Sailing iCANSail

• Refillable water bottle
• Sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 or above
• Brimmed hat (baseball cap, bucket hat, Panama hat, etc.)
• Sunglasses with UVA & UVB protection
• Soft-soled water shoes (Closed toe shoes are best, but sandals are also acceptable.)
• Spare set of dry clothes
• A waterproof jacket/rain jacket (even on sunny days)
• A bathing suit and towel
• Lunch and snacks (if on meal plan, we still recommend you send snacks on the first day to ensure camper satiety)

• Extra bag for wet clothes
• Floating eyeglass strap (most sunglasses and glasses sink without one)
• Transport Canada-approved PFD. We provide each camper with one but if your child would like to bring their own they are welcome to do so
• Waterproof case for electronics
• Campers take all their belongings onto the boat with them

• Money (unless necessary for after camp)
• Electronics and other valuables
• Heavy cotton fabrics (they do not dry fast and can lead to camper discomfort in hot temperatures)
• Flip flops (not safe for running and do not provide adequate foot protection)
• Glass containers (for water and food)
• Jewelry

Our team of qualified Instructors are committed to holding the highest standards of instruction and safety in regards to your child’s welfare. Through intensive staff training and seminars, we employ Instructors who demonstrate and adhere to our strict safety policies both on and off the water, and have provided a Criminal Records Check. The nature of the sport and the equipment your child uses do come with an element of risk. The assessments made by our Instructors will minimize the likelihood of an accident by monitoring and delivering the program within a safely managed environment. The experience and forethought of an Instructor allows campers to process the skills required to better their sailing skills. Campers are grouped by ability, age, size, and Instructor recommendation. Placement decisions are guided by safety considerations and the skills demonstrated by campers. We recognize that campers mature and progress at different rates; our Instructors closely monitor and assess each participant on an on-going basis.

Camps run rain or shine. On rainy days, we will plan on sailing provided that wind and weather conditions are safe. In the occurrence of thunder/lightning and/or other severe weather, the day will be conducted indoors or in sheltered outdoor areas. Please make sure your child has proper rain gear to keep warm and dry.

All of our Instructors have valid Standard First Aid certifications. There is also a Healthcare staff team who are able to attend to serious incidents that occur. Parents/guardians will be contacted in the event that their camper suffers a serious incident.

If a camper misses several classes or simply wants an opportunity for additional earning, Private Lessons at Harbourfront Centre Sailing and Powerboating are offered to all those interested. Private Lessons are available to youths (ages 6 to 16) and adults. Private Lessons cater to individual learning styles and skill levels. Scheduling a lesson may be made by contacting 416-203-3000 or by emailing hcsp@harbourfrontcentre.com.

There is no guarantee that a sailing boat will not capsize (tip over) in sailing, but Lake Ontario’s sheltered inner harbour and the specific training craft we use, minimize the chances of this happening. Unless stated in the course syllabus your child will not take part in a controlled capsize. If a capsize does occur, our staff are on-hand to help coach campers through the experience. Although there can be concerns around capsizing, we assure you it is a lot of fun and very safe!

Every camper MUST wear a Transport Canada-approved PFD at all times on the water. Your camper is welcome to bring their own Transport-Canada approved PFD as long as it meets current weight ratio requirements. Helmets are supplied for campers under the age of 12 but are not mandatory. Instructors may implement helmet use depending on the weather.