Learn to Sail with
Wild About Sailing!
Our Learn to Sail courses give you the fundamentals you need to confidently start crewing for daytime adventures on boats up to ten metres.These convenient introductory classes are available in two or three-day formats.Day courses mean you can be home every night.
Got kids in day camp?
Take our three-day extended.
You deserve some summer fun too.
Our extended weekday program is parent-friendly, with times that align with your pick-ups and drop-offs.
Earn Sail Canada's Start Keelboat Sailing (SKS)
Weekdays: Three-day extended program
Home every night
One evening class (90 minutes)
No pre-requisites
Three to four sailors
$850 per person (excl taxes)
Got a free weekend?
Take our two-day intensive.
Two days is all it take to get started.
Our weekend intensive program fits around your life. A whole Saturday and Sunday on the water.
Earn Sail Canada's Start Keelboat Sailing (SKS)
Weekends: Two-day intensive program
Optional stay-aboard accomodation available upon request
One evening class (90 minutes)
No pre-requisites
Three to four sailors
$725 per person (excl taxes, stay aboard extra)
Our Approach
Small, friendly classes
Maximum 4 students means real one-on-one time with your patient instructor. No one gets lost in our crowd!
Sail fast, fun boats!
Our 28-foot performance cruisers are easier to learn on and super fun to sail. Small is beautiful! Fast is fun!
Sail Canada Certification
Every course follows national standards. Sail Canada's Learn to Cruise standard is recognized across Canada, and around the world.
Learn in BC's Gulf Islands
Learn in some of BC's most beautiful sailing waters. Protected, scenic, and great wildlife!
Your Sail Canada Instructors
Annalise Van Ham
Instructor
Onshore Coordinator & Co-ownerOur students say Annalise is patient, warm, and genuinely fun to learn from. She'll help you feel capable, strong, and confident.She's been sailing since 1987 and earned her Sail Canada instructor certification in 1990.
Gene Tehansky
Instructor
All-around Good GuyGene is a natural teacher. Calm, friendly and informative, he'll help you learn what makes the boat go well under sail.Gene learned to sail on J70’s at J/World Sailing, and qualified as a Sail Canada instructor in 2025.
Dave Robertson
Instructor
Instructional Lead & Co-ownerDave loves boats, and he's eager to share his enthusiasm for sailing. He's all about making the day fun so you can find your groove.He first became a Sail Canada instructor in 1990. He's currently a Sail Canada instructor evaluator.
What our students say ...
★★★★★
"The entire day exceeded my expectations – a brilliant first time on a sailboat indeed. I was made to feel comfortable at every point."Mary Anne
★★★★★
"This was an excellent course! Dave and Annalise were wonderful - patient, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Beautiful boat too!!"June
★★★★★
"Far exceeded our expectations. We left the course feeling confident and eager to continue pursuing our sailing training!"Nick
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
We're in North Saanich, BC near BC Ferries Swartz Bay Terminal and about 15 minutes from the Victoria International Airport.
You'll find us at Canoe Cove Marina, often on the patio at the Fox & Monocle Cafe, enjoying a cinnamon bun and a coffee.
What do I need to bring?
Just yourself and a sense of adventure. We provide the boats and the PFDs you'll need on board. Dress in layers for the weather, bring sunscreen, and wear shoes you don't mind getting wet. See your registration for a detailed list. We'll take care of the rest.
How big are the classes?
We keep it small, just three to four sailors per boat. That means you get real time at the helm, not just an afternoon watching someone else sail. Small groups are at the heart of how we teach.
Do I need to know anything before I show up?
Not a thing. At this level, there are no prerequisites, no experience required. If you can tie your shoes, you're qualified. We start from scratch and have you sailing on day one.
What happens if the weather is bad?
There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes. We sail in all kinds of weather — that's part of learning! Lessons are only cancelled in genuinely unsafe conditions, and we'll reschedule at no cost to you.
What time do classes start and end?
Weekend classes: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Weekday classes: 9:45 am to 3:00 pm
What is your stay-aboard accomodation option?
If you'd rather not drive home after a full day on the water, onboard accommodation is available on the boat (subject to availability). Just ask when you register.All it costs is a donation to RCMSAR Unit 36 Sidney (suggested at $50 per night).
They're the volunteer search and rescue team that keeps our waters safe, and it's a great way to give back to the community while you sleep aboard.
Thank you!
We'll get back to you as soon as we can!