GSSS Race Team
Looking for the next step after Learn to Sail? Our Race Team program gives sailors the opportunity to train weekly, build racing skills, and attend regattas throughout the summer.
The GSSS Race Team is designed for sailors enrolled in our regular sailing school program who want to continue building their skills through structured race training. This goal of the program is to help sailors build confidence, improve performance, and prepare for future racing opportunities.
Who This Program is For
This program is for sailors who are ready to go beyond regular Learn to Sail programming and begin focused race training in a supportive team environment. Sailors train with others in their chosen boat class and work on the skills, tactics, and habits needed to compete at regattas.
How the Race Team Works
Sailors choose the boat class they want to race for the season and train weekly with other racers in that fleet. Sessions are held on Mondays and Thursdays from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and each sailor attends one training night per week depending on their training boat.
The program also includes coaching support at New Brunswick regattas throughout the summer. This gives sailors the chance to apply what they learn in practice in a racing environment.
Training Focus
Throughout the season, sailors will work on:
- Boat handling and boat speed
- Starting techniques and time on distance
- Mark rounding's and boat-on-boat tactics
- Racing rules and protest basics
- Race preparation, goal setting. and debriefs
Season Dates
The 2026 Race Team season runs from June 29 to August 21.
NB Circuit Regattas
- RKYC Regatta — July 11–12 (tentative)
- GSSS Regatta — July 25–26
- RYC Regatta — August 8–9
Eligibility and Boat Classes
To participate, sailors must have completed at least CANSail 2 and be registered for a minimum of two weeks in the GSSS summer sailing school program.
Sailors may race in Opti, 420, or ILCA (4/6/7).
Equipment and Boat Access
Sailors are responsible for providing their own personal gear, including a PFD, closed-toe shoes, a watch with timer, and weather-appropriate clothing.
A limited number of club boats are available for weekly training. Families who need a club boat should contact GSSS to request one.
Expectations and Attendance
Race Team sailors are expected to follow the GSSS rules, demonstrate good sportsmanship, listen to the head coach and guest coaches, and arrive on time, rigged, and ready to sail.
Minimum attendance is 6 of the 8 training sessions, and the team goal is for sailors to attend at least 2 of the 3 scheduled NB circuit regattas.
Fees and Whats Included
Race Team Fee: $250
Included: one coached training session per week and coaching support at NB regattas.
Not Included: regatta entry fees, charter boats, travel, and acommodations.
Weather Policy
For the safety of participants, GSSS reserves the right to cancel any Race Team practice due to weather or water conditions. Practices cancelled due to weather will not be rescheduled.
Registration and Contact
Ready to Join the GSSS Race Team? Registration is available through Checklick, the same place as our regular sailing school programs.
If you have questions about eligibility, boat availability, or the best fleet for your sailor, please contact GSSS at greatershediacss@gmail.com.