Funding to promote sailing in Canada

Fifteen member sailing clubs and schools from across Canada have been awarded a combined total of $60,000 as part of Sail Canada’s “Sailing for All” initiative.

The program was created to support grassroots programs in delivering sailing experiences to underserved or underrepresented communities, at low or no cost to the participants. Launched in December 2023, funding is from the Sport Canada Community Sport for All Initiative and the Canadian Olympic Committee Return to Sport program.

Programs will be delivered by certified Instructors using Sail Canada’s CANSail dinghy, para-sailing and keelboat/cruising standards. In many cases, this funding has allowed new programs to be created, which will welcome new youth and adult participants to the sport.

Sailing experiences will range from a few hours to a two-week summer camp style program, or a multi week lesson format, depending on the program. Some programs will also include school groups and participants from local community organizations.

Delivery of these programs will also help to establish and build partnerships at the local levels between sailing clubs and schools and their local community through partnerships and opportunities to engage with new groups.

Another aspect of the initiative includes a webinar series focused on Inclusivity, Diversity, and Equity, which was attended by representatives from all programs receiving funding. Topics covered in these sessions included understanding Inclusion, Diversity and Equity in sport, welcoming new participants, sexism and gender equality as well as anti-racism.

Funding recipients:

Alberta
• Calgary Yacht Club

British Columbia
• Calma Sailing
• Hollyburn Sailing Club
• Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club

Manitoba
• Gimli Yacht Club

Nova Scotia
• LaHave River Yacht Club
• Sail Able Association of Nova Scotia

Ontario
• Ashbridge’s Bay Yacht Club
• Brockville Yacht Club
• Fanshawe Yacht Club and Sailing School
• Lac Deschenes Sailing Club
• Royal Canadian Yacht Club
• The Boulevard Club

Québec
• Association québécoise de voile adaptée (AQVA)
• Club nautique du Lac Brome

Source: Sail Canada