We are very proud to foster and develop sailing as a sport and pastime within our community. For the past 7 years, we have run a full-time sailing school with Sail Canada certified staff instructors and club owned equipment. Our programs - from introductory to advanced - are offered to kids aged 5 and up and adults.
We host regular Wednesday evening and weekend race events for all sailboats. If you don't own a boat, try your hand at being a crew member on one of our member boats. This team sport is a great way to meet people and develop your sailing skills.
Each year, we organise several rendezvous at anchorages that are within a few hours of Yellowknife Bay. Cruising the vast waters of Great Slave can be very solitary, and rendezvous are a great way to share an anchorage, experiences, food and good times. New sailors also benefit from the watchful eyes of a flotilla.
The Great Slave Sailing Club is located in the City of Yellowknife on the shores of Great Slave Lake in Canada's Northwest Territories. (62' 29' N 114' 22' W).
Great Slave Lake is the 5th largest lake in North America and the 10th largest in the world, with a surface area of 28,570 square kilometres. Sailing season is early June to late September for the prudent, and into October for others.
We exist to promote the development of sailing, seamanship and navigational skills through the participation in sailing and club activities; to cultivate an appreciation of Great Slave Lake as cruising waters; and to facilitate and provide youth the ability to become involved in the sport of sailing and all related activities for their own personal growth and community benefit.
Due to strong winds on Saturday and Sunday, lift-in has been posponed to Wednesday, June 17. The crane is currently stationed at the Club and should be ready-to-go at 1:00pm. All lift-in participants should watch their inboxes for updates.
Lift-in is scheduled for Saturday, June 13. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year will be slightly more structured and scheduled. Members are asked to idenfity their participating boats ahead of lift-in. Details will be emailed prior to lift-in.
Background: Lift-in is typically anticipated on the first Saturday in June, provided Back Bay has been clear of ice for at least a week and pending weather conditions, crane availability and other safety factors.
The NWT remains in a public health emergency due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, as of May 8, boat launches and other activities related to sailing have been declared as low to medium risk. We are therefore pleased to report that the 2020 sailing season has not been significantly impacted and that members will be able to launch and access their boats throughout the season. Club facitilties and activities have been impacted to various extents, and the Board is making some hard decisions regarding our training and racing programs and our social events. We trust our members understand and thank everyone for their patience.
For more information about the NWT's pandemic response, including the Emerging Wisely plans and phases, please visit the GNWT Department of Health.
