How do I take out a boat?
In order to be entitled to take a boat out in controlled conditions, members must reach the Helms level. The Helms level is reached by successfully completing the CANSail 1&2 (old White Sail 3) course (Albacores, Hobie Wave, Lasers only), or by gaining equivalent experience and passing a Club practical exam. The Club limits Helms-level sailors to sailing in the protected area of the Outer Harbour, and only in moderate wind conditions.
In order to be entitled to take a boat out further afield and in higher winds, a member must be ranked as a Skipper. This level is reached by successfully completing the CANSail 3 (old Bronze Sail 4) course (Albacores, Hobie Wave, Lasers only), or by gaining equivalent experience and passing a Club practical exam. Skippers are expected to possess and use good judgment in all aspects of sailing.
Who can take out a boat?
The club ranks its members into three categories:
Crew (novice)
Helms (intermediate)
Skipper (advanced).
Members are ranked separately on each of the three classes of boats which the Club owns:
Albacores (ranking includes Hobie Wave)
Hobie 16, Nacra 500
Lasers.
Any member sailing a Club boat must be qualified and ranked by the Club, as follows.
Albacore “Helms” Level (includes Hobie Wave)
At this restricted level, sailors must have passed CANSail 1&2 at the 2 level, or seek equivalent status from a Club Examiner. Helms level sailors are restricted to sailing in 10 knots of wind in the Cherry Beach/Outer Harbour area only, and are not permitted to sail on the open Lake, or in Toronto's Inner Harbour.
Albacore “Skipper” LEVEL
These sailors must have passed CANSail 3, or seek equivalent status from a Club Examiner. Skippers are not restricted by sailing area or specific wind strength, but are expected to use good judgement at all times.
Catamarans (Hobie 16, Nacra 500)
Catamaran Helms (as certified by a WSC examiner) are restricted to winds 15 knots or less within the Outer Harbour and the eastern gap (two red buoys marking the entrance to the gap).
Catamaran Skippers (as certified by a WSC examiner) can sail in winds at the discretion of the skipper. Stay within sight of land. If winds are above 22 knots and skippers are sailing outside the harbour, then: skippers shall be accompanied by another skippered “buddy boat” who is within hailing distance at all times, or skippers shall carry a VHF handheld waterproof marine radio with waterproof GPS, or skippers shall carry a personal locator beacon with integrated GPS
Lasers
Albacore rankings are applicable. Helms-level sailors have the same geographic and wind-speed restrictions as on the Albacore.
All Non-Ranked Members
These members are considered "crew" and must sail with a Helm or Skipper, as required by the current weather conditions.
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
Full Members at the Helms or Skipper levels are entitled to bring a guest sailing three times. Members are expected to use good judgement in deciding whom to bring sailing. Dinghy sailing can be demanding - sailing guests should be physically fit, competent swimmers, and able to take instruction. Members are discouraged from taking guests sailing in extreme conditions, or outside the Cherry Beach/Outer Harbour area.