Learn to sail

Basic Cruising – Become a Certified Skipper

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Become the confident sailor you’ve always wanted to be.

Learn the essential skills to sail and skipper a keelboat up to 30 feet in this comprehensive, hands-on course. Designed to equip you with everything you need to confidently begin your sailing journey, this course covers all key aspects of sailing.  Upon successful completion, you’ll have the ability to sail independently. Whether you’re a beginner, a dinghy sailor looking to transition to keelboats, or a current sailor aiming to refresh your skills and achieve national certification, this course is ideal for you.
 
With our hands-on learning approach and guidance from professionally trained Sail Canada-certified coaches, you’ll gain the confidence to become the sailor you’ve always aspired to be while obtaining internationally recognized certification.  DID YOU KNOW? Advantage Boating is Canada’s largest independent sailing school catering to adults, families and teens.
 

Our Objective

To teach you the basic skills and knowledge required to helm (steer) and/or crew on a sailboat of up to 30 feet in length. Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to sail safely and efficiently, under sail or power, in moderate wind and sea conditions.

PREREQUISITE: None

CERTIFICATION AWARDED: Sail Canada Basic Cruising (Skipper) Standard  or Sail Canada Basic Cruising (Crew) Standard & Pleasure Craft Operators Certification.

Quelques un de ces cours son aussi offert en français.  Communiquez avec nous pour obtenir plus des détails.

 
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What Makes Advantage Boating Different?

Courses Included:

  • Instruction by a Sail Canada professionally trained & certified instructor.
  • Small class size assuring plenty of practical hands-on learning. Maximum of 4 students per class.
  • Access to our online basic cruising learning materials allowing you to start learning about sailing immediately.
  • A hard copy of the Sail Canada Basic Cruising text book.
  • Instructor-led online Basic Cruising theory course at no additional cost if you register for a Basic Cruising course before April 1.
  • Pleasure Craft Operator Certification card.
  • For Ottawa courses – upon course registration receive an Introductory membership to Britannia Yacht Club and Nepean Sailing Club ($680 value).
  • Sail Canada student registration fee.
  • Sail Canada Basic Cruising exam, certification & logbook.
  • Famous “LIVE.LOVE.SAIL.” T-shirt after you write the exam (Value – Priceless!)

Basic Cruising: Behind The Scenes, @advantageboating, Instagram

Just wrapped up a fantastic 4-day Basic Cruising course with instructor Gavin! ⛵️

These four eager students worked together to master the essentials of sailing—from tying knots to raising the main, tacking, gybing, to docking, and anchoring. ⚓️

Each one got hands-on experience in every role, from skipper to crew, and they showed incredible teamwork and enthusiasm throughout. Just look at those smiles! 😁

Here’s to smooth sailing ahead for these soon-to-be skippers! 🌊 Best of luck to all on your written portion of the course! 📚

@nepeansailingclub @britannia_yacht_club

Course Options and Fees

Quelques un de ces cours son aussi offert en français.  Communiquez avec nous pour obtenir plus des détails.

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Daytime, evening and weekend options – Ottawa & Kingston courses:

  • A maximum of 4 students per boat can be accommodated
  • In Ottawa, courses are taught on our 22 – 24 foot keelboats
  • In Kingston, taught on our 30-40′ foot keelboat
  • 28 hours of hands-on instruction for groups of  3-4 students
  • With 2 students, course becomes a 21 hour semi-private course
  • Extra cost if you wish to register specifically as a Semi-Private course

Fees (per person)

  • Ottawa:  $970 + HST [View Schedule]
  • Daytime (Kingston):  Contact us to schedule; minimum of 3 students

Live-Aboard course options – Kingston & the Caribbean courses:

  • A maximum of 4 students per boat can be accommodated
  • Offered in Kingston (summer season) or Caribbean (winter season)
  • Kingston courses are taught on our 30 – 40′ keelboat over 6 days / 5 nights
  • Caribbean courses are taught on a 40 – 45 foot sailboat over 8 days (Sat-Sat) with a maximum of 4 students 
  • NOTE: Our Kingston courses require a minimum of three students to run. Courses with only 2 students registered will be shortened

Fees (per person)

  • Kingston live-aboard: $1750 + HST [View Schedule] (* Provisioning not included-the students buy provisions for the boat and cook meals as part of the course).
  • Caribbean live-aboard: See our Caribbean Course Page

 

Private courses options:

  • On board our vessel (for certification) or your vessel (for mileage builder options)
  • To accommodate individuals, couples, families or groups
  • We can create a custom course to meet your specific needs
  • Ottawa or Kingston

Fees: Contact the office to arrange (info@advantageboating.com)

 

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Get Started, Now!

  • Review the course schedule to find a class that suits your needs.
  • Register by adding your course choice to your shopping cart and proceeding to the checkout or e-mailing us at info@advantageboating.com.
  • Enjoy the on-water course.
  • Complete your certification and check your sailing knowledge with a written test.
  • SAILING FOR LIFE: Next steps once you’ve completed your Basic Cruising (Skipper) certification.
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