Ages 8 & up — No prerequisites required

For sailors who are new to the Optimist and beginning their sailing journey. This course is geared toward fun and learning, using the Optimist Dinghy (“Opti”) as an ideal platform for young sailors. Participants learn the basics of rigging, steering, sail trim, balance, and boat handling, along with seamanship skills, sportsmanship, and water safety. Instruction is paced to build comfort, confidence, and independence on the water.

FUTURE PATHWAYS:

OPTI

ILCA

WASZP

Ages 8 & up — No prerequisites required

For sailors who are new to double‑handed sailing and beginning their journey in the 420. Our RAD‑rigged 420s use a smaller mainsail and a masthead float for added stability. The RAD is also a suitable beginner dinghy for older youth who may be nearing the Optimist’s practical weight range of about 100 lbs. Sailors learn the fundamentals of rigging, steering, sail trim, balance, and basic boat handling, along with seamanship skills and water safety. Instruction is paced to build comfort, confidence, and teamwork on the water.

FUTURE PATHWAYS:

420

29er

Prerequisite: CANSail 2

For sailors working to complete their CANSail 3 and 4 checklists who want to continue developing their skills in the Optimist. This program focuses on advanced boat handling, sail trim, boat speed, and the fundamentals of tactics and strategy. There is no expectation to race in Intermediate. It’s ideal for sailors who want to keep improving in a relaxed, non‑competitive environment, with the option to join regattas if they wish. Sailors working in CANSail 4 can continue on this pathway or move to the Race Team if they’re enthusiastic about racing and regatta participation.

PATHWAY TO:

OPTI RACE

ILCA RACE

Club boats are limited; boat ownership is encouraged but not required.

Prerequisite: CANSail 2

For sailors working to complete their CANSail 3 and 4 checklists who want to keep building double‑handed skills without committing to racing. The program develops advanced boat handling, teamwork, trapeze, spinnaker, and the basics of tactics and strategy. There is no expectation to race in intermediate. It’s ideal for sailors who want to improve in a relaxed, non‑competitive environment, with the option to join regattas if they wish. Sailors working in CANSail 4 can continue on this pathway or join the Race Team if they’re enthusiastic about racing and regatta participation.

PATHWAY TO:

RACE 420

RACE 29er

Prerequisite: CANSail 3

For sailors who are ready to advance their skills and experience the excitement of Optimist racing. This program develops race‑course strategy, starting techniques, mark roundings, boat speed, and the rules of racing, while continuing to strengthen boat handling, seamanship, and confidence on the water. Sailors receive Optimist‑specific coaching from a dedicated race team coach and work on refining boat handling, tactics, and strategy throughout the season.

Race Team sailors are encouraged and expected to take part in regattas, representing HSC at local and potentially out‑of‑province events.

Regattas may fall on weekends and will require support from parents/guardians for travel and logistics.

Race‑quality club boats cannot be guaranteed; boat ownership is encouraged at this level

Prerequisite: CANSail 3

For sailors who are ready to advance their double‑handed skills and experience the excitement of racing in the 420. This program develops race‑course strategy, starting techniques, mark roundings, boat speed, and the rules of racing, while continuing to strengthen teamwork, communication, and confident boat handling. Sailors receive 420‑specific coaching from a dedicated race team coach and work on refining boat handling, tactics, and strategy throughout the season.

Race Team sailors are encouraged and expected to take part in regattas, representing HSC at local and potentially out‑of‑province events.

Regattas may fall on weekends and will require support from parents/guardians for team travel and logistics.

Prerequisite: CANSail 3

***PERSONAL BOAT OWNERSHIP REQUIRED*** — No fleet available

For sailors ready to advance their single‑handed skills and compete in the ILCA (Laser) class. The ILCA is a natural progression from the Optimist, offering sailors an exciting next step as they grow in strength, independence, and technical ability. This program focuses on developing strong boat handling, upwind and downwind speed, fitness, and race‑course awareness. Sailors receive Laser‑specific coaching from a dedicated race team coach and work on refining boat handling, tactics, and strategy throughout the season.

Sailors are expected to have the appropriate ILCA rig for their weight and size. Participants should weigh at least 100 lbs to sail the ILCA safely and effectively.

Race Team sailors are encouraged and expected to participate in regattas, representing HSC at local and potentially out‑of‑province events.

Regattas may fall on weekends and will require support from parents/guardians for team travel and logistics.

FUTURE PATHWAY:

WASZP

Prerequisite: CANSail 3

For sailors ready to take on the speed, teamwork, and excitement of high‑performance double‑handed sailing, the 29er offers a dynamic next step. As a skiff‑style boat, the 29er rewards agility, communication, and strong boat‑handling skills. This program is designed for experienced sailors looking to refine advanced techniques, develop boat speed, and build confidence in a fast, responsive racing platform.

Sailors receive 29er‑specific coaching from a dedicated race team coach and work on advanced boat handling, skiff‑specific skills, tactics, and race‑course strategy throughout the season. The 29er pathway is a natural progression for sailors who have enjoyed double‑handed sailing in the 420 and are eager for a more athletic, performance‑oriented challenge.

Race Team sailors are encouraged and expected to participate in regattas, representing HSC at local and potentially out‑of‑province events.

Regattas may fall on weekends and will require support from parents/guardians for team travel and logistics.

Ages 5–8

Monday–Friday 9:00 am–4:00 pm

1-week Sessions

Wet Feet is designed to help young sailors feel comfortable and confident on the water. This full‑day introductory program gives children a positive first experience with sailing through close, supportive instructor involvement and a balance of on‑water and shore‑based activities. Sailors explore the basics in Optimist dinghies, with an instructor on board or close alongside, and enjoy fun, boating‑related games and learning on shore.

The full‑day structure is intentionally paced to include rest, downtime, and gentle transitions so young participants are not overwhelmed or overtired. Children also learn essential sun‑safety habits to help them stay comfortable and protected throughout the day.

Participants must have completed Grade Primary or Kindergarten.

Please use the waitlist; priority will be given to full‑day registrants

This is a Wet Feet collaboration with Through the Years Daycare. Your sailor must be in the TTY's program. Sailors will be walked to the sailing club for 12:45 to participate in the Wet Feet program from 1 pm - 4 pm. Please join the waitlist, and you will be contacted to be moved into the program. Sailors must be 5 years old at the time of the session.