CANSAIL 1 & 2

CANSAIL 1 & 2

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The CanSail program (VoileCAN) is Sail Canada’s national dinghy training program and consists of six distinct levels. CanSail Levels 1 and 2 (VoileCAN 1 and VoileCAN 2) introduce students to the essential skills of sailing and generally take about 15 hours per level to complete (completion of the level cannot be guaranteed and depends on the student’s progress). Skills taught include boat terminology, wind theory, rigging, sail and boat trimming, as well as safety techniques such as man-overboard recovery and righting the boat after capsizing. By the end of this course, students will have acquired the skills necessary to sail solo and perform basic maneuvers in a controlled manner.

This course is recommended for those who wish to advance in dinghy sailing and eventually participate in friendly and/or competitive regattas. It is important to note that our club organizes friendly regattas every Wednesday during the summer season, open to all skill levels.

Step 1: Prerequisites for the Course

To enroll in the Cansail program, students must have completed the Introduction to Dinghy Sailing course (3 hours) on a catamaran and/or Laser during the current year or the previous season, depending on the type of boat chosen to complete their Cansail levels.

Equivalent experience in dinghy sailing may also be accepted. In this case, please contact the club to have your experience validated before proceeding with your online registration.

Step 2: Book your CanSail 1 & 2 lessons

Once you’ve completed your introduction to dinghy sailing (3 hours), you have two options:

Option 1: Reserve a block of hours and schedule your lessons at your own pace

If your schedule varies or you prefer more flexibility, we recommend reserving a block of 15 or 30 hours.
You can then book your lessons online throughout the season, based on your availability.

To book, simply follow the instructions in your confirmation email.

Option 2: Book all your lessons now

If you already know your availability, you can book all your lessons now by selecting your time slots on the online calendar.

Please note that you must book a minimum of 5 or 10 lessons, depending on your goals.

STEP 3: Sign the online risk waiver

Please review the risks associated with your activity and sign the online risk waiver to ensure that your on-site experience is as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible.

Sailing Area

Lac des Deux-Montagnes is considered an exceptional body of water for learning to sail. Its vast expanse offers a safe and relatively uncrowded environment, allowing beginners to sail safely while enjoying variable wind conditions for a rewarding learning experience.

Important Information

Courses are offered in French, in groups of up to eight participants, to ensure high-quality instruction.
You will have the opportunity to learn to sail on a catamaran or a Laser. To facilitate your progress, however, it is important to take all your lessons on the same type of boat.

Courses generally take place regardless of weather conditions. Students must therefore be prepared to go out in all conditions. We recommend bringing a raincoat/windbreaker and a change of clothes in case of rain. Thermal wetsuits can be provided upon request, but we recommend bringing your own if you have one. We advise bringing your own water shoes if you have them.

Although the course is open to everyone, it is important to note that dinghy sailing (sailing on dinghies and catamarans) is a sport that requires a minimum level of physical fitness. Among other things, you will need to regularly duck under the boom to perform maneuvers and remain seated in the boat for extended periods of time.

Once you have successfully completed your CanSail certification, your profile will be created on Checklick, Sail Canada’s platform where your progress is tracked.
You will have access to your profile, and your certifications will be recognized nationally at schools using this platform.

For important information to consider before your course, please refer to our document “Important Information to Know for Your Course.”

See you on the water!