British Columbia boasts some of the best cruising in the world. Learning to sail on keelboats is a great way to experience all that our province has to offer on the water. BC Sailing and Sail Canada-accredited schools offer nationally recognized learn-to-cruise courses at all levels, from the absolute beginner to the experienced offshore sailor.
Course Details | Sail Canada Learn-to-Cruise Standards
Introduction to Boating
Introduces novice boaters to safe practices when preparing to leave the dock, when underway and when returning to the dock. This standard may be taught in a sailing vessel or a powerboat. It is expected that the vessel will be less than 12 metres in length.
Basic Crew Standard
Learn to cruise safely in familiar waters as competent crew of a sloop-rigged keelboat of six to ten metres with an outboard or inboard motor in moderate wind and sea conditions by day.
Basic Cruising Standard
Learn to cruise safely in familiar waters as both skipper and crew of a sloop-rigged keelboat of six to ten metres with an outboard or inboard motor in moderate wind and sea conditions by day.
Basic Keelboat Racing Standard
Learn to participate in local club white sail (non-spinnaker) races as both skipper and crew of a sloop-rigged keelboat of six to ten metres with an outboard or inboard motor in moderate wind and sea conditions by day. Gain sufficient understanding of racing rules, race management procedures and tactics to successfully complete the race in an enjoyable manner.
Intermediate Crew Standard
Learn to cruise safely in familiar waters as both skipper and crew of a sailing yacht of nine to 12 metres, sloop rigged with an inboard engine in moderate wind and sea conditions by day. The standard emphasizes on-the-water skills at a level acceptable for bare boat chartering for extended cruises in coastal waters.
Intermediate Cruising Standard
Learn to cruise safely in familiar waters as both skipper and crew of a sailing yacht of nine to 12 metres, sloop rigged with an inboard engine in moderate wind and sea conditions by day. The standard emphasizes on-the-water skills at a level acceptable for bare boat chartering for extended cruises in coastal waters.
Advanced Crew Standard
Learn to act safely as crew of a sailing cruiser of 10 to 15 metres, any modern rig and inboard engine, operating within 100 miles of shore by day and night in coastal or inland water in any weather.
Advanced Cruising Standard
Learn to act safely as skipper and crew of a sailing cruiser of 10 to 15 metres, any modern rig and inboard engine, operating within 100 miles of shore by day and night in coastal or inland water in any weather.
Offshore Standard
Learn to safely act as skipper and crew in a sailing cruiser on an offshore passage navigated by celestial and electronic means without visual reference to terrestrial objects.