Your first sail is closer than you think

CANSail is Sail Canada’s national dinghy program: small boats, certified instructors and a lot of time on the water, from first-timers aged five to adults.

Six levels, one scale: find your Force

Sailors have measured wind on the Beaufort scale since 1805. CANSail has six levels too, so we borrowed it: Force 1 is your first day afloat, Force 6 is regatta racing.

Force 1 · Light air

CANSail 1, introduction to sailing. Basic sheeting, steering and boat handling on all points of sail, inside boundaries set by your instructor.

Force 2 · Light breeze

CANSail 2, basic sailing. Adjust your body and your boat for changes in direction and wind speed, and handle the boat with control.

Force 3 · Gentle breeze

CANSail 3, intermediate sailing. Combine boat handling and balance with basic tactics and sail trim, and join a club race or training camp.

Force 4 · Moderate breeze

CANSail 4, advanced sailing. Handle the boat in a variety of conditions and take on a one- or two-day local regatta.

Force 5 · Fresh breeze

CANSail 5, racing basics. Tactics and strategy meet boat handling, and you learn how rig tuning changes trim.

Force 6 · Strong breeze

CANSail 6, full racing. Boat handling, sail trim and rig setup come together in a regional or provincial regatta.

Four places to take your first lesson

In the city

The Winnipeg Sailing Centre at FortWhyte Alive is minutes from downtown, on a small lake that is ideal for beginners. Kids learn in stable Pram sailboats; youth and adults learn in comfortable Club 420s.CANSail lessons for ages 8–14 and 15+Youth Learn to Race programsDay programs and an Archery/Sailing Sampler for middle and high school studentsOpen Sail Days

At a club

Clubs in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario run lessons for beginners and advanced sailors, and many rent boats. Contact a club directly or visit its website to see what it offers.

Mobile Sailing School

A trailer of Prams and RS Zests, two instructors and a safety boat: the Mobile Sailing School brings CANSail lessons to your lake anywhere in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.

School groups

Middle and high school classes can book an introductory program at the Winnipeg Sailing Centre between the end of May and the end of June, usually 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. We recommend classes of 12 to 18 students. Life jackets are provided and the fee is $25 per student. To book, call 204-925-5648 or email sailing.admin@sportmanitoba.ca.

Leagues, racing and programs for everyone

High School Sailing League

Since 2016. Monday and Wednesday evenings in June at the Winnipeg Sailing Centre, then Championship week. One entry per school, $50 per team.

Intro to Racing

Ages 9 and up. Learn rigging, start lines, course awareness and mark roundings in 90-minute classes, or drop by on Friday evenings in June.

Para sailing

Sailing builds confidence and quality of life for people with physical disabilities. Able Sail Manitoba runs the programs.

Women and girls

Learn something new, sharpen your skills and meet other powerful women and girls in sailing.

How we keep every sailor safe

Sail Manitoba aims for safety on the water. That is not a slogan, it is a ratio.

One instructor for every six students

Life jackets provided and mandatory on and around the water

Helmets available for any student who wants one

Instructors always close by, in a coach boat or on shore

Sail Canada certified instructors trained in coach boat safety, first aid, boating safety and Respect in Sport

Want to teach sailing?

Sail Manitoba runs the Sail Canada instructor courses. Start with the CANSail 1 & 2 clinic at age 16.