The On-Water Course is the second part of the Basic Cruising program. The 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 24 – 29 foot sailing vessel. 

CURRICULUM  FOR  AFLOAT  KNOWLEDGE 

·       Knots and Lines

·       Rigging and Readying for Sailing

·       Engines and Operation

·       Leaving and Returning to Dock

·       Sail Shape and Trim for all Points of Sail

·       Maneuvering Under Sail

·       Tacking and Gybing 

·       Dealing with Stronger Winds / Reefing Sails

·       Anchoring

·       Crew Overboard

·       Making Fast and Snugging Down.add text here

Prerequisite : Student must have successfully completed the Ashore portion of the program.

Successful completion of the program provides the student with a Sail Canada Basic Cruising Certification.

add text hereCourse – 5 Day is a complete program containing both Ashore and Afloat components. The program is conducted over a week period with half the time spent in classroom and the other half using and practicing the theoretical skills learned in the classroom in a Hands-On format. 

CURRICULUM FOR ASHORE KNOWLEDGE 

·       Terms and Definitions

·       Gear and Equipment 

·       Sailing Theory

·       Safety 

·       Rules of the Road 

·       Weather 

·       Duties of the Skipper and Crew 

·       Seamanship 

·       Emergencies

·       Using a VHF Radio

·       Charts and Charting

·       Tide and Current Tables

CURRICULUM  FOR  AFLOAT  KNOWLEDGE 

·       Knots and Lines

·       Rigging and Readying for Sailing

·       Engines and Operation

·       Leaving and Returning to Dock

·       Sail Shape and Trim for all Points of Sail

·       Maneuvering Under Sail

·       Tacking and Gybing 

·       Dealing with Stronger Winds / Reefing Sails

·       Anchoring

·       Crew Overboard

·       Making Fast and Snugging Down.

Successful completion of the program provides the student with a Sail Canada Basic Cruising Certification.

Prerequisites : None

The Maritime Radio Course teaches emergency radio procedures and everyday operating techniques. Learn about the uses of marine radios, choice of frequencies, operations, phonetic alphabet, procedural words and phrases, as well as digital selective calling (DSC) and the global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS). All mariners, including recreational boaters, will want to take advantage of the many features and capabilities of this innovative form of “automatic” radio. Secure your lifeline. Be sure that you and your family take the Maritime Radio Course. This complete package will prepare you for the lifetime Restricted Radio Operators Maritime Certificate with DSC endorsement exam which is included as part of the course. To Operate a marine radio this certificate is a requirement. IT’S THE LAW

Course fees include text, resource material, exam, application and processing fees.

Prerequisites: None

2025 Courses TBD

Objective  

To introduce novice boaters or those interested in exploring the keelboat cruising lifestyle to the safe operation of a vessel. To provide an opportunity for participants to get comfortable on a vessel in an effort to help them make decisions to continue with other programs. 

It is expected that the sailing vessel will be less than 12 meters in length. 

Prerequisites  

None.  

Ashore Knowledge  

1. Basic boat check for seaworthiness. 
2. Review safety equipment location and use. 
3. Discuss basic safety when participating as crew 
4. Basic Rigging of a vessel 
5. Basic Marlinspike skills 

Afloat Skills  

1. Participate in preparation of boat for departure. 
2. Participate in departure from dock as crew. 
3. Demonstrate safe behaviour while underway. 
4. Helm the vessel under the supervision of an instructor. 
5. Participate as crew under the supervision of an instructor. 
6. Develop a basic understanding of Right of Way rules 
7. Participate in returning to dock as crew. 
8. Assist in activities required to secure and put away vessel. 

Introduction to Cruising courses are scheduled on an as required basis. not all course dates are available as preference is given to complete programs.

Course fees are $150 PP for a full day, $85 PP for a half day. A minimum of 2 participants is required to schedule a program.