When does the school operate?

Eight weeks during the summer, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday to Friday. Come for one week or up to eight weeks. Our Laser II and Opti racing programs run in the afternoon from Week 2 through Week 6 inclusive, from 1 to 4 p.m. Race Regattas are in addition.

What if I'm an older student?

The school will continue to offer an accelerated program at the White Sail levels for kids aged 12 or older, and who are just being introduced to sailing. These students will be paired with other students of similar age and ability, where possible, and be provided with special instructions. As their skills typically develop more quickly, they will be moved along in the program over a shorter period of time, allowing them to catch up with other students their age.

Do you have races?

For advanced students (Bronze and Silver levels), the school offers a Laser II Racing Program three afternoons a week for six weeks and on several weekends (racing regattas). The program teaches the skills and rules of racing, and includes competitions within the school and with other clubs in the area. All students have the opportunity to participate in club racing held on weekends and are encouraged to do so to achieve higher levels of skill development.

For our younger race enthusiasts, we have the Optimist Racing Program for qualifying White III and Bronze IV sailing school students. 

How do I get there?

The school site is on McVittie Island, near the east side of Browining and Eilean Gowan Islands. Click here for Directions. Transportation from the mainland can be arranged and boat pooling is encouraged to reduce the number of students driving to the site.

What are the school's facilities?

The school site is fully developed, with docks, a launching ramp, boat and equipment storage, a dry land training pavilion, and sandy beach. In the summer of 2000, the world famous Optimist (Opti) youth program was introduced at SMSS. The Opti program is designed for children from the ages 8-11 to be introduced to sailing in a small, child friendly boat. These boats are safe, fun, and provide a fabulous addition to the sailing program. The Club has upgraded its boats in recent years and we are planning to continue doing so. Our fleet now consists of:

13 Vanguard Prams
4 Optimists
12 Laser-II's
1 Raven

What are class sizes like?

With nine qualified instructors, and an average of under 40 students, there is a low student to teacher ratio, enabling personalized instruction at all levels.