Course Description:

This is one of the entry levels in the series of Sail Canada courses on sailing keelboats and on cruising. This course 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.

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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.

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Prerequisites:

None

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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.

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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.

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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!

Course Description:

This is one of the entry levels in the series of Sail Canada courses on sailing keelboats and on Cruising. This course is the recommended starting point for individuals with minimal practical on water experience. This entry level course builds basic sailing skills with a focus on operation of the vessel as crew. Candidates completing this course 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.

 

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 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. .

 

Prerequisites:

None

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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 course. 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 course represents an easy to deliver entry point for those wishing to learn to sail.

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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.

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Resource Material:

Sail Canada Basic Cruising Skills by Gillian West

Course Description:

This is one of the entry level courses in the series of Sail Canada courses 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 attending for this training.

This course 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 27 hours of which at least 18 hours should be devoted to practical sessions on water. In a live aboard format the course 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.

 

Prerequisites:

None

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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. Pleasure Craft Operator Certification (PCOC) is included.

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Additional Notes:

This course covers an extensive suite of practical skill and theoretical knowledge. Students who have completed the Sail Canada Start Keelboat Sailing course or who have previous sailing experience will find that experience beneficial to their experience in this course. Practical sessions are typically offered on keelboats in the 6-10 metre range. The course is typically conducted with 3 or 4 students and the instructor on board. Some schools or clubs may offer this standard on larger vessels and may offer training times in excess of 27 hours.

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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 courses in “live aboard cruise and learn” formats may also be subject to conditions normally associated with the Intermediate Cruising standard.

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Resource Material:

Sail Canada Basic Cruising Skills by Gillian West