We want to thank you all for being a part of a very successful 2024 Summer sailing!

Nanaimo Yacht Club offers kids and youth summer sailing camps for ages 5 to 18 years old.

We will be back in training for Summer 2025, with registration open at midnight on 01 Apr 2025.

All of our dinghy camps are in line with the CanSail dinghy training syllabus and taught by CanSail registered instructors.

Which camp to choose?
We will be using a different format next year. Instead of 3 different age groups, the registrations for each level will be open for 7-18 year olds, with only a capacity as per the number of vessels we have.

Levels 1-2 will be together and levels 3-4 will be together. Exceptions - Any sailor who has achieved a level 3 certification may be moved up to a bigger dinghy.

If your youth athlete attended a CanSail course in Nanaimo or elsewhere, please ensure of their last completed level before they are signed up for a course.

How to use the registration page.
Use the filter function on our registration page to make it easier to find the camps you want. E.g. click on the “Filter Events” button (top right of the registration page), this will bring up a box with filter choices. Select the “Tag” option in the bottom right of the filter options and select the age group you want. From the same list you can also select levels or week numbers etc. All available options for the tag you choose will then be displayed without other camps.

Junior members discount.
Junior members receive a $25 discount from each week camp via a discount code.
Each code is unique to the individual member so please email sailtraining@nanaimoyc.ca with the name of the junior member.
Codes can be used for all summer camps but cannot be transferred or used by anyone else. Please keep your code secure as your membership relies on it.
Only members with fully paid membership to September 30 2025 are eligible. (Billed in October 2024 to EVERY member joining prior to that date).

Joining one of our sailing classes you’ll be sure to have a great fun learning experience in a stunning environment. 

Forms will be sent to the emails on each registration, to be filled out prior to the start of the camp. Printed forms can be retrieved from the Nanaimo Yacht Club.

Guide to the levels

CanSail Level 1
Prerequisites – None.
Average time to completion - 1 to 2 weeks
This CANSail program teaches students the fundamentals of sailing in a fun and comfortable environment. Students work together on balance, steering and making their boat move using the sails. Sailors also learn physical literacy and communication skills through fun activities and games.

CanSail Level 2
Prerequisites – CANSail level 1
Average time to completion - 2 to 3 weeks; after level 1 completion
We develop on the skills learned in Level 1 and introduce more advanced skills, the sailors start to become comfortable on the water and able to control their own boat. This is where the Optimist sailors begin to learn how to sail on their own. Training concentrates more on refining the basic skills needed to advance to levels 3 and 4.

CanSail Level 3 & 4
Prerequisites – CANSail level 2 for level 3 and level 3 for level 4 course
Average time to completion - Level 3 – 2 to 5 weeks; Level 4 – 4 to 8 weeks; after completion of previous level.
Build on existing skills, working towards skill proficiency in a variety of conditions and situations. Sailors are introduced to concepts such as reading the wind and waves, advanced boat handling, rudderless sailing, roll tacking, beginner racing skills, racing rules and sportsmanship.

CanSail Levels 5 & 6 - TBD
Prerequisites – Ages 13 – 18 & CANSail level 4
Average time to completion - Level 5 – a full season with race training and competition
This 420 Camp gives sailors a taste of race teams and training camps, integrating fun with fast sailing and high performance skills. Focus is on advanced boat handling and racing basics including race preparation, strategy and tactics.

Wet Feet: Ages 5 - 7; 9am to Noon; Monday to Friday - TBD

All other summer camps are from 9am to 3:30pm and includes a UV protection material shirt with NYC Sail School lettering.

All rates will be re-visited for the 2025 Summer sail season.