The Niagara on the Lake Sailing School was established in 1967 by a volunteer committee of Niagara on the Lake Sailing Club (NOLSC) members to share their love of the sport with the next generation of sailors in the Lake Ontario community.
NOLSC takes pride in offering Learn to Sail programs for both youth (ages 9-17) and adults (18+). Our program is buzzing with activity with up to 40 students in our summer program each day and over 100 participants throughout the season. Students learn to sail on a variety of sailboats, including RS Fevas, Club 420s and Shark 24s.
A dedicated committee of volunteer club members look after the marketing and finances of the school operation and hire the sailing instructors for each season. Instructors are the only paid staff in the school and are certified by the Ontario Sailing Association and Sail Canada. Many of our instructors are former students who developed their skills through our program and have decided to pursue employment in the sport
Our beautiful location is the best place to be in the summer, with a picturesque view of the Niagara River, Lake Ontario and Fort Niagara.
Our Learn to Sail clubhouse offers a modern classroom for on-shore instruction. Our launch system makes boat launch and haulout safe and easy.
NOLSC is the host of the 2022 Canada Summer Games sailing program. This 2 week event welcomes athletes from across Canada and is supported by over 100 volunteers from across the community.
In 2023 NOLSC, in conjunction with the International Shark Class Association and World Sailing will host the Shark 24 World Championships. This is the 3rd time NOLSC has hosted this event in the 60 year history of this championship.
Since 1967 NOLSC has annually hosted the Shark 24 Homecomers Regatta. This event is open to Shark sailors from across Canada.
Sailing is a fun outdoor activity that can become a lifetime passion. In fact, many of our current NOLSC members started in our Youth Learn to Sail program or bought a boat and joined the club after their children took the summer program.
Many past Junior Sailors have gone onto win Canadian and North American and World Championships. We remain hopeful for a future Olympic sailor who got their start at NOLSC!
Over the years, we have produced hundreds of life-long sailors - many have gone onto professional careers in the Coast Guard, Canadian Navy, Naval Architects, Marine Experts, Riggers, Commercial Sailors, Boat Builders and Sail Makers.
Whether you’re interested in racing or simply picking up a relaxing new pastime, sailing is a wonderful way to enjoy some time on the water, and there’s no better place to learn than NOLSC Sailing School