Sail Thunder bay offers a wide range of programs for both adults and kids of all abilities.

CANSail 1

(Previously White Sail 1)
Prerequisites: Comfortable swimming with a personal flotation device (PFD) or lifejacket
CANSail 1 introduces basic sailing concepts to participants with some or no sailing experience.  Lessons and activities are conducted both on and off the water. The curriculum includes water safety, knots, rigging, terminology, points of sail, sail trim, tacking & gybing and capsizing. By the end of the course, participants will be able to comfortably sail around a course with a partner.

CANSail 2

(Previously White Sail 2 & 3)
Prerequisites: CANSail 1 Certificate
CANSail 2 builds on the basic sailing concepts introduced in CANSail 1 through lessons and activities both on and off the water. The curriculum includes mark roundings, advanced sail trim, boat balance and body positioning, stopping and accelerating, and righting a turtle boat.  By the end of the program participants will be able to sail independently and double-handed under instructor supervision.

CANSail 3

(Previously Bronze 4)
Prerequisites: CANSail 2 Certificate
CANSail 3 teaches advanced double-handed boating skills to participants. The curriculum includes self rescue, advanced sailing terminology, rudderless sailing, and sailing backwards. By the end of the program participants will master basic double-handed helming and crewing skills.

CANSail 4

(Previously Bronze 5)
Prerequisites: CANSail 3 Certificate
CANSail 4 introduces spinnaker work and trapezing in a double handed Club 420 sailboat. The curriculum includes spinnaker terminology, trapezing technique, anchoring and flying spinnaker. By the end of the program participants will be comfortable with their spinnaker skills and trapezing and will advance their double handed boat handling skills.

*Each individual’s progress towards the CANSail levels will be tracked through their online personalized CANSail checklist.

Adult Learn to Sail

Prerequisites: Comfortable swimming with a personal flotation device (PFD) or lifejacket
Our Adult Learn to Sail program introduces most aspects taught in CANSail 1 & 2 in both dryland and on-water lessons.  Adults will be trained in single and double-handed boats and will acquire both crewing and helming skills, terminology, sail trim, and theoretical concepts of sailing.  We offer a Tuesday evening course from 6-9pm.

“Sail on” Program

Finished your lessons but not sure how to keep sailing? The new “Sail On” program will give you an opportunity to sail with skippers who are looking for crew and would like to have you sail with them. Please contact us at Sail Thunder Bay or by email to  ross.v.bailey@gmail.com  for more information.