Sail ONEC provides a structured training program for adult members from early May until the end of June.  It is comprised of both basic theory and practical skills segments.  Experienced, certified skippers provide training to new members under the direction of the head trainer and head instructor.

The goal of the program is to train new members to a level at which they are competent to act as skippers and take club boats out on their own.

New members sign up for one training night per week (Monday, Wednesday and Thursday), or Saturday mornings using CL16s and Lasers.  They are also encouraged to come to the Club on weekends when skippers are looking for crew, as this will increase their sailing experience. In addition, members who participate in Club work parties and sailing events benefit in direct proportion to their participation, and enjoy numerous and varied sailing opportunities. 

As  members demonstrate the requisite ability to perform practical skills and an understanding of some basic theory, they become certified progressively as "Crew," "Laser Skipper," and then "Sailing Skipper (CL-16)."  The checklist of requirements associated with each level of certification appears in the training materials section of this website and in the Sail Canadian “Basic Sailing Skills.”

Once a member achieves certification as a Skipper, the member is entitled to sail in the designated class of boat (Laser or CL16) without supervision.  To achieve the Laser and Sailing Skipper (CL-16) certification generally requires practice sailing at the Club at least twice a week (i.e. on a designated training evening and on the weekend) over a two-month period.  Adult trainees are eligible for certification under the Sail Canada CANSail. If there is demand from the members, ONEC will organise a clinic in August where members will be able to demonstrate there skills to a certified Sail Canada Instructor.   The Sail Canada Instructor will provide certification at the level demonstrated by each member.