Registration

Course Description:

This is one of the entry level Standards in the series of Sail Canada Standards 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.

A course leading to this Standard 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.

Course Schedule:

There are 5 offerings of this course. Each offering covers the same content, detailed above. Classes occur both ashore in a classroom setting, as well as afloat in an RPSA club owned keelboat.

Class 1

March 5, 12, 19 (Tuesdays) 6:30pm to 9:00pm Ashore class

March 9, 16, 23 (Saturdays) 9:00am to 4:00pm Afloat class

Class 2

March 7, 14, 21 (Thursdays) 6:30pm to 9:00pm Ashore class

March 10, 17, 24 (Sundays) 9:00am to 4:00pm Afloat class

Class 3

April 9, 16, 23 (Tuesdays) 6:30pm to 9:00pm Ashore class

April 13, 20, 27 (Sundays) 9:00am to 4:00pm Afloat class

Class 4

April 11, 18, 25 (Thursdays) 6:30pm to 9:00pm Ashore class

April 14, 21, 28 (Sundays) 9:00am to 4:00pm Afloat class

Class 5

May 16, 21, 23, 28 (Tuesdays and Thursdays) 6:30pm to 9:00pm Ashore class

May 25 & 26 (Sat/Sun) 8:30am to 5:30pm Afloat class

Class 6

May 27, 28, June 4, 11 (Tuesdays and a Monday) 6:30pm to 9:00pm Ashore class

June 1 & 8 (Saturdays) 8:30am to 5:30pm Afloat class

Class 7

May 30, June 3, 6, 13 (Thursdays and a Monday) 6:30pm to 9:00pm Ashore class

June 2 & 9 (Sundays) 8:30am to 5:30pm Afloat class

Class 8

June 10, 14, 18, 20 (Monday, Friday, Thursday) 6:30pm to 9:00pm Ashore class

June 15 & 16 (Saturday/Sunday) 8:30am to 5:30pm Afloat class

What to Expect: 

The course will take place rain or shine unless winds are too high and on seas that may move the boat around at a moderate level at times. Both the ashore and afloat testing for the Sail Canada Basic Cruising Certification will take place during the last class. 

Physically you’ll have to be able to handle periods of moderate upper body exertion, possess a moderate level of arm strength, as well as agility and balance sufficient to safely move around the vessel. 

What to Wear:

Clothing 

• Dress in layers, you will be surprised how much temperature difference there is between the shore and on the boat in a light breeze.   
• Synthetic or wool fabrics are preferable. Cotton and Denim are not recommended as once they get wet, they stay wet and cold. 
• Sunny: bring a light windbreaker, hat, sunglasses, and sunblock.
• Rainy: a rain jacket, rain pants, rain hat or hood
• Please pack a full change of clothing for afloat class dates

Footwear

• Closed toed shoes are required; no sandals or flip flops please.  
• Soles must be non-marking (white, light grey or cream color only).  
• Rainy: and waterproof footwear will be necessary.   
• Sunny: fast drying non-slip runners  

Sailing Gloves

• Gloves are recommended. Sailing gloves protect your hands.   

Motion Sickness 

If you are prone to motion sickness or are unsure if you are prone to motion sickness, it is strongly recommended you talk to a pharmacist or doctor regarding motion sickness medication 

There are non-drowsy types of anti-nausea medicine. We’re unable to provide this type of medication to our students.  

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policy 

All balances are due 5 days prior to the course start date. 

Cancellations made 10+ days prior to the course start date will be subject to a 10% plus tax cancellation fee. 

The remainder will be refunded via the original method of payment. 

Cancellations made less than 10 days prior to the course start date are ineligible for a refund. 

We cannot accept any changes less than 10 days prior to the course start date. 

Trip Disruption 

If a disruption of the course occurs due to a major breakdown of the vessel (through no fault of the student) RPSA will issue a credit for additional time on the boat/ program.