Sail Canada Learn to Sail Courses
Basic Cruising
This is the most popular of the sailing courses as it can lead to your PCOC card (boater’s license) and is also a prerequisite for other Sail Canada courses. This entry level course develops the student’s ability to take command of and operate (with assistance of competent crew) an auxiliary powered sailing vessel, by day, in light to moderate conditions. Basic boating skills are developed under sail and power with a focus on operation of the vessel as both crew and skipper. A course leading to this Standard introduces the operation of a cruising keelboat both as a powered vessel and as a sailboat. Terminology used in describing the boat and on water activities is taught and used throughout the course. Practical topics under power include simple maneuvering skills as well as departure from and return to dock. Basic sailing skills are developed including sail selection, the use and positioning of sails to provide propulsion, and the operation of the vessel with crew. Required and recommended safety equipment is discussed as is the handling of emergencies that might be encountered while day sailing. The basic rules for avoiding collision with other vessels are explained and this information is applied during the practical sessions. The meaning of weather forecasts is clarified and the impact of weather on vessel operation, crew behavior, and on water activities is discussed. The curriculum includes an elementary introduction to the Canadian navigation system and to the basic use of charts and tide and current tables. The program may be offered in a day sailing or live aboard format.
The objective of this course is to be able to cruise safely in familiar waters as both skipper and crew of a sloop rigged keelboat of 6 to 10 meters (20 to 33 feet) with an outboard or inboard motor in moderate wind and sea conditions by day. The focus of this standard is on the development of basic sailing and seamanship skills as well the knowledge needed to make the decisions expected of a skipper.
28 hours (day sailing format) $895
5 days (liveaboard format) $1,400
Stay tuned for our summer 2027 dates
Intermediate Cruising
Sail beautiful Georgian Bay and experience a liveaboard sailing adventure while earning a Sail Canada certification!
This live-aboard Standard follows the Basic Crew Standard or Basic Cruising Standard in the Sail Canada keelboat and cruising training system. Students will participate in operation of the vessel as crew under command of a skipper. The vessel will be operated under sail and power while making daytime passages. The ability to assist as competent crew in the operation of a sailing vessel by day in unfamiliar waters will be developed, while building the skills and experience needed for live-aboard cruises and bareboat charter. Practical topics covered include sail selection and use of the jib cars and mainsheet traveler controls to adjust sail shape for efficient propulsion and balance in the conditions encountered. Students will have the opportunity to practice and develop skills maneouvering the vessel under power for mooring pickup, for accomplishing various anchoring strategies and for enhanced docking and dock departure techniques and procedures. Opportunities to practice the navigation skills taught in the Basic Coastal Navigation course including elementary pilotage and passage planning, non-electronic position determination methods and basic use of satellite positioning systems will help to strengthen this knowledge and skillset. Practical knowledge of the use and management of vessel systems will be taught through use of these systems on board while cruising. Skills developed in this standard may be applied in vessels up to 15 meters (50 feet) in length. This course builds on the skills developed in courses leading to the Sail Canada Start Keelboat Sailing, the Basic Crew or Basic Cruising and the Basic Coastal Navigation standards. Candidates are expected to be able to competently demonstrate the skills developed in those courses. It is envisioned that the program will be taught in a minimum five days in a live-aboard format A challenge of the practical component of the standard may be accomplished through a 48-hour live-aboard skill evaluation.
The objective of this course is to be able to cruise safely as crew of a sailing yacht of 9 to 12 meters (30 to 40 feet), sloop rigged with an inboard engine, in moderate wind and sea conditions by day. The standard emphasizes on-the-water skills at a level acceptable for extended cruises in coastal and inland waters and for bareboat chartering.
PREREQUISITES:
• Sail Canada Basic Crew or Sail Canada Basic Cruising Standard,
• Sail Canada Basic Coastal Navigation or Coastal Navigation Standard,
• ROC(M): VHF with DSC endorsement,
• Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card (or equivalent)
Recommended prior to taking the standard:
• Recognized standard first aid and CPR certificate,
• Sail Canada Intermediate Coastal Navigation Standard.
Note: To maximize the likelihood of successfully completing the Intermediate Crew Standard, a student should: a) Have experience as crew of at least ten day sails (or equivalent), b) Be able to consistently use the knowledge and demonstrate the skills learned in the Basic Crew or Basic Cruising Standard and Sail Canada Basic Coastal Navigation Standard.
5 days liveaboard $1,600
Stay tuned for our summer 2027 dates
Start Keelboat Sailing
This is one of the entry level Standards in the series of Sail Canada Standards on sailing keelboats and on Cruising. This Standard is the recommended starting point for individuals with minimal practical on water experience. This entry level builds basic sailing skills with a focus on operation of the vessel as crew. Candidates completing this Standard will be able to competently contribute as crew to the operation of a keelboat in moderate daytime conditions. This Standard is recommended for those with little boating or sailing experience that want to experience sailing on a keelboat and begin to build basic sailing skills in a relaxed environment and at a comfortable pace. A program leading to this Standard may be offered in a one weekend format or in evening sessions. It is envisioned that the learning objectives can be accomplished in 12-15 hours.
The objective is to be able to sail safely as crew of a sloop rigged keelboat 6 to 12 meters (20 to 33 feet) propelled by sail alone or with an outboard or inboard motor in 5 – 20 knots (not gusting over 25 knots) of wind by day. This Standard is ideal for individuals with limited on-water experience. The focus is on initial development of practical skills while participating in operation of a keelboat.
If you want to learn to help crew a sailboat, and are not interested in achieving any other certification, then this course may be appropriate for you.
14 hours $445
Stay tuned for our summer 2027 dates
Discover Sailing and Intro to Boating
This is one of the entry level Standards in the series of Sail Canada Standards on sailing keelboats and on cruising. This Standard is intended to provide novice boaters the opportunity to experience the joys of boating. The session(s) may also be used for the purpose of building crew teamwork skills on water.
The objective is to introduce novice boaters to safe practices in preparing to leave the dock, while underway, and when returning to dock. This Standard may be taught in a sailing vessel or a powerboat. It is expected that the vessel will be less than 12 meters (40 feet) in length.
This is also a great idea for a date or a birthday gift!
2 hours $150
Stay tuned for our summer 2027 dates