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Are you a new member?

Do you have prior sailing experience?

Are you wanting to take an "Old Salt test'?

Here’s our process:

  1. Become a member
  2. Meet other members either at the club or via our Whatsapp chats
  3. Sail 3 times with other club members
  4. Your sailing partner(s) will provide a reference to our Old Salt’s that you’re ready for the test
  5. Schedule your Old Salt test by contacting education@sailtoronto.com
  6. Once you pass, you’ll be able to take out our boats on your own at a CANSail 1/2 level, compete in races, and sign up for advanced classes!

FAQs

1. How do I meet other members to sail with?

There are so many opportunities to meet other members. Come to social events like Wednesday night dinners, work parties, and introduce yourself around the club (see our calendar for events schedule). Our members are friendly and happy to welcome new members. Please also add yourself to the Whatsapp group chats. We have a general chat for day to day club matters as well as our ‘Crewbank Connections’ chat, where sailors connect and set up times to sail together. QR codes for these chats can be found on the club bulletin board.

2. What will I be tested on?

Old Salt tests are on our Albacores. You will be expected to rig and de-rig, launch and dock the boat safely, complete several tacks and gybes, a person-overboard drill, and complete a capsize drill. More information is available here: https://sailtoronto.com/Course-Prerequisites

3. What if I fail my Old Salt test?

Sailing with other members prior to taking the test will help ensure your success in the test. You will be able to practice all the skills you’ll be tested on. If you don’t pass, no need to worry, you can continue sailing with other club members and when you feel ready, schedule another test.

4. I’ve already passed my CANSail 1/2 or White/Bronze Sail at another club. Do I still need to follow this process?

Yes. Just like a stranger asking to borrow your personal vehicle, there is more to obtaining sign-out privileges than just showing your license. We don’t have a repair team, this isn’t a yacht club, and we’re big on safety and cooperation. We need a chance to make sure we’re on the same page before “handing over the keys”. 


MENTORSHIP & OLD SALTS 

JTown is a cooperative club, rooted in its social connections. JTown has no employees and is entirely volunteer-member operated. Members share boats, space, knowledge, resources and more. It often takes more than a shared love of sailing and commitment to a common set of rules to make our club operate smoothly. A strong culture of volunteering and mentorship is one way that JTown continues to thrive sustainably.

No matter your sailing background (or lack thereof), you too can benefit from giving or receiving mentorship at JTown. Mentors can introduce new members, not only to sailing skills, but also to community culture, to other members/mentors, and to club norms/expectations. 


Old Salts

JTown uses the expression "Old Salt" to refer to sailors who have completed CanSail 1&2 at JTOWN, or an Albacore - Old Salt Level 1 Test at JTown.


Each year, JTown's nearly 150 Old Salts, participate in welcoming new members, in a variety of ways such as:

  • supporting new sailors first few hours in a sailboat; 
  • helping to lead clinics or classes; 
  • supporting social events; 
  • answering questions and orienting new members; and/or
  • introducing new members to other members sand club culture/expectations.

Members requiring assistance connecting with mentors are encouraged to reach out to education@sailtoronto.com.

 

BECOMING AN OLD SALT

One of the benefits of membership at JTown is the revocable sign-out privileges that may be granted for use of one or more of our fleets, subject to the rules and expectations set out in our Membership Handbook.  You can apply to become a member, here. Members must be aged 19+ years. 


JTown is a community of 200+ people who love sailing, and members without current sign-out privileges are permitted and encouraged to sail while accompanied by any JTown member who holds sign-out privileges.


Most new members will become an Old Salt by successfully completing CanSail 1&2 at JTown. New members with previous sailing experience who are looking to obtain sign-out privileges without taking a course, may apply to complete an "Albacore - Old Salt Level 1 Test".

Successful completion of this test, is a minimum pre-requisite to being granted sign-out privileges for our fleets.  Click here for a summary list of JTown's course, clinic, and testing requirements and pre-requisites.  


It is strongly recommended that new members seeking to complete an Albacore - Old Salt Level 1 Test, sail a few times with an existing Old Salt on JTown's albacores, to review and prepare to satisfy these requirements, prior to signing up for the Old Salt Test. 



Members requiring assistance connecting with mentors are encouraged to reach out to education@sailtoronto.com.