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
Day-sailing format: Two days, 7 hours per day. Cortes Island.
includes
Sailing instruction aboard a Beneteau Oceanis 400 & Sail Canada certificate.
day-sailing format
$440 CAD/person. Up to 4 independent participants can book one course.
live-aboard format
Can add this SKS course to the 3-day Sailing Tour for $75/person.
Available dates - 2025:
- Day-Sailing - Contact Us
- Live-aboard - May 19-21 (Available)
- Live-aboard - June 9-11 (Waitlist)
- Live-aboard - July 14-16 (Waitlist)
- Live-aboard - August 25-27 (Available)
overview
This Sail Canada course is recommended for those who want to experience sailing on a keelboat and begin to build basic sailing skills in a relaxed environment and at a comfortable pace.
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 or no experience. The course builds basic sailing skills with a focus on operation of the vessel as crew. You will experience in practice the principles of sailing while participating in the handling of a 40-foot sailboat. Completion of this Standard will enable the candidate to competently contribute as crew of a keelboat in moderate daytime conditions.
Participants will be introduced to basic knowledge on boating and sailing, and to safe practices and good seamanship while underway sailing and motoring. This two-day, 7-hours per day course, will take us to the nearby waters of Cortes, Marina and Mitlenatch Islands, allowing you to learn in the unique natural surroundings of Desolation Sound. This Standard provides a great opportunity for those with minimal practical experience to get out on the water with a knowledgeable and experienced individual.
Sail Canada certificate & logbook
Participants will be issued a Sail Canada certificate upon successful completion of this course, and a Sail Canada Logbook.
You can begin recording your participation in Sail Canada courses and events in the included Sail Canada Logbook. For those anticipating future training, a Sail Canada Basic Cruising Skills textbook, used in the Basic Cruising standard, can be provided for $60.
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 two days of sailing a 40-foot sailboat.
- Sail on a comfortable, modern vessel, a Beneteau Oceanis 400, with all amenities and safety equipment.
- Sail within the unique natural surroundings of Desolation Sound.
- Course taught by a qualified 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.
Two 7-hour sailing lessons, over two days from 10 am to 5 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 this course. A Sail Canada Logbook is included so you can begin recording your participation in Sail Canada courses and events. For those who wish, a Sail Canada Basic Cruising Skills textbook, used in the Basic Cruising standard, can be provided for $60. 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. These training sessions will require short periods of moderate upper body exertion, and a moderate level of arm strength. Participants may experience sun, wind, spray, rain and temperatures consistent with the summertime 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 your booking so you can calmly plan your trip, if the booking is made more than 45 days before the course start time. Cancel more than 90 days before the start time for a full refund minus a 5% booking fee. If you cancel between 90 and 30 days before the start time, you will receive a 50% refund. No refund will be given if you cancel less than 30 days prior to the course start date. A 30% deposit is required at booking. Full payment is due 90 days before the start time. A 100% refund will be given if we cannot sail due to extreme weather conditions or safety issues. See our Terms of Service for details.
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.
