Welcome to Basic Cruising ⛵
Welcome aboard! Let’s start your sailing journey.
We’re excited to have you joining us for your Sail Canada Basic Cruising course. This page brings together the key resources you’ll need before, during, and after your course.
Your course includes both practical on-water training and supporting theory. Please take some time to review the materials below so you feel prepared and ready to make the most of your time on the water.
Start Here: Course Preparation
📘 Basic Cruising Standard
Understand the skills and performance objectives you’ll work toward during your course — both theory and practical on-water skills.
[ View Standard ]
🎒 What to Bring
A simple checklist of clothing, gear, footwear, lunch suggestions, and how to prepare for a comfortable day on the water.
[ View Checklist ]
🛟 Safe Boating Guide
Important boating safety information from Transport Canada that supports the skills taught during your course.
[ Open Guide ]
Basic Cruising Supplemental Handout [ LINK ]
Additional resources to support your learning before, during, and after your course.
Basic Learn-to-Cruise Theory Modules
These short theory modules will help you build your sailing knowledge and prepare for your written test. We recommend working through them before or during your course. “Don’t worry if everything doesn’t make sense yet — your instructor will help connect the theory to what you’re doing on the boat.”
Suggested structure for the module list:
1. ⚓ Boat Parts & Sailing Terms
2. 🌬️ Wind, Sails & Boat Handling
4. 🧭 Navigation & Seamanship
After Your Course: Write the Test & Keep Sailing!
Your Basic Cruising course is just the beginning. Once you’ve completed your course, there are lots of ways to keep building your confidence and time on the water.
Next Steps [ LINK ]
QUICK FAQ
Do I need sailing experience?
No — Basic Cruising is designed for beginner sailors.
What happens if it rains?
Courses run rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe.
What should I wear?
Dress for the weather in layers and wear closed-toe non-marking shoes.
Will I receive certification?
Yes — successful students receive Sail Canada certification.
I thoroughly enjoyed my 4 days taking the Basic Cruising course in September. Pretty good weather, lots of laughter and I learned to feel much more comfortable in the boat under various wind conditions. It was gratifying to see the dramatic improvement in teamwork from the start to the end of the course. Michel, I found that your approach to teaching the Afloat Skills was excellent – thorough, clear instruction combined with repetition works perfectly for my learning style. I found many parts quite challenging but came away with so much more confidence. Thank you!
I just finished writing my Basic Cruising test and have now officially completed basic cruising with Michel as my instructor. I learned a tremendous amount of information during the four-day afloat course under his instruction. I appreciated his thoroughness and attention to detail. It also prepared me for the written exam. Michel’s knowledge, passion and immense experience certainly left a positive impression on me. Sailing is challenging and rewarding and I no doubt feel more confident and safe pursuing it going forward. Thank you Michel for an enriching and enjoyable sailing course. Merci beaucoup!
I’m registered for the Basic Cruising Monday/Wednesday evening sessions. I’ve completed 4 evenings so far. I wanted to extend high praise to CHARLES for his instruction for the first half of my Basic Cruising course. He is extremely patient, an excellent communicator, and more than that: I believe he did a really good job of disarming the nervousness (I believe) most of us had the first few lessons. Four lessons in: we are all really impressed by how far we have all come. Charles was a fantastic instructor online, and is a better instructor on the water. KUDOS CHARLES!