Pender Island Junior Sailing Association

PIJSA will have two instructors for four weeks of courses this summer and another instructor for the last two weeks which will allow for more CANSail Level 1 & 2 students in those weeks. At the time of writing, some of our courses are full, but there are still spaces available.  A few students will cancel their course, so the wait list should be considered if necessary. PIJSA will have 5-day CANSail Level 1 & 2 courses the weeks of July 10-14, July 24-28, July 31-Aug. 4 and Aug. 14-18.  Students need to be at least 9y at the start of the course and be able to swim with the aid of a PFD.  Students must complete a capsizing practise on day 2 in order to remain in the course.  They will be in the water.

CANSail level 3 & 4 courses, (5 days M-F) will be offered for the weeks of July 31-Aug. 4; Aug. 14-18. Students must be 12y of age and have completed most of CANSail Level 2.

Adults may register for all the courses, but should be aware that some agility is required in small dinghies.  Students can register for courses even if they already have the Level if they want extra sailing time. The cost of all courses is $225.

Registration and payment are by the Checklick online system found on the PIJSA web site penderislandjuniorsailing.com.  PIJSA refund policy is that cancellation refunds prior to the course will only be offered if another student can be found. Refunds will be about $30 less because of external fees that are not refunded. No refunds are offered once each course has started. 

Courses, M-F, are 9 am to about 3.30 pm with a lunch break.  PIJSA provides a BBQ lunch on Friday to which family members etc. are invited. The Level 1 & 2 courses use Pirate class boats with 3 students per boat, or 2 adult students per boat with up to 18 students/course.  The Level 3 & 4 courses use single-handed Laser 1s and Bytes, and the 2-person Laser 2s with up to 10 students/course.  The boats sail from Hamilton Beach, Browning Harbour. It will be busy!  Parent volunteers will be appreciated.

PIJSA receives financial support from Pender Island Yacht Club, CRD Parks and Recreation, and the Tru-Valu Spirit Board (#21).  Port Browning Marina and Pub provides the land for our site and sponsors the annual Hackers Golf Tournament in September which is a major fund-raising event. The Legion has sponsored training of one of our current instructors and a current “in-training” instructor. 

Bruce Waygood – Commodore