How do I take out a boat?

To use a club boat, you need to be qualified by the club and follow safety rules based on your level and the weather.

Helms Level: Earned by completing CANSail 1 & 2 (formerly White Sail 3) or by demonstrating equivalent experience through a Club practical exam. (Albacores, Hobie Wave, Lasers only). Helms can sail Albacores, Hobie Wave, and Lasers in the protected area of Outer Harbour only, and only in moderate winds (≤10 knots).

Skipper Level: Earned by completing CANSail 3 (formerly Bronze Sail 4) or through equivalent experience and a Club exam. Skippers may sail farther afield and in higher winds. They are expected to demonstrate sound judgment at all times.


Who can take out a boat?

The club ranks its members into three categories:

  • Crew: Novice. Must sail with a qualified Helm or Skipper.

  • Helms: Intermediate.

  • Skipper: Advanced


Boat types and ranking requirements:

  1. Albacores, Hobie Wave & Gateway

Helms (CANSail 1 & 2 or equivalent):

  • Maximum wind: 10 knots

  • Sailing area: Outer Harbour only

  • Not permitted in Toronto’s Inner Harbour or on the open lake

Skippers (CANSail 3 or equivalent):

  • No restriction on wind strength or sailing area

  • Expected to use good judgment and ensure crew safety


2. Lasers

  • Follow Albacore certification and restrictions

  • Helms: Max 10 knots, Outer Harbour only

  • Skippers: No restriction, with good judgment


3. Catamarans (Hobie 16 & Nacra 500)

Helms (Catamaran Course or equivalent):

  • Maximum wind: 15 knots

  • Sailing area: Outer Harbour and Eastern Gap only

Skippers (Catamaran Skipper certified):

  • May sail in higher winds, but if winds exceed 22 knots and sailing outside the harbour, they must:

    • Sail with a buddy boat within hailing distance, or

    • Carry a waterproof handheld VHF radio with GPS, or

    • Carry a personal locator beacon with integrated GPS

 

Summary


New Members With Previous Experience

New (or first-year) members wishing to sail the Club's boats without following a course with us must be certified by a Club Examiner as Helms or Skipper. This may involve a simple review of past experience, or taking a sail with an experienced Club member. Experience gained elsewhere, while valuable, does not necessarily apply to Westwood's ranking procedures. New members are asked to adapt-to and understand the Club's policies and guidelines.


All Members

All members are expected to check weather conditions before sailing. New and less-experienced members should be receptive to guidance from more-experienced members, especially where there is any question about whether a member's skill level is suitable for sailing in the current wind and weather conditions. Any member using a Club boat is responsible for the safety of the boat and its crew.


Guests


Only Full Members who are qualified Helms or Skippers may bring guests.

  • Guests cannot helm or take out boats themselves.

  • Limit: 3 guest sails per season (same person or different guests).

  • Only 2 guests max per boat (unless otherwise specified)

  • Children (18 and under) of members do not count as guests, but must wear life jackets on docks and be supervised.

  • Guests should be physically fit, competent swimmers, and able to follow instructions. Avoid bringing guests out in extreme condition

  • Use one responsible adult per two children as a general safety rule.



    Members are discouraged from taking guests sailing in extreme conditions, or outside the Cherry Beach/Outer Harbour area.