Start Sailing is a 4-day introductory course to teach you the basics of sailing a yacht. This course focuses on hands-on practical instruction, getting the sails up as soon as we reasonably can! We focus on core sailing skills and all the basic manoeuvres, working together as a crew. Safety and situational awareness are a big part of it, as well as sailing theory, seamanship and terminology. This is the best place to start in order to build a solid foundation for your sailing life!
Prerequisites
None! No sailing experience is required to take the Start Sailing course. It is also an ideal gateway for dinghy sailors to transition into yacht sailing.
Certification
You will need to demonstrate practical skills and the depth of knowledge expected of this standard in order to receive the Sea to Sky Start Sailing certificate.
Achieving this standard indicates that you are ready to crew on day sailing trips in fair conditions.
The next step in your skill progression is to enter the RYA program with the Competent Crew Condensed 3-day Course, where you learn the intricacies of cruising a yacht farther afield.
Registration
$850
5% GST and 6% booking fee is added at checkout.
Each course is 4 consecutive days, 9:00am to 4:00pm.
Note this is not a live aboard course - you go home each evening.
This course is open to ages 16 and up.
Maximum of 4 spots available per course.
20% off for ages 16-25.
Location
We start and finish each day at Thunderbird Marina in West Vancouver. The meeting location will be sent to students via email upon booking.
What to Bring?
Please bring your own lunch and review the required and recommended items listed for day sailing on our FAQ page here.
Start Sailing Course Curriculum
The Start Sailing course focuses on practical training to give you a good handle on the basics of sailing. The course includes:
Sail Handling
Introduction to handling the sails in order to get the boat moving safely and under control. Students learn about the points of sail, sail trim, how to rig, hoisting and lowering sails, reefing the mainsail, furling and hoisting/dropping the genoa, and how to handle the sails while tacking and gybing the boat.
Boat Handling
Students learn how to helm the boat while under power and under sail both upwind and downwind, the effect of wind and tide on boat handling, how to ‘heave to’, etc.
Docking
Students learn the role of the crew to safely leave and return to a berth under power. This part of the course also covers the correct use of lines to effectively secure the boat to the dock.
Anchoring
Students learn about the different types of anchors available and their suitability for different ground conditions, how to prepare the boat for anchoring, and practice anchoring safely.
Emergency Procedures
The primary focus of this section of the course is on the safe and speedy action to take in the case of crew overboard when under power and under sail.
Nautical Terminology
Start speaking in ‘sailor’ by learning the correct terms for all the parts of the boat and all the other terminology used on the water.
Rope Work
This segment of the course covers proper line coiling technique, how to use cleats correctly, the safe use of winches, and how to tie: a figure eight knot, round turn & two half hitches, clove hitch, reef knot, sheet bend, rolling hitch and bowline.
Collision Regulations
The basic ‘rules of the road’ are covered in order to avoid collisions at sea.
Safety Equipment
Introduction to the use and location of life jackets, first aid kit, fire extinguishers, safety harnesses, the VHF radio, depth sounder, GPS, flares, liferaft, etc.
Safe Seamanship
Students learn to dress appropriately for the sailing conditions, prevent hypothermia in themselves and others, proper stowage of equipment in the cabin and on deck, and how to keep a good watch while underway. We also cover marine etiquette and customs that contribute towards a safe and friendly boating environment.
Basic Weather
The importance of locating good weather forecasts, understanding their meaning and making a decision about whether to sail or not is covered in this section.
What's Next?
Take the Competent Crew Condensed 3-day course with Sea to Sky Sailing, in which you cover the Royal Yachting Association curriculum for the Competent Crew certificate. This 3-day live aboard course is your introduction to yacht cruising and your next step on the road to a lifetime of sailing adventures!
You can also start learning some techniques to get the boat going faster in our Learn to Race program.
