Become a Member of DSA Alberta!

"For $40, a DSA-Alberta membership is the best sailing value between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans! "

• access our fleet of five high-tech Martin 16s and Sonar sloop
• enroll in learn-to-sail courses
• sail in regattas and events in Calgary and beyond
• meet others kicked on sailing - go as far as you want to go - maybe to the Paralympics!
• develop your entrepreneurial skills by joining our DSA Alberta's Board of Directors

The DSA-Alberta program is participation oriented - there are lots of ways to develop new skills, meet people and have fun, through the sport and recreation of sailing. Here are some of the questions asked by our new members...

Q. Do I need to have sailing experience to book a sailing session?

A. No! If you are inexperienced, a DSA-Alberta Sailing Companion will accompany you on the water. To sail by yourself, you require White Sail II. If you wish to take a passenger, you require White Sail III. If you are unsure about the level of your sailing skills, ask to be evaluated by a DSA-Alberta sailing instructor.

Q. How do I learn to sail?

A. If you've never sailed before, why not sign up for a CYA Learn-to-Sail course? The DSA-Alberta offers introductory sailing classes in the evenings and on weekends. Otherwise, you can learn any way you want - but you need to be certified to White Sail II to sail a DSA-Alberta Martin 16 sailboat on your own.

Q. Do I have to have a disability to participate in DSA-Alberta programs?

A. No! Membership in DSA-Alberta is open to any person, organization or corporation. DSA-Alberta depends upon a partnership of children and adults with disabilities, able-bodied volunteers and financial sponsors. We welcome anyone to join our partnership, and access DSA-Alberta programs and resources to enjoy the sport/recreation of sailing. Why not ask your friends or family if they would like to join DSA-Alberta.

Q. How do I get into the boat if my mobility is impaired?

A. The sailing program relies on dedicated and well-trained volunteers who can assist sailors with rigging and getting in and out of boats in a safe manner. Our volunteers will ask you what assistance you need and are eager to help. For safety, DSAA staff and volunteers are not required to perform manual transfers. DSAA provides medical slings and hoyer lifts mounted on the docks for safe, assisted-transfers. 

Q. Do I have to be strong?

A. No! Our Martin 16 sailboats are specially adapted to bring all lines and controls within easy reach of the sailor, and very little strength is required. If you think you may need assistance to sail the boat - ask for a Sailing Companion.

Q. Do I have to know how to swim?

A. No! Our Martin 16 sailboats are unsinkable and impossible to capsize. The DSA-Alberta will supply you with a Department of Transport approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) that must be worn on the docks and on the water. Sailing is a water sport, however, and you can get wet! Always bring a towel and a change of clothes each time you come sailing.

"For $40, a DSA-Alberta membership is the best sailing value between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans! "

• Annual membership:  $40  
  Membership in DSA Alberta is open to anyone. New members receive one free "sailing session" as an introduction to sailing, and a subscription to our AHOY newsletter.

• Independent Sailing Session:  $20 per 2-hour session for Martin 16; $45 per 2-hour session for Sonar (minimum of three people are required to sail the Sonar)

• Community Partnernership Program:  $20 per disabled participant; optional $40 User Fee for Glenmore Sailing Club clubhouse. Minimum registration -10 participants.

• CYA Learn-to-Sail course:  $150 Includes approximately sixteen hours of on-water time and CYA Learn-to-Sail Manual ($20)

• CYA Learn-to-Sail Camp:  $229 Includes approximately three to four full days of instruction and on-water time, lunches, local accessible transportation and CYA Learn-to-Sail Manual ($20)

• Wednesday Night Racing:  $20 for Martin 16; $45 for Sonar.

• Regattas:  $40 per boat per day for use of a Martin 16 at a DSA-Alberta sanctioned regatta/event. $120 per day for the use of the Sonar (Glenmore Reservoir only).

• Financial Assistance:  Requests for financial assistance for any DSA-Alberta program or activity may be made to the Business Manager.

Join DSA Alberta NOW!
(Membership Application)