Learn to Sail
Summer Camp in Toronto

Learn to Sail Summer Camp in Toronto

Youth Sailing Program on Lake Ontario

Looking for a fun, safe, and educational summer experience for your child? Our Learn to Sail Summer Camp introduces young sailors to the excitement of sailing while building confidence, teamwork, and lifelong skills on the water. Whether your child is stepping into a sailboat for the very first time or advancing toward competitive racing, our nationally accredited sailing programs provide the perfect environment to learn, grow, and have fun all summer long.

Located on the protected waters of Lake Ontario inside a secure yacht club setting, our sailing school combines professional instruction, structured learning, and unforgettable summer camp experiences for children and teens of all skill levels.

Why Families Choose Our Sailing Camp

Our primary focus is simple: helping children have fun while learning to sail safely and confidently. We follow the nationally recognized CANSail curriculum taught by certified instructors, but we never lose sight of the fact that this is a summer camp designed for kids to enjoy.

What Makes Our Program Unique

Safe, sheltered sailing area for beginners
Certified and experienced sailing instructors
Nationally accredited CANSail training programs
Small-boat learning designed for youth sailors
Emphasis on confidence, independence, and teamwork
Beautiful greenspace for games and land activities
Progressive programs from beginner sailing to racing
Supportive environment for both new and returning sailors

On days when weather conditions are unsuitable for sailing, campers participate in supervised land-based activities, games, and sailing-related instruction to ensure every day remains engaging and enjoyable.

Learn to Sail Programs

Our Learn to Sail Summer Camp offers progressive sailing levels designed to help young sailors build skills at their own pace.

CANSail 1 – Beginner Sailing Lessons

Perfect for first-time sailors and beginners, CANSail 1 introduces the fundamentals of sailing in a fun and supportive environment.

Participants learn:

Boat handling basics
Water safety and seamanship
Steering and sail control
Launching and landing techniques
Wind awareness and confidence on the water

Campers typically sail single-handed in Optimist dinghies (Optis), though younger or smaller sailors may share a boat.

CANSail 2 – Intermediate Youth Sailing

Designed for sailors who have completed CANSail 1, CANSail 2 program builds on foundational skills while introducing more advanced sailing techniques.

Sailors train in the highly regarded RS Feva double-handed dinghy and develop:

Improved boat control
Teamwork and communication
Upwind and downwind sailing
Advanced maneuvers
Introductory racing skills

This program is extremely popular and often fills quickly.

CANSail 3 & 4 – Advanced Sailing Development

For experienced sailors ready to progress beyond introductory levels, CANSail 3 and 4 provide advanced instruction in larger, more technical boats such as the Club 420.

Students continue developing:

Advanced sail trim and boat tuning
Stronger tactical decision-making
Performance sailing techniques
Crew coordination
Sailing in varied weather conditions

To allow sailors enough time to develop these higher-level skills, CANSail 3 & 4 are offered as extended four-week sessions.

Learn to Race Programs

For passionate sailors who want to take the next step, our Learn to Race programs introduce competitive sailing and regatta participation.

These programs are ideal for enthusiastic sailors interested in:

Competitive racing
Racing strategy and tactics
Team development
Regatta preparation
Advanced boat handling

Race team sailors often compete in regattas across the Lake Ontario region, including events in Hamilton, Toronto, Port Credit and Kingston. Through summer-long training and competition, sailors develop exceptional skills, discipline, sportsmanship, and lifelong friendships.

Opti Development Team

Our Opti Development Team is designed for young sailors interested in learning the fundamentals of competitive racing in Optimist dinghies.

Participants receive:

Introductory race coaching
Competitive sailing experience
Racing rules and strategy instruction
Local regatta opportunities
Development toward future race team participation

This development-focused program helps sailors build the confidence and technical ability needed for more advanced competitive sailing opportunities.

A Safe and Supportive Environment

Safety is always our highest priority. All sailing activities are supervised by certified instructors, and campers learn in controlled conditions appropriate to their age and experience level.

Building Skills for Life

Sailing teaches far more than how to control a boat. Throughout the summer, children develop:

Confidence and independence
Leadership and responsibility
Problem-solving skills
Teamwork and communication
Resilience and perseverance

Many of our sailors return year after year, progressing from beginner programs into advanced sailing and racing teams.

Register for Learn to Sail
Summer Camp 2026

Registration for our Learn to Sail Summer Camp programs is now open. Spaces in several programs fill quickly each summer, especially intermediate and advanced levels.

Whether your child is brand new to sailing or ready for competitive racing, our programs provide an unforgettable summer experience on the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is Learn to Sail Summer Camp for?

Our programs are designed for children and teens ages 7 - 17 of varying skill levels, from beginner sailors to advanced racers.

Do campers need previous sailing experience?

No. CANSail 1 is specifically designed for first-time sailors.

What should campers bring?

Campers should bring a lifejacket, lunch, sunscreen, towel, water bottle, bathing suit and clothes that can get wet.

Is sailing camp safe?

Yes. All programs are supervised by CANSail certified instructors and follow nationally accredited safety standards.

What are daily camp hours?

Monday to Friday (including public holidays): 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Early Drop-Off: Begins at 8:00 AM
Late Pick-Up: Available until 5:30 PM

All sailors must be signed in daily, and younger participants must be signed out by a parent or guardian unless prior arrangements have been approved.

When does the camp season start?

Sailing camp runs during the summer months of July and August
There are 2-week, 4-week and 8-week sessions available
Race programs typically run 8-week or 4-week sessions

Where is it located?

300 Humber Bay Park Rd W, Etobicoke, ON M8V 3X7, Canada

See a short video on how to access Etobicoke Yacht Club - Junior Sail Program during the sailing camp season: Click here

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