Maximizing Fun and Learning

While we prioritize fun and enjoyment in all our courses and camps, we also spend significant time outdoors. Being properly prepared for each day will enhance both your enjoyment and learning experience.

Meeting Location

For the 2025 season, Sailing Program participants will meet in the Lower Parking Lot and register through the lower entrance to the Yacht Club.

Parking for drop-off and pick-up is available off Townsite Road, through the main gate of the Yacht Club.

Please follow the guidance of our staff when entering and exiting the Yacht Club.

We appreciate your patience as we implement new protocols. Please be advised that we will not tolerate any abusive or rude behavior toward our staff or fellow participants.

Reminder: Always sign in and out with your instructor!

What to Bring

• Please bring the completed Emergency Contact Form on the first day of your program.
• Dress appropriately for the weather conditions, including a towel and a full change of clothes each day. Fleece layers are ideal for cold weather, as cotton loses its warmth when wet.
• Make sure to bring windproof and waterproof layers. No jeans, please!
• To protect against sun exposure, bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. We recommend applying sunscreen before you arrive and reapplying throughout the day.
• Participants must wear shoes at all times, even when swimming. Closed-toed shoes (e.g., water shoes, wetsuit booties) are highly recommended. Teva-style sandals, sneakers, and runners are acceptable, but flip-flops are not.
• NYC encourages a healthy lifestyle. Be sure to pack a snack and lunch, along with a water bottle that can be brought out on the water.
• We often have picnic-style lunches at locations outside the NYC. Pack your child's lunch and snacks in an easy-to-carry case or bag. Lunch and snack times may vary.
• We encourage you to bring your own Canadian Coast Guard-approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD). If you don't own one, NYC has extras available for students to borrow.
• Wetsuits and sailing gloves are not required, but feel free to bring them if desired. Keep in mind that wetsuits are designed to function when wet and should fit correctly. Layered clothing is often more comfortable. Rubber gardening gloves can be a reasonable alternative to sailing gloves.
• For added safety, we recommend that participants bring sailing helmets.
• Pack everything neatly in one bag. No items should be left around the club or docks.
• Leave valuables or items that don't fare well with saltwater at home. NYC is not responsible for lost or damaged items.

What to Expect

• Our programs follow Sail Canada standards and regulations. Please note that many of our camps are designed to span more than one week. Signing up for a particular level does not guarantee that you will achieve it by the end of the week. If you don’t complete a level, it simply means there are more skills to work on!
• Participants will be on the water, rain or shine.
• Instructors ensure that sailors sail in safe, appropriate conditions.
• As a water sport, expect to get wet every day—especially your feet!
• While the goal is to avoid capsizing, even experienced sailors sometimes do. Sailors will be instructed on how to capsize and self-rescue in a controlled, supportive environment.
• Full-day programs include supervision from 8:50 am to 3:40 pm.
• Expect fun, safe, and high-quality programming, delivered by certified Sail Canada instructors.

What We Expect

• Participants must be able to follow instructions to participate in programs at the Nanaimo Yacht Club.
• If your child cannot attend, please call 250-268-0876 or email sailtraining@nanaimoyc.ca before 9:00 am on the day in question.
• Ensure your child signs in with the instructor at the beginning of the day and signs out at the end.
• Participants should be picked up within 15 minutes of the end of the program and dropped off no earlier than 10 minutes before it starts.
• If you are unable to pick up your child on time due to unforeseen circumstances, please call ahead. Your child will be seated in our boardroom. Although staff will be in the building, no direct supervision will be available.
• Failure to collect your child on time may result in their dismissal from the program.
• Participants must arrive with sufficient clothing, footwear, sun protection, food, and water to ensure their comfort and safety for the day.
• Instructors should be informed of any medical conditions or special needs of a participant.