Our successful sailing school and racing program offers fun and rewarding experiences for all participants, and friendships that will last a lifetime! And it’s available at a much lower cost than traditional summer camps.
Commencing Monday, June 30, 2008, the South Muskoka Sailing School kicks off an eight-week program of morning instruction, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Monday to Friday. Students aged 8 through 16 should register for a minimum one-week session, though 2 or more weeks are recommended in order to complete a level. The program offers instruction in CYA sailing levels from White Sail to Silver Sail, with both on-water and off-water activities, and an emphasis on fun learning. We have graduated many expert sailors over the thirty years that our school has operated.
For older, first-time students, we include an accelerated “Mach 3” program. Mach 3 matches sailors of similar age and ability, so nobody feels left out.
Great Equipment, Great Facilities and Great Instruction
We are entering the eighth year of a boat renewal program that has seen an investment of over ninety thousand dollars! Our fleet includes 13 world-famous Vanguard Prams, designed to introduce sailing to children aged 8 to 12. The Prams are safe, fun, and reliable.
We also have 12 Laser II’s, five newly acquired in the past several years. This advanced (and expensive!), spinnaker-trapeze double-hander allows our students to attain the highest levels of sailing.
In 2007, we purchased 5 brand new 420s with trapeze and spinnaker. These will help us to expand our program and offer double-handed sailing at the white sail levels.
Our facility is undergoing a massive renovation project that will accommodate our growing numbers by increasing classroom space, improving docking facilities and providing more suitable washrooms.
In 2004, we added 4 brand new Optimist dinghies, the largest sailing class in the world.
Afternoon White Sail Session
This year we are offering students who are in white sail levels 1-3 the chance to get some more time in the boat. This session will run five afternoons a week from 1-3:30 p.m. It will be taught by a team of instructors who will aim to provide students with an opportunity to practise some of the skills they have learned in their morning sessions.
If your child would like to brush up on his or her skills, spend more time with friends on the water, or simply build confidence in the boat, this might be something worth trying. The sessions will commence July7th and run for the rest of the summer.
If you are interested in signing up, you should talk to the head instructor during the first week of sailing school. He will provide you with a registration form. The cost for these afternoon sessions will be $100 per week, per child.
Laser II Racing Program
SMSC offers a great Racing Program for those who would like to take sailing to a higher level, three afternoons per week, for six weeks commencing July 1st. We have several Canadian and Provincial Champions that have come from our ranks! Our racers compete both inside and outside Muskoka at club and provincial regattas. This experience develops advanced racing skills and allows our racers to meet competitors from other clubs. The regatta schedule is still to be determined.
Optimist Racing Program!
We added 4 brand new race-ready Optimist dinghies in 2004. This boat, which is a racing version of the Pram, allows us to field a team of younger sailors who can learn to race, and potentially compete at an international level depending on results. We have also invested in a custom trailer and zodiac-style coach boat to facilitate travel and on-the-water supervision at the events.
Qualifying White III and Bronze IV sailing school students can attend the afternoon “learn to race” sessions. Like the Laser II Racing program, the Opti program runs three afternoons per week, for six weeks commencing July 8th. The program culminates with the top racers attending the following international event (and it’s a lot of fun!):
- Opti Youth Festival at Portsmouth Harbour in Kingston Ontario, dates TBA
Visit our Racing Program area for additional details, including travel arrangements and parental involvement.
Our Very Competitive Fees
Sailing School fees are just $160 per week, which remains very competitive against the high cost of traditional camps and city sailing programs. Our Laser II Racing Program fee will be unchanged at $375 for the entire season. The Opti Racing Program is just $275 (noting that the younger sailors don’t typically attend all 6 weeks of this program and thus the lower fee).
We remain confident that we’ll be able to maintain our high standard of instruction and equipment at these very reasonable rates!
Apply Early!
Apply Early: Enrollment is limited and we have been reaching capacity in many of our programs. It is important that you apply early and send in your completed application and cheque to reserve a spot And if you have family or friends that may be interested, pass along their contact information and we’ll be sure to get in touch. We rely on your referrals to help grow our program.
You can also consult our Membership section for application forms and fee structure.
