Learn To Cruise
Learn To Sail
– Keelboats
The boats we use for our programs are safe, comfortable and a pleasure to sail. Each of our on-water courses has a maximum of four students. This gives each participant lots of hands-on time and plenty of opportunity to practice in each position on the boat.
Our courses are taught by Sail Canada certified instructors who undergo extensive national training. Sail Canada and International Yacht Training (IYT) Certifications including ICC are available.
Our Learn-to-Cruise courses in Ottawa are taught aboard one of our 22-27 foot keelboats (Sonar, Tanzer 22, and C&C 27). A keelboat has a keel (fixed appendage) on the bottom of the hull that provides the sideways resistance needed to counter the force of the wind on the sails. The keel is usually made from lead or cast iron which provides the ballast to help keep the boat upright.
In Kingston, our Learn-to-Cruise courses are taught on a well-equipped 35-foot keelboat. During the winter months, we offer 1-week sailing courses leading to national certification in the beautiful warm waters of the Caribbean on a 40-43 foot keelboat.
Our Courses:
Enjoy a fun and relaxing 3-hour (or longer) experience on the water with your Sail Canada instructor as your skipper. Bring your friends, your family or come alone. Under the guidance and coaching of your instructor, you can even take your turn steering the boat, adjusting the sails or more if you wish, for a more “hands-on” experience.
It’s time to get your feet wet & discover sailing! This course aimed at those who have no prior sailing and minimal boating experience. This one-weekend course is an introduction to sailing and boating. By the end of the weekend you will start to have an appreciation for sailing and how to make a boat move through the water using the wind.
Designed for first time sailors who want to learn how to sail and be skipper of a small keelboat. This is our most popular Learn-to-Sail course and is often the first course people take if they are new to sailing or looking to obtain a good foundation on how to sail on a keelboat.
Build confidence and grow your sailing skills at the helm and on the water with the support of a Sail Canada instructor-coach. Whether you’re looking to refresh your skills, log miles, or gain experience on longer passages and larger cruising boats, these hands-on courses offers practical learning in a supportive environment. Available in Ottawa, the Kingston area, and the Caribbean.
Recommended for people who are interested in owning or chartering a boat. It places emphasis on practical training while living aboard.
A challenging course to prepare you to safely skipper or crew a 10–15m sailboat—day or night, in any weather, within 100 miles of shore.
Have you ever thought about being able to share the joy and beauty of our sport? Do you enjoy teaching others? Consider becoming a Sail Canada cruising instructor. We are always looking for enthusiastic instructors who are eager to share their passion of sailing with others!
Designed for youth (aged 13 – 17) who will be working toward achieving their Junior Crew (Beginner level) or Junior Skipper (Intermediate level) certification depending on age and sailing experience. Sailors will be taught aboard our 22′-24′ keelboats in a fun, safe and hands-on environment.
