Phone: 1 (905) 528-8464
Email: sail@rhyc.ca
Foot of MacNab Street North, Hamilton

 


 

 

Introduction


Royal Hamilton Able Sail is a sailing program for individuals with a physical or developmental disability, age 8 and up. The RHYC has been operating a sailing school for over 50 years and the Able Sail program has been running at RHYC since 2001. The facility is wheelchair accessible and there are lifts for transferring participants to and from the boats if required.

The RHYC provides specifically designed boats such as Access 2.3 Dinghies and Martin 16s, which are specially designed for persons with a disability.
     
  The program includes a range of participation from having a relaxing sail to the excitement of racing. Based on your needs, there are a variety of options available for you to learn how to sail. The training is based on the standards of the Canadian Yachting Association. The instruction can be informal at your own pace or formal with certification. The boats used should accommodate most disabilities. RHYC does not currently have the option of electric or sip and puff controls. If this is what you would require, please contact us and we can tell you which programs in Ontario do have this technology.
     
 

The Boats


Access 2.3 http://www.accessdinghy.org/

Designed and built in Australia, the Access 2.3 Wide can be sailed by a single sailor, or by two average sized adults. The steering is controlled by a joy stick in the centre of the boat. Sip and puff or electric technology can be added, but the program at RHYC does not currently have this technology. The seat is a hammock style and the sail is a simple single sail. The weighted centerboard and floatation tanks make the boat very stable and safe. It is an ideal boat for potential sailors of all ages.

Length: 7 feet, 6 inches
Width: 4 feet 1 inch
Draft: 2 feet 6 inches
Capacity: 2 persons (220 lbs solo and 275 double)
     
  Martin 16
http://www.martin16.com/M16-Specs.html

The Martin 16 is very stable with a 330 lbs ballasted keel and has an adjustable seat for the skipper. Sip and puff or electric technology can be added, but the program at RHYC does not currently have this technology. The boat is operated from the cockpit using a joy stick. There is an companion seat behind the sailor, allowing for instruction, assistance or just for companionship. This boat is raced throughout North America at regattas.

Length: 16 feet
Width: 4 feet
Draft: 3 feet 4 inches
Capacity: 2 persons
The Program

The equipment is prepared in May and we begin sailing in June. An Introduction to Sailing session is required before committing to our program to make sure that we can meet your needs. Your first sail with us is provided at no cost.

Recreational Sailing
This program runs Monday 5 to 8 and Wednesday 1 to 4 and 5 to 8. You will learn how to sail at your own pace with an experienced sailor. You will learn sailing terminology and water safety.

Racing Racing
Racing encourages sailors to test their skills against others. This can include racing at RHYC and travelling to regattas. In 2011, we hosted the Mobility Cup, an international event for the Martin 16 with 72 participants from 6 countries.

Formal Instruction

Lessons can be arranged in our regular sailing school if you wish to become certified according to the Canadian Yachting Association Standards. Using an integrated approach, youth can participate in the day time sailing school and adults can participate in the evening dinghy learn to sail program.
 


 

 


Program Costs and Registration:


NEW SAILORS
If you have never sailed before, do not pay for the program on the website. Complete the New Sailor Information form and send it to us. You will receive a call and a date will be booked for your Introduction to Sailing. Once we have determined that we can meet your needs then you can register on the website and book your sails on the schedule.

Download New Sailor Information form and Email, fax or mail to us

RETURNING SAILORS
If you have sailed with us before, please complete the Returning Sailor Information Form and register on the website. Choose the program option that best suits you. If you have questions about the programs, please contact us.

Download Returning Sailor Information form Email, fax or mail to us
   

Contact Us
For any questions, concerns or feedback, feel free to email at
ablesail@rhyc.ca

Royal Hamilton Yacht Club
555 Bay Street North, Hamilton, ON
Phone: 905-528-8464 Fax: 905-528-2622

ABLE SAIL VOLUNTEERING

Are you interested in being a volunteer to help the Able-Sailors? No sailing experience is required. Volunteering at the Hamilton waterfront is fun, a great way to meet people, and you just might get more out of volunteering than you put in!

Volunteers help get the boats ready, assist students with lifejackets and assist with transfers into the boats. You may be on shore to receive returning boats, put away boats and equipment, or you may go out in a boat with a student. No sailing experience is necessary and training is provided, including sailing instruction if you wish. A commitment of several hours one or two evenings a week for the summer months is needed. Volunteers must be able to bend, stretch and lift equipment. If you require high school volunteer hours, you can receive credit through Able Sail.

To talk with us further about volunteering, please complete the Volunteer Information Form and send by email, mail or fax to:

Email: ablesail@rhyc.ca

Royal Hamilton Yacht Club
555 Bay Street North, Hamilton, ON
Phone: 905-528-8464 Fax: 905-528-2622

Download Volunteer Information Form and send to us

 
     
     

   
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