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ABOUT

Newsletter Horizons

Environment

Hall of Fame

Facilities

RHYC Policies

Contact & Hours

MEMBERSHIP

Membership Fees

Slip Fees

DINING & EVENTS

Shellbacks

Menus & Features

Social Events

Private Events

RHYC Fundraising

Dining Reservations

BOATING

Club Racing

Regatta Information

Regatta Registration

Crew Bank

Club Cruising Information

Weeknight Cruising Series

Launch Haulout

Onwater Organization

Jumpstart

Regatta Results

LEARN TO SAIL

Youth Program

Youth Racing

Able Sail

Adult Program

Adopt a Boat

Ashore Programs

Links

CALENDAR

JUMPSTART

MEMBER LOGIN

How to Login

Archived Statements

Able Sail

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, Access 303, 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, a variety of options are available for you to learn how to sail. The training is based on the standards of Sail Canada. 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 get in touch with us and we can tell you which programs in Ontario do have this technology.




2018 Able Sail Newsletter

2015 Able Sail Newsletter

Recreational Sailing

Sailors who can demonstrate adequate sailing knowledge and skills are welcome to join our recreational program. Instruction, based on Sail Canada standards, is provided to all sailors by certified instructors or trained volunteers. This type of training is ideal in our family approach, where we train parents and caregivers in the basics of sailing to allow them to take their children out on the water. Continual progression of skill development is achieved at the sailor’s own pace in a relaxed setting. Sailors participate using any of our adapted boats and enjoy their time on Hamilton Harbour.

CANSail 1&2

For those who wish to take formal sail training, we are now offering the CANSail 1&2 levels as set out by Sail Canada. Sailors will learn the fundamental skills including basic terminology, knot tying, and basic boat handling skills. Teaching can be done from any of our accessible boats. Upon completion, sailors can continue to participate in our program in the recreational or racing format.

Racing

Participants are introduced to advanced boat handling skills and techniques. Sailors will work on racing theory, tactics, and starts. Our racing program allows participants to improve and test their skills against other competitors in a friendly environment. We encourage all our participants to take part in RHYC club race night and our annual local regatta, the Ontario Martin 16 Championships (John Farrell Memorial) which takes place the second weekend in August.

Program Fee and Registration

Please contact ablesailrhyc@gmail.com for a password prior to registration.

Full Season Membership - $238

Includes participation in any of our programs throughout the season. Program formats may be combined for a total of 1-2 sessions per week.



Half Season Membership - $146

Includes participation in any of our programs for a maximum of 4 full weeks throughout the sailing season. Program formats may be combined for a total of 1-2 sessions per week. Additional sessions may be booked but are subject to availability.



One-time Sail - $38

Please contact  ablesailrhyc@gmail.com to schedule a time for a One-Time Sail. We need to arrange an instructor prior to registration.


Refunds are not granted if a participant misses sessions or if the weather requires cancellation.

Download the application and email (ablesailrhyc@gmail.com) or deliver it in person.



Volunteers


Program Dates

   

Half Season July 3rd - July 28th
Half Season July 31st - August 25th
Times Monday and Wednesday 1:00 pm-8:30 pm
Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 9:00 am-4:00 pm

Contact Us


For any questions, concerns, or feedback, feel free to email at ablesailrhyc@gmail.com

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

Equipment

Access 2.3

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 joystick in the centre 

of the boat. Scenter 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)

www.accessdinghy.org

 

Access 303


Similar in design parameters to Access 2.3, Access 303 is sailed by two sailors. 
The steering is controlled by a joystick 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 consists of one main sail and a smaller jib sail 
in front. 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: 9 feet, 11 inches
Width: 4 feet, 5 inch
Draft: 3 feet 3 inches
Capacity: 2 persons (352 lbs)

www.accessdinghy.org

Martin 16


The Martin 16 is very stable with 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 joystick. There is a companion seat behind the sailor, allowing for 
instruction, assistance, or just companionship. This boat is raced throughout 
North America at Regattas.

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

www.martin16.com

CONTACT

555 Bay Street North Hamilton, Ontario, L8L 1H1

Phone: 1.905.528.8464

Email: sail@rhyc.ca

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