2026 COURSES
This course covers information key to the effective use of electronics. The Sail Canada exam may be written at the conclusion of the course. Sessions complement the material introduced in the Sail Canada Basic Cruising course. The Sail Canada Basic Coastal Navigation course is a prerequisite for the Sail Canada Intermediate Cruising course wherein these navigation concepts and skills will be applied. The Basic Coastal Navigation course prepares the candidates for the Sail Canada Intermediate Coastal Navigation course. If you have questions about this course contact education@hbsailing.com
Prerequisites: None
| Basic Coastal Navigation | Mon / Thurs March 30 – April 23, 2026 | $495.00 |
| Basic Coastal Navigation – Intensive Weekend | March 21, 22, 28, 2026 | $495.00 |
This Intermediate Coastal Navigation (opens in a new tab) course builds on the basic knowledge of navigation theory presented in the Sail Canada Basic Coastal Navigation Standard. The curriculum focus is on near shore navigation and covers position determination methods using non-electronic means as well as methods for dealing with current and leeway. Students completing this course will have practiced and should understand the tools and techniques to support planning and safe passage making for coastal voyages. Sail Canada exam may be written at the conclusion of the course. Parallel rules and dividers will be required for this course.
Sessions complement material introduced in the (prerequisite) Sail Canada Basic Coastal Navigation course This course is recommended for those who intend to bare boat charter.
Prerequisites: Basic Coastal Navigation
| Intermediate Coastal Navigation | Monday / Thursday – Feb 19 – Mar 26 | $460.00 |
This is a self interest workshop that will get you started with all you will need to know.If you have ever wanted to know what Celestial Navigation is all about, you will get an introduction to sextants, taking sights, using a Nautical Almanac and completing the calculation process using Sight Reduction Tables in order to Plot your position.
This introduction will keep things as basic and as simple as possible using observations of the Sun as our focus. You will gain enough knowledge to go away and take your own sights, either on land or water, and process those observations for your position.This seminar will prepare you for what to expect in the Sail Canada Celestial Navigation Course or just get you interested in the subject.
| Introduction to Celestial Navigation | Sat. Feb 21st | 9:00am – 5:00pm |
Sail Canada Celestial Navigation Standard
This classroom-based course teaches navigation by taking sights on heavenly bodies. Topics covered include positioning using the sun, the moon, and selected stars. The course focus is on the practical for real use on the water and on shore. Topics will include some history and theory, the importance of time, how to use a sextant, real sights (noon and sun) and pointer stars. Nautical Almanacs, Sight Reduction Tables, Worksheets and Sextants will be provided. Sail Canada Celestial Navigation Standard (opens in a new tab)
No Navigation Certification required to take this course. If you think learning to Navigate by the Stars would be cool – this course is for you!
(Participants wishing to achieve the Celestial Navigation certification will need to Sail Canada Intermediate Coastal Navigation Standard or Sail Canada Coastal Navigation Standard).
| Celestial Navigation (CNS-201) | March 21, 22, 28, 29 | 9:00am – 5:00pm |
| Diesel Engine Maintenance | Tues / Thurs Feb 5 – 19 | 6:30pm – 9:30pm |
This weekend course provides a common-sense approach to diesel engine maintenance. The student will become familiar with diesel engine operation, some aspects of the 12-volt electrical system as well as hands on troubleshooting, winterizing, spring commissioning procedures and when to stop and call a mechanic. This is a great money saving opportunity not to be missed by any sailor with an inboard diesel engine. A textbook is included in the course fee.
| Diesel Engine Maintenance – Weekend | Sat / Sun March 14 & 15 | 9:30am – 5:00pm |
This course can be taken as a stand-alone theory course or as part of an Intermediate Theory and Afloat package. This course is 18 hours (6 – 3 hour sessions) and will include the opportunity to write the Sail Canada Intermediate Cruising exam and an information session on Chartering.
| Intermediate Theory | Mon/Wed April 13 – April 27 | 6:30pm – 9:30pm |
We have seen the power of weather. From lightning to squall lines to foreboding cumulonimbus clouds. How do we know how best to interpret expected sailing conditions? What wind should we expect with different kinds of clouds? What evasive action should we take to protect our crew and vessel?
We will look at these practical topics and more at our marine weather seminar.
Structure of the atmosphere and its influence on weather. High and low-pressure systems: characteristics and behavior. Frontal systems: warm, cold, and occluded fronts.
Integrating macro level weather patterns and gradient wind that are found on synoptic charts with localized weather and knowing how these interact.
