Recertification for all CANSail instructors and coaches must be completed through BC Sailing. The certification period for CANSail dinghy instructors and coaches is 36 months to the end of the calendar year. For example, if you completed your clinic in May 2020, your level would expire on December 31, 2023.
Professional Development Courses
All instructors and coaches must complete professional development every three years. The points required vary depending on your training or certification level. More information about professional development points is on the Sail Canada website.
Professional development courses are taught by expert learning facilitators and are for instructors and coaches wishing to learn more about different boats and age groups. These courses are open to all coaches and program directors, including first-year instructors.
- Program Manager (3 points)
This module is open to coaches looking to take on an administrative or management role within their learn-to-sail program. Topics covered include marketing, registration, communication and safety. This course is not recommended for first- and second-year instructors.
- Wet Feet and Optimist 1 & 2 Module (3 points)
This one-day module teaches instructors about rigging and technical skills specific to Optis. There are also discussions on how to teach younger sailors and a variety of games to keep children learning and interested in sailing. This module is required to teach Optimist 1 & 2.
- Opti Race Module (3 points)
This module is designed for instructors and coaches with previous Optimist coaching experience and those who will be working with CANSail 3 & 4 level sailors or novice Opti race teams. Candidates will work with Optimist racing team sailors and will focus on developing racing skills and new coaching techniques.
- Spinnaker & Trapeze (3 points)
This module emphasizes correct rigging and boat handing in the 420 dinghy as well as developing coaching techniques for double-handed skill development and teamwork. Candidates can expect to spend an equal amount of time both instructing and sailing. There will also be discussion of other high-performance classes, such as the 29er and 470. This course can be taken by any trained instructor or coach for professional development. Upon successful completion with the correct prerequisites, instructors will be trained to teach Spinnaker and Trapeze 1 & 2.
- Mentor Program (3 points)
There are opportunities through the year to shadow senior and provincial coaches at events and clinics. Opportunities will be posted on the website and on the BC Sailing Facebook page and are free of cost to coaches.
Cancellation Policy
Course fees are fully refundable until 14 days prior to the course. Within 14 days of the course start date, cancellations are subject to a $50 cancellation fee. Within 14 days prior to the course date, there is a $50 fee to change to alternate course dates. Except in emergencies, there will be no refunds or changes to course dates allowed within three days prior to the course start date. Please email delani@bcsailing.bc.ca if you wish to change course dates.
Questions?
If you have questions about how to become a coach or are unsure of what courses to register for, please email delani@bcsailing.bc.ca.
