Basic Cruising Course

No Prerequisites Required

Learn the basics of crewing and helming a keelboat in our 28-hour comprehensive course, designed to build comfort and introduce key concepts to first-time sailors. In the Basic Cruising Course you will develop basic boating skills including - terminology, docking, basic maneuvering, responding to emergency situations and more! The goal of this course is for participants to learn how to cruise safely in moderate wind and sea conditions by day. 

Our course is taught on our Club-owned 25-foot Catalina 'Away' . Our class sizes will be limited to a maximum of 3 students per instructor. This format allows for increased one-on-one time with your instructor and more direct boat handling time for each student.

Basic Cruising Course materials included in course fee. Upon successful completion you will be awarded Sail Canada’s Basic Cruising Standard or the Basic Crew Standard. 

2025 Course Schedule:

Session 1 - Saturday & Sunday - 9 AM to 5 PM - May 10, 11, 17 & 18, 2025
Session 2 - Saturday & Sunday - 9 AM to 5 PM - May 24, 25, 31 & June 1, 2025
Session 3 - Saturday & Sunday - 9 AM to 5 PM - June 7, 8, 14 & 15, 2025
Session 4 - Saturday & Sunday - 9 AM to 5 PM - June 21, 22, 28 & 29, 2025
Session 5 - Saturday & Sunday - 9 AM to 5 PM - July 5, 6, 12 & 13, 2025
Session 6 - Saturday & Sunday - 9 AM to 5 PM - July 19, 20, 26 & 27, 2025
Session 7 - Saturday & Sunday - 9 AM to 5 PM - August 2, 3, 9 & 10, 2025
Session 8 - Saturday & Sunday - 9 AM to 5 PM - August 16, 17, 23 & 24, 2025
Session 9 - Saturday & Sunday - 9 AM to 5 PM - September 6, 7, 13 & 14, 2025
Session 10 - Saturday & Sunday - 9 AM to 5 PM - September 20, 21, 27 & 28, 2025

Course Fee:

NYC Member Rate - $815 + HST
Non-Member Rate - $1115 + HST

REGISTER HERE!

If you have any questions or would like information about National Yacht Club's keelboat programming, please email [email protected] or call 416-260-8686 ext 232.

Membership is highly recommended to put your sailing skills into practice! Our Introductory Crew Membership is the perfect choice for those who are new to the Club and don't own a boat! Find out more about membership.