 and 4 training standards and focuses on advanced sail theory and sailing skills. Participants will be required to sail in a variety of weather conditions and prove a high standard of sailing to pass. Most of our time is spent on the water, weather permitting.
Prerequisites: Must have CANSail 1 and 2 certifications prior to enrolling in this program.
Certificate: Successful candidates will receive a recognized CANSail 3 or 4 certificate.
Senior Seafarers
Ages 10–15 yrs
$425 (4 days)
$480 (5 days)
The Seafarers program is all about that introducing and fostering sailing skills and spirit. This keelboat camp is based on aspects of Sail Canada’s Basic Cruising syllabus. While in Seafarers, campers will be working toward achieving their Crew Status, the first step in completing Sail Canada’s Basic Cruising level.
No experience required. Suitable for first-time sailors.
Campers will receive an HCSP SEAFARERS Completion Certificate.
iCANCatch-up
Ages 9–15 yrs
$480 (5 days)
Any CANSail participants who have not successfully completed their certification will have the opportunity to come join us for an additional week of instruction. During this catch-up week, sailors will be coached by experienced and certified Sail Canada Instructors who are eager to provide every child with an equal opportunity to attempt successful completion of their CANSail level. This program is developed based on the individual needs of each participant and is tailored by our development progress monitoring report through Sail Canada’s evaluation tracking system. It should be noted that participants’ involvement does not guarantee certification if they do not meet Sail Canada standards. Regardless, participants who show they have a passion and initiative for sailing will gain a lot from this additional week. Most of our time is spent on the water, weather permitting.
Prerequisites: Sailors must have participated in a CANSail program and have an active CANSail profile.
Certificate: Participation in this camp does not guarantee a certificate. All candidates will have the opportunity to develop level-appropriate skills, however not all levels will be eligible for certification during this program. Successful candidates will receive a recognized CANSail certification.
Instructor-In-Training (IIT)
Ages 15–16 yrs
FREE* (1 month)
Harbourfront Centre’s IIT Program is designed to prepare instructors for the challenge and fun of on-water leadership. Sailing IITs will participate in their own Pre-Camp Training during the last week of June to give them the skills to engage with the sailing programs. IITs’ training will focus on practical skills, as well as camper management and leadership skills to set them up for success in the coming summer.
IITs will be asked to commit to four weeks of placement throughout the summer, working alongside our camps instructors, as well as volunteering with a variety of groups. As an IIT, you will have opportunities to gain boating certificates/certifications while gaining unique leadership experience and mentorship. Upon completion, IITs will receive volunteer hours for their camp placements. IITs will also get to refine their own skills and gain an understanding of the day-to-day operations of sailing camps, both on-land and on-water.
Prerequisites: Sailing IITs must have CANSail 2 at minimum.
The Sail Camp programming runs throughout the season from July-August. Please visit https://harbourfrontcentre.com/program/camps/ for more information.
*Please see THNC Camps CIT Program for application information.
Please note that all participants in our marine programs are provided with a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) and proper use is strictly enforced. All participants in iCANSail, Junior Seadogs, and CANSail 1 are provided with a helmet, and are required to wear it at all times while on the water. Helmets are available for all other participants to wear, and may be made mandatory at the discretion of Sailing Camps Instructors.
