Dartmouth Yacht Club - Introduction to Sailing

The application period for Soldier On members wishing to participate in the Dartmouth Yacht Club - Intro to Sailing 31 May (group 1) and 1 June 2025 (group 2) is now open. The application deadline is 12 May 2025.

AIM AND SCOPE OF EVENT:
This introduction to sailing will be hosted by Marco Plasse - Dartmouth Yacht Club, Fleet Captain Sail Certified Sail Canada Basic Cruising Instructor. This 1 day introduction session will allow participants to experience basic boat handling and sailing as crew member through the Sail Canada accredited program. The day will be spent at the Dartmouth Yacht Club (DYC) and the surrounding waters. The boat is a Beneteau Oceanis 311 and is fully equipped for the task as required by Transport Canada.

There’s no experience required and the level of involvement can be minimal or more vigorous as desired. Each day session will run from 0900 until 1600 hrs.  Lifejackets are mandatory - candidates can bring their own if they have one, or the club will provide them.    

The intent is for members to gain knowledge of the sport and bring awareness to the DYC Adult Sail Program.
The number of Soldier On Participation is limited to 8 individuals, divided into two groups of 4. Each group will meet on a separate day.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: 
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) within the Halifax Regional Municipality and surrounding areas who acquired a permanent physical or mental health illness or injury while enrolled as a member of the CAF; whether attributable or not to service.

Selected Serving members will require the approval of their Chain of Command to participate. 

NOTE FOR SERVING MEMBERS: The selection of serving members for activities outside their local regions for which members will be on TD will align with CAF direction on financial expenditures.

DRAFT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Group 1 ( 4 individuals) - 31 May 2025 - 0900 - 1600 -  Dartmouth Yacht Club at 697 Windmill Rd, Dartmouth, NS, B3B 1B7.

Group 2 ( 4 individuals) - 1 June 2025 - 0900 - 1600 - Dartmouth Yacht Club at 697 Windmill Rd, Dartmouth, NS, B3B 1B7.

TRANSPORTATION & MEALS:
Participants are advised that transportation will not be provided by Soldier On for this event. Participants will be required to arrange their own travel to and from the event location. 

The following meals will be provided during the event: Lunch

Mental & Physical Requirements:
Applicants must be able to tolerate 7 hours of light to moderate paced activities for 7 hours in a row. Due to the busy activity schedule, applicants must have a limited requirement for rest throughout the day. 

Individuals will have to remain on the boat for the duration on the introduction session and comply with all safety regulations and wear a PFD for the duration of the event. For an intro to sailing, it helps to have basic fitness, good balance, a calm and focused mindset, and a willingness to learn and work as a team.

Applicants will be joined with other ill/injured members and civilians, and therefore should be able to function in a social environment.