- All programs take place on Monday-Friday from 9:00am – 4:00pm.
- Sailors in Optimist and 420 & ILCA Racing who participate in racing may have weekend regattas.
- Details for all programs can be viewed on our registration page.
- Financial supports are available for families needing assistance.
Programs for all ages and skill levels:
Fall Sailing 2025
We have exciting junior fall sailing programs lined up at AYC Sailing School, for many age groups, skill levels and interests!
WetFeet – For ages 5-7
Session Length: 1 week, CANSail Requirement: None
WetFeet gives our youngest sailors a fun introduction to sailing and a chance to be on the water.
Pram – For ages 8-14
Session Length: 2 weeks, CANSail Requirement: None, Max weight: 110 lbs
Pram is the best starting point for a sailor’s journey. Sailors focus on the basics of dinghy sailing and learn how to operate a boat, read wind direction and identify the points of sail.
Optimist – For ages 10-15
Session Length: 2 weeks, CANSail 2 Required, Max. weight: 130 lbs
Optimist builds on the basics from Pram and teaches methods of improving boat speed and performance. Sailors get the opportunity to experience a variety of wind conditions and explore different aspects of dinghy racing.
Intro to Double-Handed – For ages 12-16
Session Length: 2 weeks, CANSail Requirement: None, Min. weight: 100 lbs
The Intro to Double-Handed course is for new sailors who are not quite as young as members of the Pram group. Sailors in this group learn the basics of dinghy sailing and also explore sailing with a partner.
Adventure – For ages 12-16
Session Length: 2 weeks, CANSail 2 Required, Min. weight: 110 lbs
The Adventure group is for sailors who prefer to explore the ocean rather than learn to race. This group follows the CANSail curriculum with a focus on providing one-of-a-kind experiences like island lunches or visiting the Halifax waterfront by boat.
420 & ILCA Racing – For ages 13-18
Session Length: 2 weeks, CANSail 3 Required, Min. weight: 110 lbs
This program focuses on racing skills, tactics, and other advanced sailing skills from CANSail levels 4-6. Each session is two weeks but we recommend registration in two sessions for sailors to better learn and retain advanced skills and theory.
Additional information
Equipment needed
In general, while we provide everything you need to get on the water, there are a few exceptions.
All participants in our programs must supply and provide their own life jacket (DOT approved PFD), soft soled non-marking shoes, as well as a notebook and pencil.
Food and drink
All participants in our junior sailing programs must also provide their own packed lunch. Hydration is also very important, so participants in all programs should come with their own water bottle.
Clothing
Participants in our programs should come dressed for the weather. On sunny days, we recommend that you wear a hat, sunglasses and put on sunscreen. You may also wish to wear a long-sleeved shirt. Sailing can be a high UV exposure activity, and it is important that you protect yourself. Halifax weather is anything but predictable, however, and so participants should also come dressed for cooler, foggier and misty conditions where appropriate.
Certification
All junior sailing program participants will be taught and evaluated in accordance with the CANSail curriculum. This will result in evaluation and certification as part of the CANSail 1-6 programs.
Can my child participate in multiple junior sailing sessions?
Yes. Junior sailors can participate in more than one training session throughout the season.
Tender service from the Halifax peninsula available
The Armdale roundabout can be busy in the mornings. To make transportation easier, junior sailors can arrange pickup and drop off via an AYC Sailing School tender from the public dock at the bottom of Jubilee Road (an additional fee is required).
Cancellation and refunds
Learn more about our registration terms and cancellation and refund policies.
Have questions?
Please contact us with any questions. We’d be happy to help you find the right program.
Our junior sailing programs follow Sail Canada’s CANSail curriculum and are taught by trained and certified instructors.