RCYC WOMEN IN SAILING
The RCYC Women’s Sailing program offers social sailing on Mondays for beginner to intermediate sailors, and further skill training for women interested in racing on Tuesdays.
Women’s Sailing has become one of the most popular and thriving recreational programs on the island. Open to all female RCYC Members, this weekly program provides a great opportunity to meet other Club Members while improving sailing skills on and off the water. All levels of sailors are welcome to join this inviting community and find out why this program keeps expanding!
In our Social Sailing program, beginner to intermediate sailors practice the fundamentals of sailing in an Ideal 18, a small dinghy with a fixed keel for stability. With two to three women in a boat, sailors gain experience in sail trim, boat handling and safety in different conditions to build confidence in sailing. Most importantly, this is a fun program on Monday evenings intended for women looking for a relaxed, social environment and an opportunity to increase their sailing abilities.
For more experienced sailors, the more advanced Women’s Racing program was introduced in 2015. Sailors use the Ideal 18 fleet to improve boat handling and spinnaker work while learning race tactics. This group trains with the goal to participate in Thursday night races, club regattas, and RCYC Women’s Club Championships at the end of the season. In 2020, each Tuesday evening will focus on a specific skill depending on weather conditions and will open as a co-ed program for the majority of the summer. With one month-long session dedicated to women only, this approachable weekly training session invites sailors looking to jump into the world of racing and make some new connections along the way.
COVID-19 Update - Friday, May 21st:
The RCYC Sailing Office staff remains in constant contact with Ontario Sailing and Sail Canada. We also are staying abreast of all City of Toronto news that relates to Youth Programming, Summer Camps, and Large Event programming. Everything is being done with our Members, guests and employees’ safety and health in mind.
With great excitement we are happy to announce that recreational boating is permitted as of Saturday, May 22nd but only single-handed and sailing with members of your own household. As it is stated in the regulations, boat owners are responsible to ensure that everyone on board their boat, at any time, is from the same household. (In addition to direct household members, caregivers or an individual who lives alone can join one household group).
We are well on our way to adapting our program offerings, in addition to creating new dynamic options, that will ensure that we get the most out of this season as possible! We will continue to post updates here but also encourage you to register for our email list to keep you informed of any changes as we monitor all local and provincial announcements.
Please see Ontario Sailing’s COVID-19 Updates Page for further updates and information.
Stay safe and we look forward to seeing you on the Island!
FAQ and Details for the 2020 Season:
Evening sessions include brief lessons from instructors at the dock at 6:00 before heading out on the water, and an in-depth debrief in the Clubhouse. All sailors are encourage to catch the 5:15 ferry to be ready on time, with the 5:45 ferry as the final boat. Most women return home on the 9:00 ferry after debriefing, or stay late for socializing.
There is no previous experience required to join our Social Sailing program. Women of all skill levels are welcome! Our friendly instructors will work to build confidence in the boat and will encourage sailors to keep adding to their skillset every week. CANSail levels will be available as an option to track progress through the year.
Sailors are required to wear lifejackets/PFDs while on the water.
Mark your calendars with the Spring Work Party and Women's Sailing Orientation! These weekend dates are important for new and returning sailors to the program. You will learn about the boat before your first sail, and get your first introduction to the great community of RCYC Members involved throughout the season.
Women's Racing is a step up from the Monday social program, fulfilling the needs of sailors eager to move towards racing but enjoy the camaraderie of training partners. This weekly Tuesday night coaching session works to improve skills important for skippers and crew. New this season, there will be 4-week sessions for women as well as co-ed sessions to open the doors to all RCYC sailors!
Please contact Jenny Farrand with any questions at sailing@rcyc.ca.
Schedule coming soon
For any questions about the calendar please contact sailing@rcyc.ca
Michele Clemo
Joanne Sterling
Deborah Elias
Stephanie Hardes