News Releases
Tuesday, 07 July 2020 11:19
Sophia Josenhans new Sail NS Technical Director
Sail Nova Scotia is excited to announce the hiring of Sophia Josenhans as our new Technical Director. From Lunenburg, Sophia has extensive experience leading sailing programs at LaHave River Yacht Club and Lunenburg Yacht Club. Sophia was also involved in Sail All which introduces schools to sailing programs. Sophia is a Sail Canada Learning Facilitator and able to re-certify and evaluate existing instructors. Sophia is looking forward to working with clubs on introducing more youth to the sport and most importantly retaining youth in the sport. She will be in contact with each of the 16 youth Learn to Sail programs this week and looks forward to connecting. She can be reached at [email protected] Please join me in welcoming Sophia to Sail Nova Scotia.
Wednesday, 03 June 2020 12:35
Let's Go Sailing!
Sail Nova Scotia is excited to announce that many clubs are currently working hard to put together a Racing program and deliver CANSail training for youth this summer, keeping in mind of course public health measures.Contact the club in your area to see what they are offering. It won't be "business as usual" but participants should be able to learn and enjoy the sport. Sail NS is in communication regularly with club leaders about modifying programs and we have heard of some great examples.You can find the Return to Play, Competition, and Training (all as one) document here For any questions about programming this summer please contact Frank Denis, Sail NS Executive Director at [email protected] you on the water!
Monday, 04 May 2020 13:42
4 NS Sailors Named to Canadian Sailing Development Squad
Congratulations to the 4 Nova Scotia sailors who were recently named to the Sail Canada Canadian Sailing Development Squad in 2020; Georgia & Antonia Lewin-Lafrance in the 49er FX class, Luke Ruitenburg in the Laser, and Jacob Chaplin-Saunders in the 470 class. See the full team list here https://www.sailing.ca/announcing-the-2020-2021-canadian-sailing-team-canadian-sailing-development-squad/
Saturday, 02 May 2020 12:36
Province Eases Restrictions; Yacht Clubs Open
On Friday, the Province eased restrictions regarding COVID-19. The restrictions eased included allowing yacht and sailing club members to access their boats in order to prepare them for the boating season. Read the full news release here:Premier Stephen McNeil and Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health, announced today, May 1, the easing of some public health restrictions around COVID-19."We know that getting outdoors for recreation is important for people's physical and mental health," said Premier McNeil." That's why we are easing some restrictions, while still keeping the majority of our public health directives in place to continue fighting the virus. But I need to be clear: if we see an increase in positive cases or people not continuing to adhere to all the public health measures, the restrictions will return."Existing public health directives around social distancing and social gatherings remain in place. People must keep two metres apart and not gather in groups of more than five.The initial steps are:-- provincial and municipal parks can reopen, but playground equipment will continue to be off limits-- trails are allowed to open-- people are allowed to use and visit community gardens-- garden centres, nurseries and similar businesses can open-- sportfishing is permitted from shore or boat, but fishing derbies are not allowed-- people can attend boating, yacht or sailing clubs for the purpose of preparing boats for use-- golf driving ranges can open, including those at golf clubs, but the course must remain closed; golf clubs can perform necessary maintenance…
Tuesday, 07 April 2020 16:15
Update: Sail NS To Deliver Race Management Courses FULL
UPDATE: These courses are now full. We were expecting up to 20 and in the first 48 hours reached 50! We will explore adding more candidates and even another weekend of Race Management Courses. Any new information will be posted on our website here. Sail Nova Scotia was all set to hold our annual Sail Canada Race Official Courses April 18 & 19 at Bedford Basin Yacht Club. However, in-person courses are not possible this year. Working with the club and the Race Management Course Conductor Dan Conrod, we are excited to offer the courses virtually with Sail Nova Scotia covering all the costs. This means the courses are free for anyone interested! The costs can usually run $75 - $150 per person. We can accommodate as many people as interested. Those with current certification who are looking to get back up to speed before the racing season starts are welcome to join. Here is the schedule. Sail Canada Assistant Race Officer Course - Saturday, April 18 from 9 am - 1pmSail Canada Club Race Officer Course - Saturday, April 18 1 - 4 pm & Sunday, April 19 9am - 4pm The meeting will be hosted using Zoom. If you're interested in this great opportunity please e-mail [email protected] by Thursday, April 16 and we will add you to the list. All candidates will also receive a link to the current Sail Canada Race Management manual (2016 - 2020).
