Adult Learn to Sail (ALTS)2025

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• Keelboat Cruising and Racing

Keelboat Programs

Welcome

Start Keelboat Sailing (Sail Canada)

This is an entry level Sail Canada course for those with minimal on water/ boating experience. The course builds on basic sailing skills and operation of a sailboat as crew. After completing this course, participants should be able to competently contribute as crew on a boat 6 - 12 meters in moderate daytime conditions. Learn: terminology, basic skills for interpreting weather forecasts, maneuvering under power (a motor), basic docking skills, and more! Students will take a written test as well as demonstrate water skills. Check out Sail Canada's website for more specifics: Sail Canada Start Keelboat Standard

Equipment: 

• Closed toed running shoes
• Sun protection 
• Athletic and water resistant clothing
• Notebook
• Transport Canada Approved life jacket

Program Length:
Schedule: 2 x 8 hour days, 16 hours
Cost: $ 625.00($ 585.00 for KYC Members)+ Sail Canada Student Fee + HST (Members will receive a credit book equal to 15% of paid program fees, which can be used for Food & Beverage, Regalia, and Gas Dock purchases.)
Requirements: basic understanding of sailing - intro to sailing may is a good start, PCOC, *Operating an outboard motor is part of the course. Students need to have the Pleasure Craft Operator Card required by Transport Canada. An on-line course is available at CanBoat. Your KYC Instructor can provide instruction for PCOC, if required ($40).

Basic Cruising (Sail Canada) 

Sail Canada is a course aimed for sailors with a general concept of sailing’s terminology, physics, and demands. The course develops the student's ability to take command of (with a competent crew), and operate an auxiliary powered Keelboat. After completing this course, participants should be able to competently make decisions expected of a skipper on a boat 6 - 12 meters in sheltered waters. Learn more advanced terminology, safety gear requirements/care, Collision Regulations between on-water vessels, anchoring, buoyage, VHF procedures, and chart work, and more! Students will take a written test as well as demonstrate on water skills. Check out Sail Canada's website for more specifics: Sail Canada Basic Cruising Standard

Program Length:
Schedule: 4 x 8 hour days (approx) 32-48 hours, to include Afloat skills, and exam.
Cost: $ 950.00($ 910.00 for KYC Members) + Sail Canada Student Fee + HST (Members will receive a credit book equal to 15% of paid program fees, which can be used for Food & Beverage, Regalia, and Gas Dock purchases.)
Requirements: PCOC, *Operating an outboard motor is part of the course. Students need to have the Pleasure Craft Operator Card required by Transport Canada. An on-line course is available at CanBoat. Your KYC Instructor can provide instruction for PCOC, if required ($40).

Basic Keelboat Racing (Sail Canada) 

To be able to participate in local club white sail (non-spinnaker) races as skipper, helm, and crew, of a sloop-rigged keelboat of 6 to 12 meters with an outboard or inboard motor in 5 – 20 knots (not gusting over 25 knots) of wind by day, with sufficient understanding of the racing rules, race management procedures, and tactics to successfully complete the race in an enjoyable manner. Basic Keelboat Racing Standard

Program Length:
The program may be offered in a day sailing or live aboard format. It is envisioned that the day sailing format will be taught in not less than 28 hours of which at least 16 hours should be devoted to practical sessions on water. In a live aboard format the course may be offered over a period of 4 or more days. A challenge of the standard may be accomplished in a minimum of 6 hours afloat plus completion of the written examination.
Cost: $ 950.00($ 910.00 for KYC Members) + Sail Canada Student Fee + HST (Members will receive a credit book equal to 15% of paid program fees, which can be used for Food & Beverage, Regalia, and Gas Dock purchases.)
Requirements: PCOC, *Operating an outboard motor is part of the course. Students need to have the Pleasure Craft Operator Card required by Transport Canada. An on-line course is available at CanBoat. Your KYC Instructor can provide instruction for PCOC, if required ($40).

Introduction to Keelboat Racing (Sail Canada) 

This Standard is the initial keelboat racing Standard that is part of the Sail Canada Learn to Cruise and Power training system. The Standard will prepare candidates for a role as crew in a club racing environment. The focus of this Standard is on racing rules knowledge and practical application of rules, terminology and procedures used on keelboats on the race course, Practical sessions include practice and coaching on maintaining boat speed as well as the application of the Racing Rules of Sailing. Basic Keelboat Racing Standard

Program Length:
The program may be offered in a day sailing or live aboard format. It is envisioned that the day sailing format will be taught in not less than 28 hours of which at least 16 hours should be devoted to practical sessions on water. In a live aboard format the course may be offered over a period of 4 or more days. A challenge of the standard may be accomplished in a minimum of 6 hours afloat plus completion of the written examination.
Cost: $ 720.00($ 780.00 for KYC Members) + Sail Canada Student Fee + HST (Members will receive a credit book equal to 15% of paid program fees, which can be used for Food & Beverage, Regalia, and Gas Dock purchases.)
Requirements: PCOC, *Operating an outboard motor is part of the course. Students need to have the Pleasure Craft Operator Card required by Transport Canada. An on-line course is available at CanBoat. Your KYC Instructor can provide instruction for PCOC, if required ($40).

Basic Keelboat Spinnaker (Sail Canada) 

Robert to provide description:
From Sail Canada: To be able to sail safely as the crew of a sloop-rigged keelboat 6 to 12 meters while working with a spinnaker in light to moderate wind and sea conditions by day. Basic Keelboat Spinnaker Standard

Program Length:
Program Length is approximately half a day long, held afloat, in one session. Length can be made flexible. (Course is weather dependent.)
Cost: $ 150.00($ 130.00 for KYC Members) +Sail Canada Student Fee + HST (Members will receive a credit book equal to 15% of paid program fees, which can be used for Food & Beverage, Regalia, and Gas Dock purchases.)
Requirements: PCOC, *Operating an outboard motor is part of the course. Students need to have the Pleasure Craft Operator Card required by Transport Canada. An on-line course is available at CanBoat. Your KYC Instructor can provide instruction for PCOC, if required ($40).

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