Sailing Programs
NOTICE: Collingwood’s sailing school recreation programming will not operate for the Summer 2020 season due to COVID-19 limitations.
Considerations included physical distancing among children and in the sailing school building, additional sanitation requirements after each sail, a lack of fully qualified instructors at this time, and Ontario Sailing program restrictions.
Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to seeing everyone in 2021.
About The Program
The Collingwood Sailing School offers sailing instruction following the Sail Canada accredied CANSail Learn-to-Sail Program.
There are 3 ways to get involved:
8+ years
Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Week 1- July 8 to July 12
Week 2- July 15 to July 19
Week 3- July 22 to July 26
Week 4- July 29 to August 2
Week 5- August 12 to August 16
Week 6 -August 19 to August 23
Please note: In attempt to increase the overall Sailing School experience and maximize the learning outcomes, the school will ONLY be offered as a FULL DAY program!
One week full days $328 per person
Registration can be made in person at Centennial Aquatic Centre (451 Third Street), or via phone at
(705) 444 2500
Drop off is the Collingwood Terminal's Red Brick Building (1 Heritage Drive) and lessons take place in Collingwood Harbour, a well protected body of water allowing for safety during your sailing experience.
To qualify for CANSail 1, students must be able to swim 50m fully clothed while wearing a lifejacket or PFD. Students who successfully complete CANSail 1 will be eligible to enroll in CANSail 2 and so on through to CANSail 4. Students working on CANSail 3 or above are eligible to enroll in Chutes & Wires.
Students must supply their own Transport Canada approved lifejacket or PFD, soft-soled shoes, and lunch (if enrolled in full day course). Students should also bring a water bottle and dress for the weather including a sun hat, sunscreen, rain gear, and a change of clothes. Students should be prepared for a capsizing drill at any time.
The program is taught by fully qualified and certified Sail Canda Instructors and follows the CANSail curriculum which includes boat handling, sail trim, knots, sailing terms, rigging, capsizing and water safety. Visit the Ontario Sailing website for CANSail curriculum breakdown. Certificates will be offered to successful candidates.
Dinghies range in length from 7.5' suitable for one small person to 12' for three people. The school uses Optimist, Club 420, and Laser dinghies which range from single sail to two sail and a spinnaker.
Can I volunteer?
Yes! Individuals aged 14+, with a PCOC (boater's licence) and working on CANSail 3 or above may volunteer for full-weeks. Sign up and gain valuable experience from our certified instructors!
What do I gain?
-Leadership skills
-Friendships
-Love for the sport of sailing
-On-water practice for CANSail 3 & 4 skills
-Valuable experience for students wishing to take their CANSail instructor courses
16+ years
Wednesday & Thursday evenings from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Each session is 4 nights ( 12 hours) with participants allowed to register for up to a maximum of 2 sessions.
Session 1 Wednesdays July 3 to July 24
Session 2 Thursdays July 4 to July 25
Session 3 Wednesdays July 31 to August 21
Session 4 Thursdays August 1 to August 22
$234 per person, plus HST
Registration can be made in person at Centennial Aquatic Centre (451 Third Street), or via phone at
(705) 444 2500
Meet at the Collingwood Terminal's Red Brick Building (1 Heritage Drive) and lessons take place in Collingwood Harbour, a well-protected body of water allowing for safety during your sailing experience.
The evening courses are aimed at adult learners and content will be geared towards the interest of the group. The program is taught by fully qualified and certified Sail Canda Instructors and follows the CANSail curriculum which includes boat handling, sail trim, knots, sailing terms, rigging, capsizing and water safety.
To qualify for CANSail 1, students must be able to swim 50m fully clothed while wearing a lifejacket or PFD. Students who successfully complete CANSail 1 will be eligible to enroll in CANSail 2 and so on through to CANSail 4.
Students must supply their own Transport Canada approved lifejacket or PFD, soft-soled shoes, and be prepared for the weather. Students may what to bring a water bottle and dress for the weather including a sun hat, sunscreen, rain gear, and a change of clothes. Students should be prepared for a capsizing drill at any time.
Dinghies range in length from 7.5' suitable for one small person to 12' for three people. The school uses Optimist, Club 420, and Laser dinghies which range from single sail to two sail and a spinnaker.
July 2-5 and August 6-9 2019 from 8:30am to 4:30pm
$260 per person
This camp is four days of sailing designed for those who are wanting to try sailing but not ready for the vigor of the CanSail program. Must be able to swim 50m fully clothed wearing a personal floating device.