Wednesday, 01 April 2020 12:50
COVID-19 Sailors Q&A
Sail Nova Scotia is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our member clubs, schools, sailors, staff, volunteers and stakeholders as well as every Nova Scotian in the communities where we live, work and play. We recognize that these are difficult times for all the clubs and their members, and we are here to support you while ensuring we are following the recommendations from the Department of Health & Wellness. We continue to monitor the situation closely and to review the impact it will have on our sailing community. We are actively liaising between our membership, government and our stakeholders to communicate the best available information during these unprecedented times. We have created this page to answer some of the questions boaters have as we approach the 2020 season. If you have a question please share it with [email protected] and we will add it to this page and provide an answer. On Friday, May 1 the Province eased some restrictions. How does it affect yacht clubs?The first phase of the easing of restrictions allows for yacht clubs and marinas to open to allow members to prepare their boats, however, the State of Emergency is still in effect and social-distancing must be respected. Read the full news release from the province here New Question: If I don't or can't check on my boat at the yacht club is my insurance void if I need to submit a claim for damage?We posed that question to Andrew Robertson, Senior Vice-President of Gallagher Skippers'…
Tuesday, 31 March 2020 15:17
COVID-19 Links to Information
Sail Nova Scotia recognizes that during these trying times accessing information can be challenging and difficult to find. On this page we will post links to important information for sailing clubs, sailing instructors and sailors in Nova Scotia. If you would like to see something added to this page, please send a note to [email protected] Sail Canada Information Return to Sailing, Competition, and Training https://www.sailing.ca/statement-from-sail-canada-ceo-don-adams-in-response-covid-19/ Changes to Sail Canada Instructor Certification Policyhttps://www.sailing.ca/sail-canada-instructor-certification-accomodation/ Province of Nova Scotia Province of Nova Scotia State of Emergency Sport Nova Scotia Tips to Keep You Happy & Healthy During the Pandemic Government of Canada Resources The Government of Canada recently announced three emergency funding programs that yacht clubs may be interested in. Thanks to Boating Atlantic for compiling the following information. FEDERAL BUSINESS AID Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy The federal government has released the details of the new Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, which would cover 75% of the first $58,700 normally earned by employees (up to a maximum benefit of $847 per week). Below are the key details for your business: Eligible employers include individuals, taxable corporations (including non-resident corporations operating in Canada), and partnerships consisting of eligible employers as well as non‑profit organizations and registered charities. To claim the benefit, employers will need to show at least a 30% drop in gross revenues in March, April, or May compared to the same month in 2019 — see table below: Wage Subsidy — Eligibility PeriodsPeriod 1 March 15–April 11March 2020 over March 2019Period 2 …
Saturday, 21 March 2020 14:41
Update: Sailing Instructor Clinics & Re-Certifications
Hi everyone, I hope everyone is doing well given these extraordinary circumstances. I wanted to update you on plans for our instructor courses this spring and re-certifications for those who need them. Sail NS will deliver our scheduled Fundamental Course for new instructors online over the Easter weekend as planned. We have 11 candidates so far, so please encourage your new instructors to sign up as the course will go ahead. They can register here https://sailnovascotia.checklick.com/ Our Tune-Up / Team Racing weekend is set for May 2-3 in Hubbards. We will make the call on whether to hold that by April 20. Sail Canada is currently looking at how provinces can run instructor clinics if self-isolation guidelines are still in place. Stay tuned. For those instructors with recently expired instructor certifications, First Aid, and or Coach Boat Safety, Sail Canada is looking at granting an extension on those so as not to restrict instructors from teaching this summer. When I have more details on those I will send them out. In the meantime, please, please, please, encourage your instructors to get familiar with using their CANSail profile to check expiry dates and access valuable resources. To do so they can log in here https://members.sailing.ca/index.php?action=_login.show_member_login If they have difficulty logging in have them e-mail me at [email protected] and I can help them. As for "When will we get the all clear for sailing programs?", for that we will wait for the Province to give the okay. Sport Nova…
