Humber Sailing and Powerboating Centre
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Joining Instructions - Preparation Instructions & Tips

If you have any questions about a course, please email us at: sailing@humber.ca or call (416) 252-7291.

Specific information on:

Introduction to Keelboat & Basic Keelboat Cruising

We would like to thank you for choosing our facility to help you achieve your sailing goals.

Please make sure you read through all the information in this pamphlet, in particular, the Transfer and Refund Policy and Things to Remember sections.

Since you will be sailing right away, please dress accordingly. There is no better way to learn than on the boat. And remember, it usually is about 10 degrees cooler on the water, so dress for it.

For Basic Keelboat students, we are offering the opportunity to write the Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card exam. There will be an additional fee of $33.00 for writing the Coast Guard exam. Payment will be collected at the time of writing the exam.

Canadian Coast Guard requirements, which became law in 1999, state that all persons in Canada operating a vessel with an engine must write and successfully complete the Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card exam.

We suggest that all students who do not already have the PCOC licence, write the exam. The licence is good forever, and the material on the exam will be fresh in your minds. Those choosing to write the exam will write an abbreviated version of the Canadian Yachting Basic Cruising exam, to avoid any duplication of material.

Intermediate Keelboat Cruising (Weekend Course)

The course will begin at 6:00 pm on Friday, at our Sailing Centre at Humber Bay Park West, and the vessel will be back at the dock by Sunday at 6:00 pm. The option of writing the exam on Sunday evening is available, although you may wish to come back and write it at a later date.

The participants are responsible for the provisioning of the vessel. Your instructor will contact you prior to the course to assign you a meal(s) to purchase food for. As well, your instructor can answer any questions you may have.

Destinations and routes for the weekend will vary with weather conditions, but generally, we include a night sail on the Friday evening. We ask that you eat dinner prior to arriving on Friday evening, as there is much to do before leaving the dock. Free parking is available for the weekend at the Sailing Centre. The site is locked and well lit at night, but Humber College is not responsible for any loss or damage to your vehicle or its contents.

Your course will be taught on a brand new Hunter 39, equipped with full galley gear, wheel steering and inboard diesel engine. Space is limited so we ask you to pack accordingly. However, please ensure that you have plenty of warm clothing, as it can be cold particularly at night. Sleeping bags are ideal.

A textbook will be sent to you under separate cover.

Intermediate Keelboat Cruising (5 Day Lake Ontario)

The course will begin at 12:00 noon on Monday and the vessel will be back at the dock for 12:00 noon on Friday. Provisions are included and you will be sent an information package under separate cover.

Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card

Canadian Coast Guard requirements, which became law in 1999, state that all persons in Canada operating a vessel with an engine must write and successfully complete the Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card exam.

We offer the PCOC course and exam as an option with our Adult Keelboat Courses.

VHF Radio Operator’s Certificate

Students should register early to ensure the arrival of study material in advance.  It is illegal to operate a V.H.F. radio without a licence. This two-evening course covers all aspects of V.H.F. radio operation and installation, and includes an exam on the second evening, for a certificate with a Digital Selective Calling (DSC) Endorsement.

Toronto Habour Licence

Students will receive the appropriate study material in advance.  On the evening of the program, a short exam will be written and marked.  Students will then demonstrate simple boat handling skills using our 16’ Lund powerboats. The course fee includes the Port Authority Licence fee.

Things to Remember

  • To get the most from your sailing course, the following points should be considered:
  • Dress warmly! It’s usually about 10 degrees cooler on the water.
  • Students should bring a change of clothes - just in case.
  • Please wear light coloured, soft-soled shoes (black, hard-soles, flip-flops and sandals are not permitted).
  • Tight-fitting straps are a must for anyone wearing eye-glasses or sunglasses.
  • Smoking is not permitted on the boats, docks or in the classroom.
  • If you are going to be late for your lesson, call the site and let us know when you’ll be arriving.
  • Personal Floatation Devices (PFD’s) are provided and must be worn at all times on the boats and docks.
  • The tuition portion of your fee (approx. 75-90%) may be income tax deductible. Receipts are issued in February of each year. Please obtain by going online to srs.humber.ca.
  • Since you will be sailing right away, please dress accordingly. There is no better way to learn than on the boat.

Transfer & Refund Policy

Transfers and Refunds: Prior to 14 days before the course date, there is a $50.00 service fee for transfers or withdrawals from any course. No fees are refunded and no transfers are permitted within 14 days of the start date or after the course has begun. Live aboard courses are non-refundable.

We never cancel classes. Plan to show up at the Sailing Centre for the start of your class regardless of weather. The judgement of the instructor in charge is the sole criterion for substitution of the on-water classes due to weather conditions. Classroom sessions will be substituted when weather prohibits sailing.

Our commitment begins with making sure you’re registered in the course that is best suited to your needs. If you have any doubt regarding the course you are in, call the Sailing Centre. Our friendly staff will be happy to discuss your selection with you.

Parking

A limited amount of parking is available on-site on a first come basis. Additional parking is available in the Humber Bay Park, and is subject to change. Reserved, priority parking is available for Live Aboard students during their course.



sailing@humber.ca  |  (416) 252-7291