In 2014, our Sailing School was awarded Best Sailing School/Club by the Fédération de Voile du Québec. This trophy recognizes excellence in all programs organized by a club or sailing school (training, racing, cruising or special event). In 2013, our Head Coach, Simon Altman, received from the FVQ the Instructor/Coach of the Year award which recognizes an instructor or a coach who has contributed exceptionally to a training or a racing program. Our Race Team was presented with the banner of the Best Team Spirit at the 49th Final of the Quebec Games in 2014, Zao Dinel, one of our Race Team, members placed 9th in the Optimist Final.
General Program Requirements
- Be able to swim 15 meters unaided.
- Bring your own properly fitting Department of Transportation approved life jacket. Lifejackets can be purchased at any local boating supply store or outdoor sporting goods store
- Required clothing:
- closed-toe shoes
- windproof/waterproof jacket
- sun hat, waterproof sunscreen & towel
- complete change of warm clothes
- Bring your own nut-free lunch and water bottle.
Youth Program (ages 5 to 17)
Brome Lake Boat Club offers a Weekly Sailing Youth Program, open to members and non-members, designed for children and teenagers of all levels. See the Camp Registration Form for dates and fees. Please note that fees paid are eligible as child care expenditures for tax purposes. Appropriate receipts are provided. All participants must pay the Fédération de Voile du Québec annual membership fee.
Wet feet
A program specific to ages 5 to 7, the Wet Feet experience is designed to help young sailors feel comfortable on the water and to experience the sport of sailing in the most positive way. Instruction includes on-the-water sailing in Optimist dinghies with an instructor on board or close alongside, as well as shore-based boating-related activities. Each group has a maximum of six participants, allowing close and supportive coaching and supervision. The goal of this program is to get children comfortable in small boats and prepare them to move on to our Learn-to-Sail program. No prior sailing experience is necessary. Participants may obtain Sail Canada certification of I CAN Sail if all skills are demonstrated in the class.
Learn to Sail
An introductory program for children aged 8 to 17 years. The Learn to Sail course introduces new sailors to the basics of sailing and offers experienced sailors many opportunities to advance their abilities. Each group has a maximum of eight participants. The emphasis is on developing boat handling skills, independence and safety. Once completed, students should be able to sail with confidence and increased independence. No prior sailing experience is necessary. Participants may obtain Sail Canada certification of CANSail 1 or CANSail 2 if all skills are demonstrated in the class.
Intermediate Sailing
This is a more advanced two-week course for those who have completed the Learn to Sail program or have the pre-requisite CANSail level 2. In Intermediate Sailing, the emphasis is on more advanced skills with a focus on sailing faster and more efficiently. Each group has a maximum of eight participants. The rules of the water, safety, advanced sailing techniques and basic racing skills and strategies are part of this course. Participants may obtain Sail Canada certification of CANSail 3 or CANSail 4 if all skills are demonstrated in the class.
Junior Race Program
Racing is an exciting and sociable way to develop your sailing. The Junior Race Program covers many aspects of racing including race starts, rules, tactics and strategy, and race-specific boat handling skills that are designed to increase speed. Sailing and racing skills will also be developed through video analysis and fun races. Racing experience is not required to be on the race team. The main requirements are to love being on the water and a willingness to learn new skills. Athletes may participate in local, regional and national regattas.
See the Camp Registration Form for dates and fees. Please note that fees paid qualify as child care expenditures for tax purposes. Appropriate receipts are provided. All participants must pay the Fédération de Voile du Québec annual membership fee.
Learn to Race
For young sailors interested in learning how to race, the Learn to Race program offers an excellent opportunity to practice in a small group with our dedicated Race Team coaches. CANSail Level 2 is a pre-requisite, though no previous racing experience is required. Students should enjoy time on the water and have a growing interest in the sport. Each group has a maximum of eight participants.
Race Team
As part of the Race Team, the beginner racers will focus on skill acquisition while they begin to learn about racing. They will be competing in the Green (beginner) Fleet while at regattas, where on-water coaching and support is provided. Experienced racers will have the opportunity to work on advanced skills and tactics in our Championship Fleet. Race Team coaches will be dedicated to Learn to Race, Green Fleet and Championship Fleet in both Optimist and Laser dinghies. CANSail Level 2 is a pre-requisite. Each group has a maximum of eight participants. Two-week minimum registration recommended.