Wednesday, 18 March 2020 12:22
Working From Home
Like everyone else these days, I will be working from home for the next while.You can reach me at [email protected] or by phone at 902-425-5450 ext 312. Leave a message and I will be notified by e-mail there is a message. Stay safe. Frank
Wednesday, 12 February 2020 17:59
Sail Nova Scotia Seeks a Technical Director
Sail Nova Scotia, with funding from the Support 4 Sport Technical Leadership Employment program (TLEP) is hiring a Technical Director. The successful candidate will be responsible for working with Clubs in Nova Scotia that offer or seek to offer CANSail programs (youth and adult) and the more than 60 registered instructors and coaches. The Technical Director will work to increase participation numbers, improve the quality of instruction & coaching, and ensure that programs are providing participants a quality sport experience across all levels of the athlete development pathway. The position works to advance Sail Nova Scotia initiatives when it comes to Participation and Coaches/Instructors. The position is based in Halifax and a valid driver’s license is required.All the details can be found in the ad below.
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Tuesday, 07 January 2020 18:04
Sail NS AGM Set for February 8
The 2020 Annual General Meeting of Sail Nova Scotia will be held on Saturday, February 8th at 1pm at the Halifax Boat Show in the Halifax Exhibition Centre. All meeting materials are posted on the website here. Posted materials include the meeting agenda, 2019 AGM Minutes, 2019 Financials, Proposed By-Law Changes, and the Nominating Committee Report.The Annual report will be posted on that page when completed. All those wishing to attend the meeting should contact the Sail NS office [email protected] to get a free pass to attend the meeting and Boat Show.Prior to the AGM Sail NS will host a meeting for all LTS Directors / Coaches and Instructors beginning at 10:30 am and free passes are available to attend that meeting as well. Commodores will meet immediately following the AGM for about an hour. We look forward to seeing you at the meetings and the Boat Show.
Sunday, 17 November 2019 14:32
Sail Nova Scotia 2019 Awards
More than 100 sailors and friends gathered for the annual Sail Nova Scotia awards on Saturday at the Saraguay.The evening included recognizing outstanding performances and dedication to the sport from Shelburne to North Sydney. Find out who won what in the complete list of winners with bios below.
Wednesday, 23 October 2019 12:27
Skiff Coach Wanted
In partnership with the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron and Canadian Sport Centre Atlantic, Sail Nova Scotia is hiring a full time Nova Scotia Skiff coach who will coach 29ers at the Skiff Intro level and lead the Emerging Next Gen athletes in the skiff. The position is based in Halifax. See the ad below.
Tuesday, 22 October 2019 12:51
I Am A Sailor...Dionne Reid
Despite being born and bred on the beautiful island of Cape Breton, Dionne’s appetite for sailing was somewhat delayed but was wetted by a cruise on Nova Scotia’s famous Bluenose 2. As wind breathed life into Bluenose’ sails Dionne’s ambitions were poked out of slumber and dreams of life on the water began to stir. Sometimes life gets in the way and her time was spent seal hunting on ski-doos in the winter and riding motorcycles and mountain bikes in the summer. Along with playing softball, a regular workout regimen and attainment of two masters degrees her plate was pretty full. But the dream always there. On a one week trip to Mexico Dionne finally had the opportunity to learn the basics of sailing on a Hobie Catamaran at the resort. “It started out with him drawing lines in the sand with a stick to illustrate the concept of tacking etc. Then we went for a short sail and by the end of the week I was taking the little boat out myself and feeling quite proud of my accomplishment” A few years later destiny knocked in the form of her teaching colleague who invited Dionne to sail with him onboard Hipnautical. A Grampian 26 with the lofty title of DYC’s 2014 Boat of the Year. Fighting through her intimidation of a larger vessel Dionne was intent on learning the ropes and helping out while intensely listening to her salty old skipper. “As a single mother of a 5 year…
