Set sail towards greater independence with our Keelboat Sailing program! Perfect for those considering boat ownership or looking to develop practical sailing skills, this program offers a comprehensive introduction to keelboat handling in a supportive and controlled environment.
Whether you’re learning at your own pace or want to focus on specific skills like docking, anchoring, and boat systems, keelboat sailing provides a solid foundation for confident cruising. With the stability and comfort of a keelboat, this program is ideal for sailors who want to enjoy a more relaxed learning experience while mastering the essentials of seamanship.
Start Keelboat Sailing
No prerequisites
Start Keelboat Sailing is a beginner-friendly, two-day course designed for those with little or no sailing experience. Over 14 hours across two consecutive weekends, participants will learn key sailing skills both at the dock and on the water, building confidence at a comfortable pace. Classes run 9 am to 5 pm from Rocky Point Pier, with instruction on an 8.3 or 9-meter keelboat. By the end of the course, participants will be ready to contribute as crew members and will earn the Sail Canada Start Keelboat Sailing certification!
Basic Cruising
No prerequisites
This course introduces keelboat fundamentals for beginners, covering knots, points of sail, navigation, docking, anchoring, and safety, with hands-on practice on 8.3 or 9m keelboats. The program is run in small groups (maximum four students per boat) for personalized instruction. Participants can earn certification as a Sail Canada Skipper or Competent Crew, and optionally, a Pleasure Craft Operator Certificate.
This course is taught in three formats; Day Sailing, Live-aboard and Intensive.
Intermediate Cruising
Prerequisites: Basic Cruising, Basic Coastal Navigation, and Radio Operator Certification (Marine), 100 Nautical Miles experience.
Recommended: First Aid, 10 days as a skipper, 200 Nautical Miles experience.
This course is a six-day live-aboard program for sailors with basic experience who want to advance their skills. Taught on a 9m keelboat in the Gulf Islands, it covers coastal navigation, passage planning, advanced docking, and anchoring. With small groups and personalized instruction, students gain hands-on practice and earn the Sail Canada Intermediate Cruising certification, a key step toward chartering a boat.
Program Registration
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Fees and Schedules
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Refund Policy
2+ weeks prior to course start date: 80% Refund
Within 2 weeks of course start date: 50% Refund