Course Descriptions
Sail Canada course descriptions for Learn to Sail with Sail and See:
INTRODUCTION TO BOATING STANDARD
3 hours | $150 +HST per person
Course Description
This is one of the entry level courses in the series of Sail Canada Standards on sailing keelboats and on cruising.
This Standard is intended to provide novice boaters the opportunity to experience the joys of boating. The session(s)
may also be used for the purpose of building crew teamwork skills on water
Objective
To introduce novice boaters to safe practices in preparing to leave the dock, while underway, and when
returning to dock. This Standard may be taught in a sailing vessel or a powerboat. It is expected that the
vessel will be less than 12 meters in length. There is no recommended duration for the conduct or completion
of this standard.
Prerequisites
None.
Outcomes and Evaluation
There are no defined evaluation components for this Standard. Sessions will typically end with a conversation
with participants about what was learned and next steps.
Additional Notes
This Standard provides a great opportunity for first time boaters to get out on the water with a knowledgeable
individual. With minimal learning objectives this course can be easily adapted to meet the comfort level of
first time boaters or more experienced individuals.
Physical Requirements for Candidates
Participants will have the opportunity to experience sun, wind, spray, rain, and temperatures consistent with the time of year they take part in this activity. When underway the vessel may exhibit irregular motion due to wind and waves. Participants may be asked perform simple tasks at the dock and to move around the vessel when underway. If you walk down the dock with a smile, this session is for you!
START KEELBOAT SAILING STANDARD
12-14 hours | $590+HST per person
Course Description
This is one of the entry level courses in the series of Sail Canada Standards on sailing keelboats and on Cruising. This Standard is the recommended starting point for individuals with minimal practical on water experience. This entry level builds basic sailing skills with a focus on operation of the vessel as crew. Candidates completing this Standard will be able to competently contribute as crew to the operation of a keelboat in moderate daytime conditions. This Standard is recommended for those with little boating or sailing experience that want to experience sailing on a keelboat and begin to build basic sailing skills in a relaxed environment and at a comfortable pace. A program leading to this Standard may be offered in a one weekend format or in evening sessions. It is envisioned that the learning objectives can be accomplished in 12-15 hours.
Objective
To be able to sail safely as crew of a sloop rigged keelboat 6 to 12 meters with an outboard or inboard motor in 5 – 20
knots (not gusting over 25 knots) of wind by day. This Standard is ideal for individuals with limited on-water
experience. The focus is on initial development of practical skills while participating in operation of a keelboat.
Prerequisites
None.
Outcomes and Evaluation
Sessions will primarily be in boat and on water. Candidates will be evaluated on their ability to follow instructions as crew while assisting in vessel operation and on their understanding of the terminology and concepts that are part of the Standard. Candidates will be asked to complete a workbook as an open book learning exercise before the end of the sessions. Candidates must achieve at least 70% on the workbook.
Additional Notes
This Standard provides a great opportunity for boaters to get out on the water with a knowledgeable individual. With a focus on learning and participation as crew this Standard represents an easy to deliver entry point for those wishing to learn to sail.
Physical Requirements for Candidates
These training sessions will require short periods of moderate upper body exertion, and a moderate level of arm strength. Participants will have the opportunity to experience sun, wind, spray, rain, and temperatures consistent with the time of year they take part in this activity. When underway the vessel may exhibit irregular motion due to wind and waves and temperatures may be cooler than on land. Participants will be expected to learn and demonstrate skills and perform tasks while the vessel is at the dock, at anchor, and when the vessel is underway. In a day sailing format, vessels will be underway for varying periods of time (up to 8 hours), during daylight, in light to moderate wind and sea conditions. These sessions are suitable for most fitness levels and will provide a good body core workout.
