Sailing Instruction-Coastal Navigation-Maritime Radio Operator Course

Teaching Safe Boating

Navigation, Sailing and Power Boat courses

Gulf Islands Cruising School Ltd since 1980 Sidney BC

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Sailing Instruction - Learn to Cruise Programs

Top three reasons for taking Instruction:

1. Builds confidence
2. Teaches new skills
3. Promotes teamwork

Since 1980, Gulf Islands Cruising School Ltd. has been providing quality sailing instruction. We are the oldest sailing school in B.C. under continuous ownership. You can depend on our 28 years of personal experience in operating sailing instructional programs. Canadian Yachting Association (CYA) standards for Learn to Cruise, Coastal Navigation and Learn to Powerboat are offered. Private instruction on your own boat is also available.

We are so grateful to you & your program. It was the beginning of our sailing life - & what a wonderful opportunity it is. Thank you! Larry & Julie We have a Maple Leaf 45 called Komara. We're going to Mexico, down the coast & through Panama into the Caribbean. Then planning to cross to Europe, maybe Ireland, England then down into the Mediterranean before coming back to the Caribbean. Who knows after that. We had a Westsail 42 since 1993 & took her offshore for a yr with our kids, aged 15 & 16. Then we cruised California to Mexico, Hawaii & back. It's because of the training I received through Gulf Island's Cruising that I was confident enough to learn to handle the Westsail & now the Maple Leaf.

Hooked on Sailing, Julie

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Any of the following Standards may be taught as part of a formal program with other students or as private lessons aboard your own boat.

INTRODUCTION TO BOATING
Introduces novice boaters to safe practices in preparing to leave the dock, while underway, and when returning to dock.

B ASIC CREW
To be able to cruise safely by day in local waters as crew of a sloop rigged keel boat, 20-30 feet, in moderate wind and sea conditions.

BASIC CRUISING
To be able to cruise safely in local waters as both skipper and crew in moderate wind and sea conditions by day. This course is designed for the novice sailor and those with little experience on cruising sailboats in tidal waters.

INTERMEDIATE CRUISING
To be able to cruise safely in familiar waters as both skipper and crew in moderate wind and sea conditions by day. Emphasizes on-the-water skills including cruise planning and practical navigation.

ADVANCED CRUISING
To be able to operate day or night in coastal waters in any weather. Available upon request.

All the above standards are avaiable by private instruction. If you would like to join a class, we act as brokers for a number of schools.

COASTAL NAVIGATION
To be able to demonstrate the navigational theory required to safely navigate a sailboat in coastal or inland waters. The course is available by correspondence.

LOCATION:
Click on the square for an enlarged image of Vancouver Island.

*We are unable to accept unaccompanied minors for courses. We encourage families learning together. A Cruise can make a memorable family vacation. Book now for a holiday to treasure.

Fees:
CYA Basic Cruising Skills Manual $39
CYA Logbook                          $20
Registration fee                       $10
Pleasure Craft Operator exam    $35
Instructor                              $400/day or $60/hour
All above rates are subject to 5% GST.

If you don't have your own boat, you may charter one. As brokers we can assist you in arranging a boat.

Sailboats are equipped with huge rudders, deep keels, little propellers and a unique shape that makes docking totally different than docking any power boat. Doug teaches sailors the easy way to "sneak up" on their dock, step off and take a bow.