Reading key cloud types and knowing what to expect.
Using onboard and available weather data to make informed decisions.
Considerations for handling “bad” weather.
This is a practical course using weather information derived both from external sources as well as what you see with your eyes. It is one thing to know about weather but it is another to know how to understand, and react to, expected winds and conditions.
| Marine Weather with Nigel Banks | Saturday April18 | 10:00am – 4:00pm |
Sailboat Electrical Systems
This general interest seminar is ideal for boat owners and those aspiring to be a boat owner. Learn from an industry professional (Geoff Wright – Blue Water Marine) about how electrical systems work and how to fix and upgrade them properly. This seminar is in-person ONLY.
| Sailboat Electrical Systems | Sat / Sun Feb 28 & Mar 1, 2026 | 10:00am – 2:30pm |
Introduction to Fibreglass & Gel Coat
Dings and Cracks in your boat and you are not sure where to start? This general interest course will introduce the student to marine composite materials and systems; and how they are used. Provide necessary safety awareness and a basic working knowledge of the materials, tools and repair techniques.This seminar is presented by Geoff Wright of Blue Water Marine.
| Fibreglass & Gel Coat | Saturday, April 11 | 10:00am – 2:00pm |
Ready for the next step in your sailing training? The course you are looking for is Intermediate Keelboat Cruising.
Intermediate Keelboat Cruising is offered as a five-day, 4 night live-aboard course sailing on “Spotted Drum” a Catalina 42 MKII. This course emphasizes on-the-water skills at a level acceptable for bare boat chartering for extended cruises in coastal waters.
Intermediate Cruising Theory is included with this course and is completed in the classroom prior to the start of the Afloat Course. Remote Students – ask about our virtual / home study options.
VHF ROC (M) and Basic Coastal Navigation must be successfully completed in order to receive your intermediate certification. Please contact HBSC if you have not yet completed the prerequisite courses.
INTERMEDIATE CRUISING COURSE: $1995.00 (+HST)
Deposit of 50% is due upon registration – remainder due 45 days prior to afloat course start.
Includes ashore (online theory is an extra fee) & afloat classes, course materials & Sail Canada registration. (provisioning for the week is not included).
All courses start at 10:00am on day one of the course and conclude at 4:00pm on day five.
New to HBSC? Please CLICK HERE (opens in a new tab)to create a student profile to access the registration pages.
| July 25-29 | Click here to Register (opens in a new tab) | ||
| September 16-20 | Click here to Register (opens in a new tab) | ||
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This Sail Canada Intermediate Cruising Standard course will provide the Ashore (theoretical) Knowledge required to be able to cruise safely in familiar waters as both skipper and crew of a sailing yacht of 9 to 12 meters, sloop rigged with an inboard engine in moderate wind and sea conditions by day. This course is offered in conjunction with the Intermediate Keelboat Cruising Standard (Afloat). The cost of the Canada Intermediate Cruising Standard theory course is included in the Intermediate Keelboat Cruising Standard (Afloat) pricing. To see our full schedule, click here (opens in a new tab) |
| INTERMEDIATE CRUISING THEORY |
TIME: 6:30pm – 9:30pm | |
| Intermediate Cruising Theory (ICT-206) | Coming Soon | REGISTER (opens in a new tab) |
| Intermediate Cruising Theory WINTER 2026 | Coming Soon | REGISTER |
| Intermediate Cruising Theory SPRING 2026 | Coming Soon | REGISTER |
Live-Aboard Mileage Builder
Dates for this course will be available as soon as possible. Click HERE (opens in a new tab) for up-to-date information regarding our Live-Aboard Mileage Builders.
Join us for an unforgettable sailing adventure aboard our Catalina 42 “Spotted Drum”. This course offering a captivating journey through the stunning waters of Lake Ontario. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you’ll develop your skills and build your sailing miles. This sailing course promises a unique blend of learning, exploration, and fun.
The specific routing and evening stops will be based on the wind and weather but the goal of this cruise is to experience planning and sailing a longer route and then enjoying the destination when you get there.
This non-certification course is excellent for Intermediate or Basic Students who would like more live-aboard experience.
Prerequisite: Basic Keelboat Cruising or equivalent.
