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. 

2026 Course Schedule:

Session 1 - Saturday & Sunday - 9 AM to 5 PM - May 9, 10, 16, 17, 2026
Session 2 - Saturday & Sunday - 9 AM to 5 PM - May 23, 24, 30, 31, 2026
Session 3 - HYBRID* - June 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 18, 2026 (see below for times)
Session 4 - HYBRID** - June 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 18, 2026 (see below for times)
Session 5 - HYBRID***  - June 26, 27, 28, July 3, 4, 5, 9, 2026 (see below for times)
Session 6 - HYBRID****  - June 26, 27, 28, July 3, 4, 5, 9, 2026 (see below for times)
Session 7 - HYBRID***** July 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 23, 2026 (see below for times)
Session 8 - Saturday & Sunday - 9 AM to 5 PM - July 25, 26, August 1, 2, 2026
Session 9 - Saturday & Sunday - 9 AM to 5 PM - August 8, 9, 15, 16, 2026
Session 10 - Saturday & Sunday - 9 AM to 5 PM - August 22, 23, 29, 30 ,2026
Session 11 - Saturday & Sunday - 9 AM to 5 PM - September 19, 20, 26, 27, 2026
 

*Session 3: This course is offered in a hybrid format, with theory sessions on Zoom on Friday evenings, June 5 and 12, from 6–9 PM. In-person on-water training will take place on the Saturdays and Sundays of June 6–7 and June 13–14, from 9:00 AM–1:45 PM, with the in-person exam on Thursday, June 18, from 6–9 PM.

**Session 4: This course is offered in a hybrid format, with theory sessions on Zoom on Friday evenings, June 5 and 12, from 6–9 PM. In-person on-water training will take place on the Saturdays and Sundays of June 6–7 and June 13–14, from 2:15 PM - 7 PM, with the in-person exam on Thursday, June 18, from 6–9 PM.

***Session 5: This course is offered in a hybrid format, with theory sessions on Zoom on Friday evenings, June 26 and July 3 from 6–9 PM. In-person on-water training will take place on the Saturdays and Sundays of June 27-28 and July 4-5, from 9:00 AM–1:45 PM, with the in-person exam on Thursday, July 9, from 6–9 PM.

****Session 6: This course is offered in a hybrid format, with theory sessions on Zoom on Friday evenings, June 26 and July 3 from 6–9 PM. In-person on-water training will take place on the Saturdays and Sundays of June 27-28 and July 4-5, from  2:15 PM - 7 PM, with the in-person exam on Thursday, July 9, from 6–9 PM.

*****Session 7: This course is offered in a hybrid format, with theory sessions on Zoom on Friday evenings, July 10 and 17 from 6–9 PM. In-person on-water training will take place on the Saturdays and Sundays of July 11-12 and July 18-19, from 9:00 AM–1:45 PM, with the in-person exam on Thursday, July 23, from 6–9 PM.
 

Course Fee:

NYC Member Rate - $830 + HST
Non-Member Rate - $1140 + HST

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.