Sailing for everyone.
Broadening participation in sailing.
Broader Reach is a project of the Learn to Sail Program at Armdale Yacht Club. Located just minutes from Halifax's downtown and easily accessible by public transit, we are uniquely situated to provide access to recreational and competitive sailing for the broader community.
We partner with community organizations dedicated to serving new Canadians and folks who are under-represented in sailing. Through a mixture of support from provincial sport and recreational funding organizations as well as private donations, we are are able to offer these experiences at no cost to participants.
Our goal.
The Broader Reach Program's goal is to expand access to sailing to the broader community in the Halifax Regional Municipality and other communities in Nova Scotia. We believe that sailing is more fun when everyone has access to it. With ideal geography, sheltered waters and world-renowned sailing expertise in Nova Scotia, we believe that sailing should be a recreation for the many, and not merely the few.
What we've been doing.
Our Adult & Youth Program.
Our Adult Sailing program caters to adolescents and adults of all ages in our fleet of Soling 26' keelboats. Participants spend their first two sessions in the classroom learning basic sailing theory and are given the opportunity to ask questions and become familiar with our boats and equipment.
Participants spend their first few on-water sessions accompanied by a Volunteer Sailing Coach who are well recognized sailors in the Nova Scotia sailing community. After developing familiarity and comfort on their own, Broader Reach participants sail on their own, accompanied by our instructors and volunteer coaches in a following chase boat to provide instruction and advice.
Our primary partner for Broader Reach's Adult Program is YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth and its Centre for Immigrant Programs. Though this collaboration, we have introduced over 35 Canadian newcomers of all ages to sailing. Thanks to support from our supporters and partners, these experiences are provided to participants at no cost. We provide everything they need to get on the water, including PFDs (lifejackets).
Our Junior Sailing Program.
In 2022, Broader Reach expanded to include a junior sailing program, taught in accordance with the CANSail nationally recognized curriculum.
Our junior program caters to CANSail 1-6 levels (ages 8-16), as well as WetFeet; a program for absolute beginner sailors (ages 5-8). Our junior sailing program has partnered with BGCGH (Spryfield), to deliver no-cost sailing experiences for kids in our community.
Our location.
Broader Reach is made possible through the generous support, sponsorship, and volunteer contributions of many.
How you can help.
Volunteer.
Volunteers play a major role in what we do. Broader Reach is run through Armdale Yacht Club's Sail Training Centre and relies on a combination of seasonal staff and committed volunteers. If you have an interest, we have a position for you. Whether you are an experienced sail training coach, have experience organizing community events, or just simply enjoy rigging and repairing sailboats, we would absolutely love to have your help. Please get in contact with us to let us know how you would like to help.
We are truly appreciative of every monetary contribution to our Program, no matter how big or small. If you are considering donating to us, thank you. These funds help us maintain our programs, build future capacity and improve the experience for Broader Reach participants. By donating to Broader Reach, you will be making a positive impact on your community and the sport of sailing. You can donate to Broader Reach in three ways: through direct donations managed by the National Sport Trust Fund - Nova Scotia Chapter, by participating in our monthly 50/50 Sport Split draw, or donating equipment!
Spread the word.
Broader Reach is one of a kind in Nova Scotia. No other organization is committed to actively recruiting new participants in sailing and offering a no-cost learning experience. A big part of our success depends on people knowing about our projects, goals and future plans. Please spread the word about Broader Reach on social media, and through your personal networks. The more people we can have interested and engaged in what we do, the more successful we can be in the long run.