Sail Canada Keelboat & Cruising Programs provide new and developing sailors with the skills needed to operate a vessel safely and effectively in a wide range of settings. Programs offer everything from weeknight racing to weekend cruising and traveling offshore.
OVERVIEW
Each program standard listed below provides a detailed outline of what is included in the training and what is required for certification. Programs are delivered locally by Sail Canada Certified Instructors at clubs and schools across Canada.
INTRODUCTION TO BOATING
To introduce novice boaters to safe practices when preparing to leave the dock, while 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 meters in length.
VIEW INTRO TO BOATING STANDARD
START KEELBOAT SAILING
To be able to sail safely as the 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 the initial development of practical skills while participating in the operation of a keelboat.
VIEW KEELBOAT SAILING STANDARD
BASIC CREW STANDARD
To be able to cruise safely in familiar waters as the competent 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 crew-oriented basic sailing skills, seamanship, and knowledge needed to act as a competent crew.
BASIC CRUISING STANDARD
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 as the knowledge needed to make the decisions expected of a skipper.
INTRODUCTION TO KEELBOAT RACING STANDARD
To be able to participate in local club white sail (non-spinnaker) races as crew and/or helm, of a sloop-rigged keelboat of 6 to 12 meters with an outboard or inboard motor in 5 – 20 knots (not gusting over 25 knots) of wind by day, with sufficient understanding of the racing rules, race management procedures, and tactics to successfully complete the race in an enjoyable manner.
VIEW INTRO TO KEELBOAT RACING STANDARD
BASIC KEELBOAT RACING STANDARD
To be able to participate in local club white sail (non-spinnaker) races as skipper, helm, and crew, of a sloop-rigged keelboat of 6 to 12 meters with an outboard or inboard motor in 5 – 20 knots (not gusting over 25 knots) of wind by day, with sufficient understanding of the racing rules, race management procedures, and tactics to successfully complete the race in an enjoyable manner.
VIEW BASIC KEELBOAT RACING STANDARD
KEELBOAT SPINNAKER
To be able to sail safely as the crew of a sloop-rigged keelboat 6 to 12 meters while working with a spinnaker in light to moderate wind and sea conditions by day.
VIEW KEELBOAT SPINNAKER STANDARD
CATAMARAN ENDORSEMENT
To be able to cruise safely as both skipper and crew of cruising catamaran of 9 to 15 meters, sloop-rigged, with twin engines, in moderate wind and sea conditions by day. At the basic level the endorsement develops practical skills for local day sailing. At the Intermediate level the endorsement emphasizes on-the-water skills at a level acceptable for bareboat chartering for extended cruises in coastal waters.
VIEW CATAMARAN ENDORSEMENT STANDARD
INTERMEDIATE CREW STANDARD
To be able to cruise safely as the crew of a sailing yacht of 9 to 12 meters, 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 extended cruises in coastal and inland waters and for bareboat chartering.
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INTERMEDIATE CRUISING STANDARD
To be able to cruise safely as both skipper and crew of a sailing yacht of 9 to 12 meters, 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 extended cruises in coastal and inland waters and for bareboat chartering.
VIEW INTERMEDIATE CRUISING STANDARD
ADVANCED CREW STANDARD
To be able to act safely as the crew of a sailing cruiser of 10 – 15 meters, any modern rig and inboard engine, operating within 100 miles of shore by day and night in coastal or coastal or inland water in any weather.
ADVANCED CRUISING STANDARD
To be able to act safely as skipper and crew of a sailing cruiser of 10 – 15 meters, any modern rig and inboard engine, operating within 100 miles of shore by day and night in coastal or inland water in any weather.
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OFFSHORE CREW STANDARD
To be able to safely act as crew in a sailing cruiser on an offshore passage navigated by celestial and electronic means without visual reference to terrestrial objects.
OFFSHORE CRUISING STANDARD
To be able 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.
VIEW OFFSHORE CRUISING STANDARD
