White Sail
- 3 Levels for Beginners and New Members
- - Program
- - 2008 Schedule
Bronze Sail
- Intermediate and Advanced Level
- - Program
- - 2008 Schedule
Visit Us
- Any time from May to September you can drop by the Club and we would be happy to show you around or take you for a sail. Saturday or Sunday afternoon is generally a good time, there are usually several members relaxing on the deck!
Join Us
- Contact our Membership Director:
- Phil Burchinshaw
msc.membership@mooredale.com
White Sail Program Details
Getting Started:
White Sail is the introductory level of the Learn to Sail program. Beginners are introduced to Albacore sailboats and taught the basic skills of sailing. These levels cover safety, seamanship and boat handling in winds to 9 knots velocity. White Sail is compulsory for new members*.
There are four sessions that run throughout the summer:
- White Sail Saturdays during May-June
- White Sail A during April-May
- White Sail B during June
- White Sail C during July
The White Sail classes are all run by an approved Instructor certified by the CYA (Canadian Yachting Association). In addition, the curriculum is designed and set by the CYA. The White Sail program will teach the participant to the CYA White Sail III Level. Your White Sail Certificate is a good anywhere in Canada.
See White Sail Schedule for class hours and times.
Lessons consist of Water Safety Night, White Sail Level I, II and III sailing classes over several weeks, as well as specialized training sessions on racing, laser, hobie rigging and boat maintenance.
Water
Safety Night
Water Safety is an opportunity to explore the world of sailing … without swimming in the lake! We simulate common on-the-water activities in a controlled, lifeguard supervised environment BEFORE you experience the lake. This technique has proven to increase the competency and confidence of new sailors when encountering everyday hazards on the water. Some exercises you will perform are treading water, swimming with a life jacket, emergency line throwing, swimming out from under a sail and so on.
What to Wear to Water Safety Night?
For in the pool, we suggest light-weight pants or shorts, an old t-shirt, light-weight runners, wind breaker, etc., i.e. what you wear sailing (bathing suits are seldom worn). Bring your PFD, if you have one. Change facilities are available. Bring a towel!
PFD
- Personal Floatation Device/Lifejacket
PFDs are always worn while sailing. Although the Club has some general use PDFs, during lessons there may not be enough to go around. It is recommended that you purchase your own PDF. Check the inside label to be sure it approved by Canada Coast Guard and it is sized correctly for your body weight. A PDF can be purchased for as cheap as $20-30 from Canadian Tire. Also, see Where to buy, following, for high performance models.
Experienced
New Members
If you are an experienced dinghy sailor or have your White Sail Certificate and would like to join the club the club requires that you be "tested" by an approved instructor evaluator who is a member of Mooredale to make sure you really do know how to sail so you don't wreck the boats and/or yourself. It is recommended that you take White Sail as your will learn "the Mooredale way" to do things like store sails etc. and it is a good way to meet fellow sailors, in your class.
Advanced
Lessons
Bronze IV classes offer training in advanced skills. The prerequisites are White Sail III (or equivalent), and at least a full season of sailing, and assessment to demonstrate your skill level. This summer Mooredale is offering one Bronze IV session starting in August.
Boats
Boat ownership is not required when learning to sail or sailing at Mooredale Sailing Club. The club has a fleet of 18 Albacores, 6 Lasers and 1 Hobie cat.
Albacores: Lessons are taken in Albacore boats. Albacores are 2-person boats that require a helm and a crew to sail. On completion of the White Sail Certificate you are able to helm (drive) the boat or crew the boat (work the sails etc.). Once a White Sail Certificate is achieved you can take out the club Albacore boats when you want, the use of boats is unlimited and at no extra cost.
Lasers: Lasers are 1-person boats. Laser sailing clinics are held periodically during the summer and are open to all Members who have completed White Sail. The clinics ensure that you are proficient in sailing a Laser and on completion you may take out a Laser if you choose.
Boating Licences
A boat operating licence is required in Toronto Harbour if the boat is powered by an engine. The club offers an opportunity to get this “Harbour Permit” at the club in late May-June. It costs around $25-$30.
A licence is not required to sail an Albacore, Laser or Hobiecat.
Race Training
Race training is free and open to all sailors that have completed White Sail III. Training is geared toward both helms and crews. While the focus is on racing, these sessions offer an excellent opportunity for newly graduated White Sailors to continue their skill development. An Introduction to Racing session is scheduled for you as part of your White Sail training . Race training sessions are held ongoing every Monday evening 6-10pm starting in June - so jump right in!
What to Wear?
Dress for comfort and manoeuvrability.
Always wear a PFD/lifejacket
May to Mid-June wear layers of neoprene, fleece, wool, gortex and rubber as needed.
July to August wear a windbreaker, shorts, t-shirt
Always bring a change of warm dry clothing.
Other useful items include a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water
Extend your Wardrobe! Don't throw out those old shorts! Wear them as
clothing can get ripped on boat fittings.
Great Birthday Gifts:
Sailing gear the perfect gift from your loved ones…
PFD/lifejacket - necessity, make sure it is approved by Canada Coast Guard.
Sailing Gloves - helps to grip sheets, halliards, and other lines (ropes).
Sailing Boots - free of laces for comfort and dry faster than shoes. Paddling boots work well too.
Wetsuit - not necessary, but good for warmth when sailing early in the season.
Neoprene socks - to keep your toes warm (from that little bit of water that always accumulates in the boat!).
Look in the MEC paddling department.
Fox 40 Whistle - pealess, works when wet, in case of emergency.
Note to small people: check out youth sizes (esp. at MEC), they are cheaper.
Where to buy:
Fogh Marine
www.foghmarine.com
2242 Lakeshore Blvd. West,
Mon-Fri 9to6, Sat 9to5
Genco Marine
www.gencomarine.com
544 King Street West, Mon-Fri 8to6, Sat 8to2
MEC
www.mec.ca
400 King St. Mon-Wed 10to7, Th Fri:10to9, Sat-Sun 11to5
The Dock Shoppe
162 Queens Quay East
416-362-3625
Information, Special Events and Open Houses
Come out and learn about our club. Meet our executive and prospective members like yourself. There is no obligation to sign up; however, lessons are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Information nights and Open Houses are held early in the season.
Visit Us
- Any time from May to September you can drop by the Club and we would be happy to show you around or take you for a sail. Saturday or Sunday afternoon is generally a good time, there are usually several members relaxing on the deck!
See Contact Us for map and directions.
Upcoming Events ...
See Events page for additional and regular events.
Additional Information
CYA Standards
Mooredale teaches the Canadian Yachting Association's Learn To Sail
Program. The Canadian Yachting Association's Learn to Sail standards
provide safe, standardized instruction for recreation and competition
in sailing dinghies.
