smsc.ca

A Beginner’s Sailing Adventure on the Bay

2011 Info follows - subject to change

St. Margaret Sailing Club is pleased to be offering its popular entry-level sailing adventure for adults again this year. This 18-hour program called Set Sail VI will welcome future sailors to the joys of sailing on the Bay. Set Sail VI will blend the basics of sailing theory with a weekend of practice on a member’s boat, in the company of an experienced skipper and a knowledgeable sailor.

Set Sail is based, in part, on the Canadian Yachting Association (CYA) Learn to Cruise Basic Cruising Standard, which emphasizes safe and proper handling of keelboats. It will consist of two evening sessions and a full weekend in the classroom and on the water. On Thursday evening, June 23, you’ll be in the classroom gaining an appreciation for the basics from 6 to 9 pm. Friday night, June 24, you’ll move quickly to the boats and spend the evening on the water (6 to 9 pm). On Saturday and Sunday, June 25 and 26, you’ll spend the day in the program (9 am to 4 pm), with mornings in the classroom and afternoons on the water.  

Program participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of sailing and boat handling in the program. You must attend the classroom sessions in order to participate in the on-water parts.

Program Registration

Set Sail VI Program: Provides classroom training, facility usage, materials and handouts. In addition, gain experience and have fun on the water on one evening and two afternoons courtesy of SMSC member-volunteered boats (must participate in classroom training). You aren't paying for the on the water portion - this is provided entirely thanks to the good graces of our members.

Members: $XX+HST
Non-Members: $XX+HST

Anyone interested in registering for the program is encouraged to do so quickly (the program sold out last year). The registration deadline is June 9th.

Please submit your completed registration form (one per sailor) and a cheque to cover your fees, or apply and pay online (see links at left). As the number of spaces we can offer is dependent on the number of members who volunteer their boats and/or time as an instructor, we will not be able to determine for sure how many students we can accommodate until about June 15, 2011. We will confirm your registration as soon as we are able. Once your registration has been confirmed, there will be no refunds.

Prior to May 31st, space will be allocated in order of receipt with preference given to SMSC members and those who live or frequent (summer resident, etc.) the bay area. We define this loosely as the area encompassing Hammonds Plains, Timberlea, Peggy's Cove, and Hubbards.

Program Details

Here’s what you can expect from Set Sail:

• You’ll receive a good introduction to the fundamentals of sailing and be ready to apply your new skills as a beginning crew member.
• You’ll learn about the characteristics of wind and its directions, and how the boat moves in the water.
• You’ll be introduced to the concepts of tacking and gybing, and port and starboard.
• You’ll cover much of the content in the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) program needed by all boat owners these days (but we do not provide the opportunity to take the exam).

Here’s what you’ll need to bring:

• Personal Flotation Device if you have one; PFD’s will also be available
• Lunches and beverages (non-alcoholic) for Saturday and Sunday
• Paper and pen
• WARM clothing – it can get very chilly on the Bay; bring layers along with gloves and a hat
• Non-skid, non-marking shoes
• Rain Gear – just in case