Question 1

What sailing courses does Capt. Mac offer?

Accepted Answer

Capt. Mac's School of Seamanship offers a full Sail Canada–certified course progression including: Basic Cruising Standard (5-day live-aboard), Intermediate Cruising Standard (5-day live-aboard), Advanced Cruising Standard (7-day live-aboard), Coastal Navigation, VHF Radio, PCOC (Pleasure Craft Operator Card), Refresher & Mileage Maker courses, and Introduction to Sailing – day sail / charter option.

Question 2

Is Capt. Mac certified by Sail Canada?

Accepted Answer

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. All courses lead to internationally recognized Sail Canada (CYA) Certification.

Question 3

What is included in basic sailing lessons?

Accepted Answer

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) plus wine with dinner, study materials and written exam, logbook and course registration, and Sail Canada Certification upon successful completion.

Question 4

Do I need prior experience to join sailing lessons?

Accepted Answer

No prior experience is required for the Basic Cruising Standard course. 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.

Question 5

How much do sailing lessons cost in Vancouver?

Accepted Answer

All rates are in Canadian dollars (taxes and insurance not included). Hardy Season Basic/Intermediate (Nov 2 – Mar 29): $1,849 for 5 days. Shoulder Season Basic/Intermediate (Mar 30–May 24 / Aug 31–Nov 1): $1,999 for 5 days. Peak Season Basic/Intermediate (May 25 – Aug 30): $2,099 for 5 days. Advanced Cruising Standard (all dates): $2,799 for 7 days. Introduction to Sailing Day Charter (peak season): $990 per day.

Question 6

Are group or repeat-sailor discounts available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Groups of 4 save $100 per person (Shoulder & Peak seasons), groups of 2–3 save $50 per person (Shoulder & Peak seasons), repeat clients receive discounts of up to 15% off, and the Hardy Season already carries built-in savings versus peak pricing.

Question 7

Can I book a private sailing charter in Vancouver?

Accepted Answer

Yes. 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 covering the Gulf Islands, Sunshine Coast, and Desolation Sound, and Caribbean charters – luxury skippered catamaran cruises from Tortola, BVI (10-day itineraries; contact for dates and pricing).

Question 8

What is included in a day sail charter?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Where are sailing lessons held in Vancouver?

Accepted Answer

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. The school's address is 415 Esplanade W, North Vancouver, BC V7M 1A7.

Question 10

What is the nearest marina to Capt. Mac's School of Seamanship?

Accepted Answer

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.

Tag: Instruction

Beginner Sailing Lessons Vancouver: What to Expect