The Oakville Yacht Squadron Adult sailing programs are now open for registration.

Adult Sailing Programs

The OYS Sailing School follows the CANSail Learn to Sail program. Whether you are looking to try something new, learn to sail or want to buy a boat in the future, this is the place to start.

The OYS Sailing School Adult program provides a safe and enjoyable introduction to sailing and boating and we are now offering an advanced course.  The program is designed for all learning objectives and levels of experience.  Our adult program offers small classes sizes.

CANSail certificates are awarded upon successful completion of a set of practical skills and demonstrated knowledge at each level.


Intro dinghy

No prerequisites required
Individuals 16+ years old

The OYS Sailing School follows the CANSail Learn to Sail Program. Whether you are looking to try something new, learn to sail, or want to buy a boat in the future, this is the place to start. Adult programs are taught in our dinghy class of RS Quests, accommodating up to 3 adults in each boat. This program provides a safe and enjoyable introduction to sailing and boating. The program is designed to teach the basics of dinghy sailing at CANSail level 1 including boat balance, sail trim, heading up, tacking, gybing, leadership, knots, basic weather patterns, docking and sailing terminology. These skills are taught through unique lessons by our team of qualified and experienced instructors. CANSail certificates are awarded upon successful completion of a set of practical skills and demonstrated knowledge.

This course is taught on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5pm – 8:30pm over 2 weeks; for 14 hours of sailing!

Session 1: May 29th, May 31st, June 5th and June 7th

Session 2: June 12th, June 14th, June 19th and June 21st

Session 3:  June 16th, June 28th, July 3rd and July 5th

Session 4: July 10th, July 12th, July 17th and July 19th

Session 5: July 24th, July 26th, July 31st and August 2nd

$600 plus HST


Advanced Dinghy

Prerequisites: Completed CANSail 1
Individuals 16+ years old

This program builds on our CANSail 1 level dinghy program and helps sailors to continue to develop their knowledge and sailing skills with more advanced training. Adult programs are taught in our dinghy class of 420s, accommodating 2 adults in each boat. The CANSail 2 program faces of teaching sailors to adjust their bodies and boats for changes in direction and wind speed while sailing, and to perform boat-handling maneuvers in a controlled manner while in a controlled setting. These skills are taught in both classroom and on-water practice by our qualified and experienced instructors. CANSail certificated are awarded upon successful completion of a set of practical skills and demonstrated knowledge at a CANSail 2 level.

This course is taught on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5pm – 8:30pm over 2 weeks; for 14 hours of sailing!

Session 1: July 3rd, July 5th, July 10th and July 17th

Session 2: July 24th, July 26th, July 31st and August 2nd

$675 plus HST