The White Sail classes teach basic sailing skills, terminology, boating safety and seamanship in winds up to 9 knots by instructors certified by the Canadian Yachting Association (CYA) with the assistance of J-Town club members. The CYA Learn to Sail standards provide safe, standardized instruction for recreation and competition in sailing dinghies.

A White Sail certificate, or equivalent level of sailing ability, is required to sail J-Town boats without an experienced sailor. For experienced sailors joining the club, you can skip the White Sail program if you pass a sailing examination given by one of our old salts.

The course is comprised of 11 classes, offered Tuesday and Thursday evenings (6-9) and the occasional weekend morning(10-1), over a four week period. The first class is on land and covers boat rigging and an orientation to the club. The remainder of the classes are on-the-water. This year we are also offering, to a limited number, Weekend White Sail classes in May/June.

In addition to sailing in classes, most people require additional time on-the-water to practice. J-Town schedules 'paired sailing' when White Sail students can sail with assistance from an experienced club sailor.

Class members provide dinner after each class allowing White Sailors the opportunity to share their sailing experiences and get to know each other

Check the calendar for when classes and other club activities are scheduled.

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The Spring Tune-up is designed to help returning White sailors regain their sea-legs after the long winter. Sailing theory is reviewed and extensive on-the-water drills help to build confidence and skill.

It will provide as much one on one instruction as possible, focus on individual skills improvement and overall sailing competency. It will be taught by an experienced sailing member and the one evening course is offered twice in May on Wednesday nights.

A specific goal of the course is to bring all sailors from last year's White Sail program up to the White Sail III level.

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Skills Building courses will be offered this year to White Sailors who want to upgrade their skills in preparation for taking Bronze classes, or to anyone who wants to become better sailors!

The course is taught by a CYA Certified instructor, and is held for 4 consecutive nights. The course will only be open to a limited number of White Sail graduates. If interested in taking this course please contact the Vice Commodore to let them know you are interested and then watch for the dates in the J-Town Newsletter.

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Bronze Sail introduces sailors to advanced sailing techniques, including sail trim, boat tuning and boat maintenance. After completing the bronze standards, sailors are competent in winds up to 25 km/hr.

This year the course is being offered in August to qualified sailors.

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For members who have never sailed a Laser or a Hobie Cat and wish to learn, basic sailing clinics are held regularly and are free to club members.

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All club members are invited to upgrade their sailing skills and learn to race by joining J-Town's race training program. Race training starts in April and is offered on Monday evenings at 6:00 p.m. all summer, except on long weekends. Check the club calendar for a start date.

New sailors will be greeted with pleasure by experienced racers as valuable additions to the J-Town crew roster. No racing experience required. Everyone is welcome. Just show up. Laser sailors welcome!

To drive a powerboat in Toronto Harbour requires a Toronto Port Authority Harbour License. It is also necessary to have a second license, Federal Government, Pleasure Craft Operators License, to drive powerboats (under 4 meters) in Toronto Harbour and anywhere else in Canada.

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The Canadian Government is phasing in the Pleasure Craft Operators License (PCOC, all pleasure craft by 2009). A license requirement is currently in place for young people and small boats. A license is required for people of all ages to drive all sizes of powerboats. The license (PCOC) is valid indefinitely, unlike the Toronto Port Authority License, which has to be renewed.

The safe and legal operation of all of J-Town's powerboats requires both a Pleasure Craft Operators License and a Toronto Port Authority License. It is therefore important for as many club members as possible to attain these licenses in order to ensure proper rescue procedures.

J-Town offers both powerboat license courses. The Pleasure Craft Operators License Course includes two hours of instruction followed immediately by a test. There is no on-the-water test for the Pleasure Craft Operators license.

Toronto Port Authority License course will be scheduled later in the season when on-the-water testing is more practical.