Resource Material
Sail Canada Basic Cruising Skills by Gillian West
BASIC CRUISING STANDARD
27-30 hours | $890 +HST per person
Course Description
This is one of the entry level courses in the series of Sail Canada Standards on sailing keelboats and on cruising. It
develops the student’s ability to take command of and operate (with assistance of competent crew) an auxiliary
powered sailing vessel, by day, in light to moderate conditions. Basic boating skills are developed under sail and
power with a focus on operation of the vessel as both crew and skipper. Individuals with minimal practical on water
experience should consider completing the Start Keelboat Sailing Standard before attempting for this training.
A course leading to this Standard introduces the operation of a cruising keelboat both as a powered vessel and as a
sailboat. Terminology used in describing the boat and on water activities is taught and used throughout the course.
Practical topics under power include simple maneuvering skills as well as departure from and return to dock. Basic
sailing skills are developed including sail selection, the use and positioning of sails to provide propulsion, and the
operation of the vessel with crew. Required and recommended safety equipment is discussed as is the handling of
emergencies that might be encountered while day sailing. The basic rules for avoiding collision with other vessels
are explained and this information is applied during the practical sessions. The meaning of weather forecasts is
clarified and the impact of weather on vessel operation, crew behavior, and on water activities is discussed. The
curriculum includes an elementary introduction to the Canadian navigation system and to the basic use of charts and
tide and current tables.
The program may be offered in a day sailing or live aboard format. It is envisioned that the day sailing format will
be taught in not less than 28 hours of which at least 18 hours should be devoted to practical sessions on water. In a
live-aboard format program leading to this Standard may be offered over a period of 4 or more days. A challenge of
the standard may be accomplished in a minimum of 4 hours afloat plus completion of the written examination.
Objective
To be able to cruise safely in familiar waters as both skipper and crew of a sloop rigged keelboat of 6 to 10 meters
with an outboard or inboard motor in moderate wind and sea conditions by day. The focus of this standard is on the
development of basic sailing and seamanship skills as well the knowledge needed to make the decisions expected of a
skipper.
Prerequisites
None
Outcomes and Evaluation
Candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability to safely operate the vessel in daytime in moderate conditions as
both skipper and crew. These capabilities will be evaluated as part of the practical sessions. Candidate theory
knowledge will be evaluated using a closed book written exam. For certification a 70% mark on this written exam is
required.
Additional Notes
This Standard covers an extensive suite of practical skill and theoretical knowledge. Students who have completed
the Sail Canada Start Keelboat Sailing Standard or who have previous sailing experience will find that experience
beneficial to their experience in achieving this Standard. Practical sessions are typically offered on keelboats in the
6-10 metre range. Training is typically conducted with 3 or 4 students and the instructor on board. Some schools or
clubs may offer programs leading to this Standard on larger vessels and may offer training times in excess of 27
hours.
Physical Requirements for Candidates
These training sessions will require short periods of moderate upper body exertion, and a moderate level of arm
strength. Participants will have the opportunity to experience sun, wind, spray, rain, and temperatures consistent
with the time of year they take part in this activity. When underway the vessel may exhibit irregular motion due to
wind and waves and temperatures may be cooler than on land. Participants will be expected to learn and demonstrate
skills and perform tasks while the vessel is at the dock, at anchor, and when the vessel is underway. In a day sailing
format, vessels will be underway for varying periods of time (up to 8 hours), during daylight, in light to moderate
wind and sea conditions. These sessions are suitable for most fitness levels and will provide a good body core
workout.
Participants taking programs offered in “live aboard cruise and learn” formats may also be subject to conditions
normally associated with the Intermediate Cruising Standard.
Resource Material
Sail Canada Basic Cruising Skills by Gillian West
Sail Canada Basic Cruising Afloat Skills Rubric
PRIVATE LESSON/SKILL BUILDING
Minimum 3 hours | $150 +HST per hour
This private lesson is for sailors looking to improve or develop new skills or looking for opportunities to work on their sailing acumen, e.g.: experienced sailors looking for tips on sail trim or novice sailors looking to practice a MOB procedure. These sessions can be tailored for individuals or offer practice for couples or small groups looking to work more effectively as a team.