Log in

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW DO I JOIN?

All new members must purchase a Full Sailing Membership or Student Membership. If you are new to sailing, you will need to take and pass a CANSail 1&2 course before you can take our boats out. If you have sailed before, we can arrange a J-Town Old Salt Test so you can demonstrate your skills to us.

WHAT IS THE COST OF A FULL SAILING MEMBERSHIP FOR 2023?

Our discounted early-bird price of $535 (HST included) is available until April 30. On May 1, the price increases to $595.

WHERE DO I REGISTER FOR A FULL SAILING MEMBERSHIP FOR 2023?

You can register via our Join Us page. Registration will open on April 1, 2023.

DO YOU OFFER A STUDENT MEMBERSHIP?

Yes. If you're a full-time student, and can provide proof.  Our discounted early-bird price of $435 (HST included) is available until April 30. On May 1, the price increases to $495.

Please note that the club also has a minimum age requirement of 19+, so we'll need to see proof of age along with proof of student status.

WHERE DO I REGISTER FOR A STUDENT MEMBERSHIP FOR 2023?

You can register via our Join Us page. Registration will open on April 1, 2023. During the registration process, you'll be asked if you're a full-time student and you want to apply for the student membership rate. Then, you will also need to email membership@sailtoronto.com and include a course schedule or other proof that you are currently a full-time student, as well as proof that you are 19+.

WHAT DO I GET WITH MY FULL SAILING MEMBERSHIP OR STUDENT MEMBERSHIP?

You get unlimited use of our fleet of boats, access to all our racing and social events, and of course, an amazing community of new friends and sailors.

If you are new to sailing, you will need to sign up and pass an introductory sailing course (CANSail 1&2) before you can take our boats out. Sailing's a bit like driving — you need to learn to sail before you can safely operate the boat!

CAN I GET A MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP?

No, all memberships are annual. They start April 1 and run until March 31 the following year.

ARE SAILING COURSES INCLUDED IN THE MEMBERSHIP PRICE?

No. Sailing courses must be booked and paid for separately.

WHICH SAILING COURSES DO YOU OFFER?

We offer beginner sailing courses called CANSail1&2 throughout the summer. You can see a list view of our CANSail 1&2 courses here

We also offer intermediate sailing courses. We have two CANSail 3 courses this summer and one CANSail 4 course. You can see a list view of our CANSail 3 and CANSail 4 courses here. 

You can also see all our courses by browsing through our events calendar.

We also hold clinics for racing, Laser, and Catamaran sailing at multiple points throughout the summer. These clinics are free to members. Most clinics require CANSail 1&2 as a prerequisite. The Catamaran clinics require CANSail 3 as a prerequisite. 

WHAT IS THE COST OF SAILING COURSES?

Our CANSail 1&2 courses are $120. Our CANSail 3 courses are $140.

WHERE DO I REGISTER FOR SAILING COURSES?

First, you must register for a Full Sailing Membership or a Student Membership. You can do that here. Once your membership is approved, you can log into our website with the credentials you'll be given. Then, you can go to our calendar, look for a course you want to take, and sign up. 

Course registration will open on April 1, 2023.

I WANT TO SAIL BUT DON'T WANT TO BE A MEMBER

Anyone taking a course has to be a member. All sailors have to be a member of the club. Only members are allowed to use the property, clubhouse and sail the boats. The low course fees are subsidized by the membership.

WHAT TYPE OF BOATS DO YOU HAVE?

16 Albacores, 7 Lasers, 3 Nacra 500 catamarans, and 1 Byte.

Albacores are a two-person dinghy.

Lasers and Bytes are for 1 person (Lasers are better-suited for larger individuals, 130 lbs+; Bytes for the more petite, up to 140 lbs).

Catamarans go fast!

Check out our boats in more detail here.

I ALREADY KNOW HOW TO SAIL! DO I NEED TO TAKE A COURSE?

Great! You are likely eligible for an experienced sailor test, which at J-Town we call our Old Salt Test.  During the membership registration process, you'll be asked whether you need to arrange for an Old Salt Test. In the test, we will pair you with a senior member so you can demonstrate your sailing skills. If you pass, you are welcome to take our boats out. 

You can choose which type of boat you would like to be tested on — Albacore, Laser, Catamaran, or all of the above.

DO YOU HAVE A FAMILY RATE?

Not at this time. Each member of the family must purchase a separate membership. If you have a spouse who wants to join, but doesn't sail, email the Membership Chair.

DO YOU HAVE A MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT?

Yes, all members must be 19+.

CAN I GET A MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP?

All memberships are annual and start April 1 and run until March 31 the following year.

DO YOU HAVE STORAGE FOR CANOES, KAYAKS OR PADDLE BOARDS?

No. We don't have storage facilities.

I HAVE MY OWN BOAT. CAN I JOIN AND LEAVE IT THERE?

No. We are cooperative dinghy sailing club. The club owns and maintains all the boats and the membership has access to all the boats.

WHAT ARE YOUR FACILITIES LIKE?

J-Town is like a cottage in the city. Our rustic clubhouse has separate changing rooms, a spacious kitchen, couches galore, and an industrial-sized BBQ.  We've been known to throw a few parties.

Our port-a-potties are cleaned and emptied twice a week. We do have running water, but the tap water isn't drinkable.  Don't worry though — the clubhouse has a nice cold water cooler. Bring your own water bottle!

WHAT'S FRIDAY NIGHT RACING?

FNRs. Toronto is home to North America's largest Albacore fleet. Every Friday in the summer, Albacores from all over Toronto gather in the Outer Harbour for a sailing race. Come race with the best in North America!

After the race, prizes are awarded to the top 5 boats.

Never raced before? No problem! Our members are eager to help show you the ropes.

ARE MEMBERS ALLOWED TO BRING GUESTS?

Yes. Members are allowed to have guests a couple times per month.

I HAVE A QUESTION!

Email membership@sailtoronto.com and we'll be happy to answer all your questions!