The OYS Sailing School
The OYS Sailing School follows the Canadian Yachting Association (CYA) Learn To Sail program. Courses are offered for beginners (white level), intermediate (bronze level) and racers (silver and gold levels). Students will receive approximately two-thirds of their instruction on the water and the remainder in land classes. Certificates are awarded to students upon completion of their respective levels.
Youth programs are offered as a day camp during the weekdays (including holidays) in July and August. Students are grouped in classes according to program level, age, and ability, and use the dinghy fleet for training. Classes run from July until August.
Adult programs are offered both in evening and week-long day sessions throughout the spring and summer. These programs are offered on keelboats.
For the young enthusiast we offer the Optimist/Mosquito Junior Sail Program for children starting at age 8. This program provides an exciting opportunity for young students to experience sailing while having fun. July and August classes are available. Click here to access our Online, Junior / Youth Registration form.
NEW -Accessible Sailing Program
OYS is pleased to participating in the Accessible Sailing Program here in Oakville Ontario. We believe that this program will be a fine addition to our rooster of sailing programs that are geared to deliver value to our community while fostering the sport of sailing. Click here for more info about Accessible sailing here in Oakville.
Sailing School t-shirts are included in the registration fee of all courses.
Student Eligibility
Students must be 8 years of age or older and must be comfortable on and in the water.
Instructors
All OYS Sailing School instructors have National Coaches Certifications from the Canadian Yachting Association.
The instructors are a minimum of 16 years of age and each has attained at least their Emergency First Aid and Boat Rescue certifications outlined by the Life Saving Society.
OYSSS Fleet of Boats
A total of 30 boats make up the OYS Sailing School fleet. The Mosquito program has 8 dinghies. The white level sailors use the 8 CL14’s, with three or four students per boat. The bronze level sailors use the 10 420’s, with two students per boat. The adult keelboat program uses 4 Shark (24 ft) keelboats.
The sailing school has 8 coach/rescue motor boats for use by the instructors during on the water classes.
Students enrolled in the silver program are expected to provide their own Laser or Byte sailboat. Summer storage is included in the course fee. Contact the Sailing School Director for more information.
Safety Policies & Inclement Weather
The safety of all students and instructors is the highest priority for the school. All students and instructors are required to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times while on the water.Students must provide their own PFD.
Each coach/rescue boat is equipped with a portable VHF radio. This enables instructors on the water to be in constant communication with the School and local rescue units (TOWARF and the Police).
The School and all coach boats are equipped with first aid kits to treat minor medical needs.
The instructors obtain daily weather reports from Environment Canada using the VHF radio. After receiving the report and reviewing local conditions, the Head Instructor decides if it is appropriate for the students to be sailing.
In the event of on-water instruction being canceled, land activities are planned for the students.
Students should bring….
- personal flotation device (PFD) with their name clearly marked
- soft-soled, non-marking shoes
- extra set of clothes
- jacket on cool days
- hat & sunglasses
- sunscreen
- bag lunch
All personal belongings are stored in the student shed in open cubicles. The Sailing School cannot ensure the safety of any valuables.
Lunch is not provided by the club, however cold drinks are available from the club vending machine.
Once per week, students are allowed to go out for lunch. Students, escorted by instructors, may walk to local fast food outlets, so some pocket change may be needed.
School Facilities
The Sailing School is housed on the grounds of the Oakville Yacht Squadron. Land classes are taught in the School building and at the dry dock area. Washroom facilities are available at the main Clubhouse and are equipped with hot showers.
Youth Awards Banquet
An evening awards banquet and slide show for students and parents is held at OYS the Thursday of the final week of July and August to celebrate student accomplishments and to reflect on good times!
Crew Bench – Wednesday Night Racing
All adult students are invited to show up at the Crew Bench before 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday nights during the racing season. Senior club members are always looking for more crew! The crew bench is located at the southeast corner of the clubhouse under the sign. To get on the Crew Bench, click here.
Hours of Operation
The School operating hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students are expected to be at the school by 8:30 a.m. to rig boats and remain at the end of the day until all boats are derigged. Instruction begins at 9:00 a.m. and finishes by 3:00 p.m.
Adult evening classes begin at 6:30 p.m.
Information
E-mail at OYS Sailing School Info
Junior / Youth Sailing School Online Registration Form
Adult Sailing School Online Registration Form
Telephone and voice mail: (905) 338-9379
Mailing Address:
OYS Sailing School
c/o Kent Paisley
254 Woodland Drive
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 4W5
Location
The Sailing School is located at the Oakville Yacht Squadron, 97 Forsythe Street, Oakville, on the west side of Sixteen Mile Creek, south of Lakeshore Road at the bottom of the hill. Click here to see the map.
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