FAQ

Start by speaking to the Training Officer. He/she will be able to give you the times for classroom training and organize with you for on-the-water training with a training skipper.

Even though we will train you to sail our boats, you will still need some basic courses. All sailors must have a Canadian Pleasure Craft Operators Card (PCOC). You should also consider taking either Canadian Yachting Association Basic Cruising or International Sail and Power Academy Day Skipper courses. Canadian Power and Sail Squadron "Basic Boating" is also a good course to take. You will also need to have a Restricted Radio Operators' Certificate (Maritime) for operating the VHF radio.  These certificates are not included in your membership fees and will cost extra.

Since we are only training you to sail our own boats, the minimum you must have before you begin is the PCOC. The rest up to you, but is usually done as soon as practicable. Our training usually takes three to four months, depending on your experience and aptitude. Some people are done in weeks, others prefer a more laid back approach.

Yes. In order to be allowed to skipper one of our boats for day sailing in Semiahmoo Bay, you must have been recommended by your trainer as ready to be tested and then you must prove your ability by sailing with our Training Officer who will test you on your skills and knowledge.

We usually try to have a few classroom sessions in March and early April. By then, the weather has warmed up and trainers will take you out for practical sailing experience.

Learn your basic terminology of a sailboat structure, of the sails and of the lines involved. It is like a foreign language, and if you have already some idea of what things are called, you will progress much more quickly. Learn some basic knots and PRACTICE them! Reef knot, bowline, clove hitch, figure eight knot and belaying (securing) to a cleat are all necessary. Check our website links to other sites which help explain some of these things.