This program provides newcomers with a taste of what cruising under sail is all about. It is an opportunity to experience first hand what sailing is about without committing to a full Learn to Cruise Program. The program can be shared as a couple, or a group. You and your friends or associates will spend the day cruising aboard a sailing yacht with the opportunity to experience many aspects of operating the vessel.
Your Sail Canada certified instructors are veteran sailors with extensive and varied experience. You will be able to draw on their knowledge and experience to gain insight into cruising, boat selection, boat operation, chartering, and provisioning. The educational components of the program will include basic terminology, the language of sailing, readying the vessel, and getting under way; basic sailing both as helmsman and crew.
BASIC CRUISING COURSES
The Basic Cruising Course is designed for the prospective cruising sailor who has minimal or no sailing knowledge or experience. The student is taught the necessary skills to safely sail local waters in moderate winds and sea conditions during daylight hours. The student will learn to perform the duties of both skipper and crew of a 25-29 foot sailing vessel.
We offer this course in two different options:
- The first option is comprised of the student attending classroom lectures covering the ashore knowledge element of the program. This is accomplished over an eight week period, generally held in the off-season (late fall, winter, or early spring), and followed by three full days on the water during the sailing season.
- The second format is 5 full days at a harbour where the theory and practical components of the course are delivered in a combined format.
To see all Basic Cruising course dates, visit our Course Calendar page.
INTERMEDIATE CRUISING
Intermediate Cruising is a 5 day course and offers the skipper to develop skills required for bareboat chartering. The course is taught in familiar waters on 8-12 meter long sailing yachts in moderate sea conditions. The emphasis of this program is on the water skills with additional components dealing with yacht systems, provisioning, and living afloat.
Pre-requisites for this course are the Basic Cruising Standard, acting as skipper for at least 10 day sails, Coastal Navigation, current First Aid Certificate, VHF Radio Operators Certificate, and applied knowledge of the skills learned in Basic Cruising.
This is a 5 day live-aboard course that includes text books and course materials. Just bring your gear, a blanket, and a pillow!
To see all Intermediate Cruising course dates, visit our Course Calendar page.
COASTAL NAVIGATION COURSE
This course is a lead up to the Sail Canada “Coastal Navigation Standard” certification. This course is a must for anyone sailing in coastal waters. You will learn the meaning and use of chart symbols, tide and current tables, fixes, plotting courses, plotting danger bearings, etc. This course requires no pre-requisites and will run over seven, three-hours sessions.
To see all Coastal Navigation course dates, visit our Course Calendar page.
VHF SEMINAR
Did you know that it is illegal to operate a marine VHF radio without a license? Learn how to communicate and handle emergency situations on a VHF marine radio. This seminar will cover all aspects of radio operation. Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded the VHF Marine Restricted Radio Operator’s Certificate from Industry Canada.
To see all VHF Seminar course dates, visit our Course Calendar page.
PCOC (PLEASURE CRAFT OPERATORS CARD)
Recreational Boaters: Don’t get caught without it!
In 2009, Transport Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard brought in mandatory boating safety certification, all boaters require a PCOC card when operating a pleasure craft. Without this certification, boaters face fines and will have invalid liability insurance. Get your PCOC by taking this one day course, or by writing a challenge exam.
To see all PCOC course dates, visit our Course Calendar page, or contact Nuttall Boating Safety.