Tuesday, 01 October 2019 12:33
I Am A Sailor...Murray Brown
Many years ago when I became involved with the disabled sailing movement I always had this thought in the back of my head “I love sailing but if something happened to me that wouldn’t allow me to go sailing, I’d be extremely grateful to the person that would make an effort to the person that got me out on the water” At the age of 13 Murray Brown of Halifax, Nova Scotia was introduced to sailing in a Sunfish at a YMCA camp on Lake Simcoe. A camp counselor who had a 7’10” Dutch Pram befriended Murray and together they did their best to push the pram to its limits. When Murray entered the workforce his disposable income was used to pay for what became his lifelong habit of sailing. “Once I had an annual income I spent too much money on various sailboats in Regina (Wascana Lake), Fredericton, Saint John and Halifax." Decades later Murray found that his body just couldn’t keep up with the rigors of sailing and begrudgingly traded in his freedom of sailing for a walker. After 5 long years of being landlocked on Canada’s Ocean Playground Murray was introduced to Sail Able NS while attending a lecture by Kevin Penny and Paralympic sailor Paul Tingley. One night in the dead of winter, at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Murray’s inner soul awoke and the excitement of sailing rejuvenated him. “My summers became increasingly boring and inactive after I was unable to safely sail my…
Friday, 06 September 2019 13:43
Opti Provincials in Hubbards Sept 21-22
The Opti Provincials in Hubbards are in a couple of weeks with the early bird registration deadline set for Sept 10. All the details here Hubbards Sailing Club is hosting the 2019 Nova Scotia Optimist Provincial Championships. This marks the fourth year the event will be held in Hubbards and is sure to be another exciting fall event. We can guarantee fair and fun racing out of our club! You can normally expect a sea breeze building in the afternoon and wind consistently from the SW. Keep in mind that this event is on the circuit as a choose (1) of (3) for placing; Nova Scotia Optimist Provincials, Optimist Canadians, or another provinces’ Optimist Championship. We can't wait to see you all there!!! Click here to register now- Just a reminder that early bird registration is open until Sept 10!
Monday, 22 July 2019 12:10
Laser Provincial Champions 2019
Congratulations to the 2019 Provincial Laser Champions, crowned this weekend at Bay Wind Regatta at St. Margaret Sailing Club.Guy Tipton from Shelburne captured the Radial title which Noah Adler from RNSYS posted all bullets in his 6 races to capture the 4.7 title.Full results hereThis weekend Lunenburg Yacht Club will host the U19 Provincials this weekend as part of Sail Fest.
Tuesday, 18 June 2019 18:57
Surrette & Flinn To Represent Canada at PanAm Games
Congratulations to Allie Surrette of St. Margaret's Bay and Max Flinn from Chester for being named to Team Canada.The sailors will represent the country in the Nacra 17 class at the August PanAm Games in Paracas, Peru.For the full Sail Canada release announcing the team see here.
Saturday, 08 June 2019 20:06
2019 Boxing Rock Race with Results
What a fantastic day for the 2019 Boxing Cup Harbour Race! Sunny skies, northerly breeze and warm temps brought more than 200 sailors and 39 boats together for a fun afternoon of racing and a great raft up party! Winners this year were Dancer (Eric Strathdee) from the Bedford Start while Paul Rafuse and the crew of Bleep won the RNSYS start. A very special thank you to Boxing Rock for their very generous support and to Develop Nova Scotia (formerly Waterfront Development) for their great support. Winning the Boxing Rock Gift basket for best Social Media posts was Flux (Jordan MacNeil). And thank you to everyone for participating. See you all in 2020. Full results below.
Monday, 03 June 2019 16:25
Anderson Wins National Radial Championships
Sailor Ryan Anderson, from Halifax beat out 27 sailors to win the Canadian Laser Radial Championship last weekend at a regatta held in Montreal. Ryan posted three first place finishes in the 4 race series. Anderson who sails out of the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron captured the National Youth Championship in 2018 and as a result was selected to represent Canada at the 2019 Youth World Sailing Championships set for July in Poland. Full regatta results from the National Laser Championships can be found here.
