Sail Canada Courses
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to sail? To feel the gentle sway of the waves beneath your sailboat? To experience the incredible sensation of traveling powered solely by the wind, your sails, and your own skill? Join us to discover all of this while learning and exploring the breathtaking waters of Desolation Sound.
duration &
start/end point
6-hour sailing lesson from Cortes Island.
PRIVATE SAILING COURSE
Sailing instruction aboard a 40-foot sailboat, a Beneteau Oceanis 400.
CERTIFICATE
A Sail Canada certificate is included.
PRICE
$750 CAD/max. 4 participants. Book just for your own group.
Available dates - 2025:
- Limited Availability - Please Contact Us.
overview
If you have always wondered what sailing is about, then this course is for you. 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 and sailing. The session may also be used for the purpose of building crew teamwork skills on water. You will experience in practice the principles of sailing by actively participating in the handling of a 40-foot sailboat. Participants will be introduced to basic knowledge on boating and sailing, and to safe practices and good seamanship while underway sailing and motoring.
This 6-hour session will begin at Cortes Island and take us to the nearby waters of Marina and Mitlenatch Islands allowing you to learn in the unique natural surroundings of Desolation Sound. This Standard provides a great opportunity for first time boaters to get out on the water with a knowledgeable and experienced individual. With minimal learning objectives this course can be easily adapted to meet the comfort level of first-time boaters or more experienced individuals.
See the Sail Canada website links below for more information and a detailed outline of what is included in the training and what is required for certification:
Highlights
- Experience sailing a modern, 40-foot sailboat, a Beneteau Oceanis 400.
- Sail within the unique natural surroundings of Desolation Sound.
- Introductory sailing lesson with a Sail Canada instructor.
- Obtain a Sail Canada certificate and open the doors to future sailing opportunities.
- Relax, be amazed by breathtaking views, and create unforgettable memories.
Things to know
Click to read the details.
6-hour sailing lesson from 10 am to 4 pm starting and ending at the Gorge Harbour Marina Resort. This Program is delivered by a Sail Canada certified instructor through our Calma Sailing school, a Sail Canada registered, and Transport Canada licensed Recreational Boating School. Participants will be issued a Sail Canada certificate upon successful completion of the session (A Sail Canada Logbook can be purchased for $20 if you want to begin recording your participation in Sail Canada courses). Safety equipment such as PFDs will be provided. Our sailboat is a comfortable, modern, 40-foot sailing vessel (Beneteau Oceanis 400), with all the required amenities and safety equipment.
Participants ages 16 and up can attend, up to a maximum of 4 participants. Participants under 19 years of age must be accompanied by a guardian. The activity level is light and is appropriate for beginners. Participants may experience sun, wind, spray, rain and temperatures consistent with the season in southern, coastal British Columbia. Underway the vessel may exhibit irregular motion due to wind and waves. We ask participants to refrain from smoking when aboard the vessel.
A lunch. Sporty comfortable shoes with non-marking white/light soles. A spare warm sweater or fleece. A light rain-proof or windproof jacket. Long or short pants depending on the weather. Hat or toque. Sun-screen. Camera.
Fully refundable for the first 7 days after the booking if the booking is made more than 21 days before the course start time. Cancel more than 30 days before the start time for a full refund minus a 5% booking fee. If you cancel between 30 and 7 days before the start time you will receive a 50% refund. No refund will be given if you cancel less than 7 days prior to the course date. Full payment is due at booking. A 100% refund will be given if we can’t sail due to extreme weather conditions or safety issues. See our Terms of Service for details.
The price shown is the cost for anywhere from one to a maximum of four participants. Prices are shown in Canadian dollars, and are subject to a 5% Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST). All prices are subject to change without notice.
Sailing is the ultimate expression of freedom. Join us and begin your sailing adventure.
Did not find what you were looking for?
We would be happy to discuss other options.
We would be happy to discuss other options.
