Dinghy sailing
Learn To Sail – Dinghies
Learn to sail with Sail Canada’s CANSail dinghy program! Our CANSail 1 & 2 course is perfect for beginners and covers essential skills like rigging, steering, tacking, gybing, sail trim, and capsize recovery. Once you’re comfortable on the water, CANSail 3 takes you to the next level with advanced techniques such as sailing by the lee, roll tacking, and an introduction to racing fundamentals. Whether you’re sailing for fun or looking to improve your performance, our certified programs will help you build confidence and skill.
Dinghy Sailing – What Is It?
A dinghy is generally sailed by one or two people and the boat usually ranges from 6 feet to 18 feet long. A dinghy requires the weight of the skipper/crew to keep the boat upright and prevent it from capsizing but it is easy to recover.
Our Dinghy Courses
Our CANSail 1 & 2 program is designed for beginners of all ages. Taught in responsive two-person dinghies, this course introduces the essential skills every sailor needs, including:
Rigging and de-rigging the boat
Steering, sail trim, and boat balance
Tacking and gybing
Basic right-of-way rules
Capsize recovery and on-water safety
No prior experience is required — just a willingness to learn and get a little wet! By the end of this course, you’ll be well on your way to sailing independently and confidently.
Already comfortable at the helm and ready for more? CANSail 3 builds on the fundamentals with a focus on refined boat handling and performance sailing. In this course, you’ll develop skills such as:
Sailing by the lee
Roll tacks and roll gybes
Boat speed and sail shape optimization
Basic racing skills, including starting sequences and tactics
Right of way rules
CANSail 3 is perfect for sailors who want to push their skills further and start exploring competitive or performance sailing in a fun and supportive environment.
SPECIAL: Register for a CANSail and Basic Cruising course in the same season, and receive a special discount. Email us at info@advantageboating.com for more details.