Tuesday, 28 May 2019 17:20
We Are Sailors...Gillis & Taylor
Putting a team together with the hopes of achieving international success is not an easy task. But the job is made easier with quality coaches who know what qualities make a good team and then bring the athletes together. That was the case with Elsie Gillis from Halifax and Shelburne’s Savannah Taylor, Sail Nova Scotia’s female youth sailor of the year in 2018. Both sailors had been sailing the International 420 for 2 and 3 years respectively and had success at both international and national events. Since their partnership was formed, the duo has qualified to represent Canada at the 2019 Youth World Championships in Gdynia, Poland in July. Since being placed together last fall they have successfully competed in Connecticut for the Atlantic Coast Championships, Miami for Mid-winters and participated in a training camp in Miami. So far their training schedule has included a training camp at the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron (RNSYS) which gave them the opportunity to train with fellow top Canadian sailors and coaches. Aside from sailing they are regularly found in the gym doing weight training or cardio on the rowing machine under the direction of the Canadian Sports Center Atlantic to enhance and maintain conditioning. The off-water challenges for this duo has been their biggest obstacle. Not only do they live about a 2 hour drive from each other, Savannah recently had pneumonia for 3 weeks! Throughout Savannah’s downtime, Elsie continued her on-water training. Despite these set-backs their commitment to the commitment and,…
Wednesday, 24 April 2019 19:34
5 NS Athletes Named to Canadian Sailing Team
Sail Canada announced the 2019 Canadian Sailing Team today and of the 28 members, 5 are from Nova Scotia. Earning positions on the team are; Luke Ruitenberg a Laser sailor from St. Margaret's Bay. The sister team of Georgia and Antonia Lewin-LaFrance of Chester are 49er FX sailors. And Max Flinn from Chester and Allie Surrette from St. Margaret's Bay competing in the Nacra 17 class. All the sailors race out of the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron. Congratulations to these 5 outstanding sailors.
Tuesday, 23 April 2019 12:16
I Am A Sailor...Ed Trevors
To sail what is arguably the most popular Canadian designed, high-performance dinghy, the Laser demands slow deliberate movement in light air and quick acrobatic manoeuvres in heavy air. With a LOA of 13’9 and beam or 4’7, its tiny cockpit is better suited for a teenager or small adult. When I took sailing lessons on the Glenmore Reservoir in Calgary my instructor, Jim, was 6’1 and I remember him saying the Laser is perfect for a guy like “Big Jim”. But Jim was a sailing instructor with many years of dinghy sailing experience. Ed Trevors is 6’3 with no experience. In his younger years, Ed was an avid basketball and volleyball player but as he aged the body just couldn't take that kind of high tempo every day. Ed’s path to sailing was paved by his daughter Maya as he watched her fall in love with the sport while taking lessons at the Shelburne Harbour Yacht Club (SHYC) http://www.shyc.ca/ . At about that time Ed was invited to crew for a friend at the East Coast Albacore Championships and the rigors of racing got him hooked on a new passion and he soon purchased a used Laser. “I’m about 6’3 and when I started I really filled out my wetsuit-I was a bit over 250lbs. Being in the cockpit was not an easy place to be.” Lumbering in light air Ed usually found his Laser Radial on top of him but his sense of humour and perseverance has helped immensely…
Thursday, 18 April 2019 13:44
5 NS Sailors to Represent Canada at 2019 Youth Worlds
Congratulations to Savannah Taylor, Elsie Gillis, Ryan Anderson, Moritz Heidenreich, and David Frost for being named to team Canada that will compete at the 2019 Youth World Sailing Championships this summer in Poland. The team will be lead by RNSYS head coach Agustin Ferrario. See the full release here
Thursday, 11 April 2019 12:28
Statement Re Metro Regatta 2019
Sail Nova Scotia, who has organized Metro Regatta over the Natal Day weekend for the past three years has issued the following statement regarding the 2019 event. We believe this new direction will only benefit racing in the Metro Halifax area. If you have any questions or comments please direct them to Frank Denis, Sail NS Executive Director at [email protected]