LEARN TO SAIL
At Blackfish Sailing Adventures we offer a full range of sailing and cruising courses leading to Sail Canada certification.
The courses are “hands-on” and are taught aboard 35 – 38 foot sailing yachts. Learn how to sail and have fun while doing it.
Day Courses
– Introduction to Sailing: One-day Course
– Basic Cruising Module A: Two-day course for Basic Crew Certificate
– Basic Cruising Module B: Three-day course for Basic Cruising (Day Skipper) Certificate
Overnight (live aboard) Courses
– Basic Cruising: Five-day course for Basic Cruising (Day skipper) Certificate
– Intermediate Cruising: Five-day course for Bareboat Skipper Certificate
– Advanced Cruising: Seven-day course for Advanced Certificate
All Prices are in Canadian dollars and do not include tax.
See below for more detailed information.
For a summary of all Sail Canada certification levels CLICK HERE.
INTRODUCTION TO SAILING
Introduction to Sailing is a one day course on the water and covers many of the things that you would experience on a normal cruising day. After a boat and equipment check we review tides, currents and discuss trip planning.
Once under way, participants all take part in sailing the boat while reviewing basic rules of the road. Proper anchoring techniques are taught and if time permits, we can go ashore and explore one of the many islands close by. This is a great way to see if you would like to continue on the pathway to sailing.
Course Fee: $195.
Experience required: none
April 12
May 3
June 7
June 15
August 9
September 6
For more information or possible dates: CONTACT US.
Basic Cruise & Learn
Discover secluded coves and picturesque inlets while learning all the main aspects of navigation and coastal cruising. The Basic Cruise & Learn is a 5 day live-aboard course that allows you to fully experience the fantastic world of sailboat cruising.
Upon completion of the course the holder is certified to cruise safely as both skipper and crew of a sloop rigged keelboat of 6 to 10 meters in moderate wind and sea conditions by day. No previous experience is required.
For more information and a sample itinerary, go HERE.
Certification achieved: Basic Cruising Standard (Day Skipper)
Course Fee: $1650.
Peak Season (July, August): $1695.
Prerequisite: none
Includes: Sail Canada Basic Cruising Skills Manual plus log book and certification.
April 14 – 18
April 27 – May 1 (Full)
May 26 – 30
June 9 – 13
July 28 – August 1
September 8 – 12
For more information or possible dates: CONTACT US
Intermediate Cruise & Learn
Intermediate Cruise & Learn. This is also a 5 day live-aboard course taught while cruising the islands. The purpose of the intermediate course is to gain more experience on the water, become better acquainted with different types of boats, learn how to handle certain emergencies and deal with the day-to-day circumstances that arise while cruising. The focus is on boat handling, vessel management, and passage planning. You will also have the opportunity to practice coastal navigation skills on both electronic and paper charts.
Upon completion, you will be able to cruise safely in familiar waters as both skipper and crew of a sailing yacht of 9 to 12 meters, 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.
Certification achieved: Intermediate Cruising Standard (Bareboat Skipper)
Course Fee: $1775.
Prerequisites: Basic Cruising, Basic Coastal Navigation, VHF Radio License ROC(M) and PCOC
The Basic Coastal Navigation prerequisite can be included as part of the course.
It is possible to challenge the ROC(M) as an extra during the course.
May 5 – 9
May 12 – 16
June 16 – 20
September 22 – 26
For more information or possible dates: CONTACT US
Basic Cruising Day Courses
Instead of a 5 day Cruise & Learn, Blackfish Sailing Adventures offers an opportunity to complete the Basic Cruising Standard by taking two home based “Modules”. Each Module can be taken separately and will offer their own certification. Combined, they will complete the Sail Canada Basic Cruising Standard.
Basic Cruising – Module “A”
This is a 2 day non-liveaboard course offered out of Oak Bay on the 35 foot Beneteau. The course is all on the water and will teach the basics of cruising, sail handling, anchoring and some navigation.
Once completed, you will be certified to cruise safely in familiar waters as competent crew of a sloop rigged keelboat up to 10 meters in moderate wind and sea conditions by day.
Certification achieved: Basic Crew Standard (Competent Crew)
Course Fee: $425.
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Log Book and Certification Fees are included.
Sail Canada Basic Cruising Skills Manual (optional): $70.
Prerequisite: none
April 5 – 6
May 24 – 25
June 21 – 22
August 23 – 24
September 13 – 14
October 4 – 5
October 18 – 19
For more information – CONTACT US
Basic Cruising – Module “B”
This is a 3 day non-liveaboard course offered out of Oak Bay on the 35 foot Beneteau. This course is a continuation of the skills learned in Module “A” and will add lessons in sail trim, weather, trip planning and handling emergencies.
Once completed, you will be certified to cruise safely in familiar waters as both skipper and crew of a sloop rigged keelboat up to 10 meters in moderate wind and sea conditions by day.
Certification achieved: Basic Cruising Standard (Day Skipper)
Course Fee: $595.
Log Book and Certification Fees are included.
Sail Canada Basic Cruising Skills Manual (required): $70.
Prerequisite: Module “A”
April 19 – 21
May 17 – 19
August 2 – 4
August 30 – September 1
October 11 – 13
For more information CONTACT US
Basic Cruising – Module “B” Challenge
If you have had lots of previous sailing and cruising experience but no certification, this course will give you the opportunity to take the Module “B” and challenge the Basic Cruising Standard without having to take Module “A”. This is an intensive 3 day experience and is a non-liveaboard course that will get you certified with the Basic Cruising Standard or Day Skipper.
Certification achieved: Basic Cruising Standard (Day Skipper)
Course fee: $595.
Manual: $70.
Log Book and Certification Fees are included.
Prerequisite: Proof of adequate experience.
April 19 – 21
May 17 – 19
August 2 – 4
August 30 – September 1
October 11 – 13
For more information: CONTACT US
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Mileage and Skill Builder – Seven Days
Sail with a Certified Instructor for the sailing adventure of a lifetime. You will gain valuable cruising experience and sharpen your sailing skills without the stress of a final exam. Relax and enjoy the journey as we embark on a seven day adventure to explore the Gulf Islands and the Sunshine coast. Everything is included.
Date:August 11 – 17
Price: $1995. each plus tax
Mileage and Skill Builder – Five Days
Just like the seven-day Mileage Builder only it is five days instead of seven. Work on your sailing skills with a certified cruising instructor. Enjoy cruising the Northern Gulf Islands and Georgia Strait as you transit several narrow passages. Everything is included.
Date:August 25 – 29
Price: $1595. each plus tax
