Broader Reach Programs
Sailing for kids, youth and adults
The Broader Reach Sailing Program expands access to sailing in Halifax and across Nova Scotia.
Why is Broader Reach sailing important?
Sailing is not only an active sport or skill, it is also the basis for community and shared knowledge.
Broader Reach creates impact by teaching knowledge and skills to wider audiences while building connections between people and communities.
These connections are based on people from all walks of life having shared experiences, exploring new skills and adventures, and being united by a love of being on the water.
Our programs
We offer these experiences to newcomers to Canada and folks who are under-represented in sailing at no cost.
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.
Why sailing? It's about community!
"As a first-generation immigrant, I can attest that feeling integrated into a new community can be challenging.
Fortunately, I found sailing, which was instrumental in helping me feel connected to Canadian culture and nature.
Participating in race nights, regattas, and instructor clinics allowed me to build strong connections and relationships. Given how tight-knit the community is, this has opened many doors for me across Canada.
I have had the pleasure of living in a few different parts of Canada over the last 18 years, and every time I'm in a new city, the sailing community has always been a way for me to feel accepted and integrated into the larger community.
My hope with Broader Reach is to provide sailors with that same community connection, opening doors to an incredible sport and community."
-Schnell D'souza, Head Coach, Broader Reach Adult and Youth Learn to Sail Program