Capt. Mac's School of Seamanship offers a full Sail Canada–certified course progression:
• Basic Cruising Standard – 5-day live-aboard course
• Intermediate Cruising Standard – 5-day live-aboard course
• Advanced Cruising Standard – 7-day live-aboard course
• Coastal Navigation
• VHF Radio
• PCOC (Pleasure Craft Operator Card)
• Refresher & Mileage Maker courses for extra sea time
• Introduction to Sailing – day sail / charter option
Yes. Capt. Mac holds certifications beyond the levels he teaches. He is a Transport Canada Licensed Master, Sail Canada Yacht-Master, Sail Canada Offshore Instructor, and Canadian Power and Sail Squadron JN. He also participates in the Transport Canada Small Vessel Compliance Program. All courses lead to internationally recognized Sail Canada (CYA) Certification.
The Basic Cruising Standard is a 5-day live-aboard experience aboard the custom 42' sloop Kinohi, departing Vancouver for the Gulf Islands. Topics include boat handling, safety, emergency procedures, anchoring, docking, navigation, and seamanship. Every course includes:
• On-board accommodation
• All meals (home-cooked by the Captain) + wine with dinner
• Study materials and written exam
• Logbook and course registration
• Sail Canada Certification upon successful completion
No prior experience is required for the Basic Cruising Standard course. Prerequisites are listed as: None. The course is designed to take complete beginners to certified, confident sailors. Class sizes are kept small (up to 4 students) so instruction can be adapted to each student’s level.
All rates are in Canadian dollars (taxes and insurance not included):
| Season / Course | Duration | Rate (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Hardy Season – Basic/Intermediate (Nov 2 – Mar 29) | 5 days | $1,949 |
| Shoulder Season – Basic/Intermediate (Mar 30–May 24 / Aug 31–Nov 1) | 5 days | $2,099 |
| Peak Season – Basic/Intermediate (May 25 – Aug 30) | 5 days | $2,199 |
| Advanced Cruising Standard (All dates) | 7 days | $2,899 |
| Intro to Sailing – Day Charter (Peak season rate) | Per day | $990 |
Yes. Several discounts apply:
• Group of 4: Save $100 per person (Shoulder & Peak seasons)
• Group of 2–3: Save $50 per person (Shoulder & Peak seasons)
• Repeat clients: Discounts of up to 15% off
• Hardy Season already carries built-in savings versus peak pricing
Absolutely. Capt. Mac offers charters on both sailboats and powerboats, including:
• Private sailing instruction (aboard Kinohi or your own vessel)
• Pleasure cruises along the BC coast — Gulf Islands, Sunshine Coast, Desolation Sound
• Caribbean charters — luxury skippered catamaran cruises from Tortola, BVI (10-day
itineraries; contact for dates and pricing)
The Introduction to Sailing day charter runs aboard the 42′ sloop Kinohi. Capt. Mac guides guests through B.C.’s protected waters to hidden anchorages, with wildlife viewing (eagles, seals, porpoises, orcas), visits to marine parks and island villages, and expert commentary from a master sailor with over 40 years and 80,000 teaching miles of experience. Day charters are $990/day in peak season, with discounts in shoulder and hardy seasons.
Lessons are fully hands-on and live-aboard — there is no classroom. Students board in North Vancouver and sail into the challenging waters around Vancouver and B.C.’s Gulf Islands. Lynnwood Marina address is 1681 Columbia Street North Vancouver, BC. V7J 1A5.
The vessel Kinohi is berthed at Lynnwood Marina, 1681 Columbia St., North Vancouver. From downtown Vancouver: take the Canada Line SkyTrain to Waterfront Station, then the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. The marina is a short cab ride east from the SeaBus terminal. Enter the marina, proceed past the office to the end of Columbia Street, turn left under the bridge to Gate 8 — you will be met there.