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This course is also available to be booked at a private cruising opportunity for up to 4 people. Please contact education@hbsailing.com for more details. |
Winter Courses
Advanced Keelboat Cruising Afloat (incl Theory)
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Advanced Keelboat Theory ONLY
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Our Advanced Keelboat Cruising “afloat skills” course is offered as a six and a half day, 6 night live-aboard course sailing on “Spotted Drum”, our Catalina 42 MKII. This live-aboard Standard develops the sailors’ ability to take command of and effectively operate a sailing vessel day or night in an extensive range of possible weather conditions and up to 100 nautical miles from shore. Students will be provided the opportunity to operate the vessel as skipper and crew under sail and power while making a passage of 48 hours or more.
Practical topics covered include sail selection and use of the controls typically available on sloop rig vessels to maintain sail shape appropriate for the conditions encountered. Students will have the opportunity to practice and develop skills including coastal piloting, mooring pickup under sail, anchoring under sail and handling of emergencies including the actions to take in a crew overboard situation. Theory covered as part of this Standard includes vessel propulsion and balance, basics of vessel stability, handling of emergencies, preparation for and dealing with heavy weather, weather forecasting with focus on systems lows and related frontal systems, piloting and navigation skills as well as vessel fall layup and spring launch.
This course builds on the skills developed in the Sail Canada Start Keelboat Sailing, Basic Cruising and Intermediate Cruising Standards as well as the Basic and Intermediate Coastal Navigation Standards. Candidates are expected to be able to competently demonstrate the skills developed in those Standards.
Advanced Cruising Theory is included with this course and is available as an in person classroom course (dates below) or an online course with an in person exam & review.
Intermediate Cruising, Intermediate Coastal Navigation, VHF ROC (M), and a recognized Standard First Aid and CPR certificate must all be successfully completed in order to receive your Sail Canada Advanced Cruising certification. Please contact HBSC if you have not yet completed these prerequisites.
Completion of Intermediate Navigation & First Aid prerequisites are NOT required prior to the start of the course. Students may participate in the Advanced Course and complete the prerequisites after the course.
ADVANCED CRUISING COURSE: $2,528.00 (plus HST)
Deposit of 50% is due upon registration – remainder due 45 days prior to afloat course start.
Includes ashore & afloat classes, course materials & Sail Canada registration. (provisioning for the week is not included). All courses start at 10:00am on day one of the course and conclude at 4:00pm on day seven.
ADVANCED CRUISING THEORY ONLY: 400.00 (plus HST)
HBSC CANCELATION AND REFUND POLICY (opens in a new tab)
Basic Refresher
(Evening or Daytime sailing available)
Completed your Basic Cruising Course recently and haven’t had a chance to get out on the water? Looking to upgrade from the Basic Crew Standard to the Full Skipper Standard? This opportunity is for you! Sail Canada Instructor lead and tailored to review the Afloat skills and knowledge you need to develop. Practice points of sail, tacking and gybing, sail trim, boat handling, docking and more. This course also includes 3 hours of online Basic Cruising Theory review.
Students interesting in upgrading from the Basic Crew Standard to the full Basic Cruising Standard may need more than one session to complete the skills required. Fee to process upgrade to full (skipper) standard: $30.00
Prerequisites: Basic Keelboat Crew or Cruising Standard or equivalent experience.
Fee: $295.00 (Multi-session booking discount: Receive 10% off each additional Refresher or Basic PLUS course booked)
| BASIC REFRESHER | DAYS & DATES | TIMES | |
| Basic Cruising Refresher (BCR-201) | Tues & Thurs – May 9 & 11 | 5:30pm – 9:00pm | REGISTER (opens in a new tab) |
| Basic Cruising Refresher (BCR-202) | Tues & Thurs – May 16 & 18 | 5:30pm – 9:00pm | REGISTER (opens in a new tab) |
| Basic Cruising Refresher (BCR-203) | Tues & Thurs – May 23 & 25 | 5:30pm – 9:00pm | REGISTER (opens in a new tab) |
| Basic Cruising Refresher (BCR-204) |
Mon & Wed – May 29 & 31 | 5:30pm – 9:00pm |
REGISTER (opens in a new tab) |
| Basic Cruising Refresher (BCR-205) | Mon & Wed -June 12 & 14 |
5:30pm – 9:00pm |
REGISTER (opens in a new tab) |
| Basic Cruising Refresher (BCR-206) |
TBA | 9:30am – 4:30pm | REGISTER |
| Basic Cruising Refresher (BCR-207) |
TBA | 9:30am – 4:30pm |
REGISTER |
| Basic Cruising Refresher (BCR-208) |
TBA | 9:30am – 4:30pm |
REGISTER |
Sail Canada Advanced Cruising CourseSunday May 15 – Sunday May 22, 2022 (7 nights)On Board “Spotted Drum” a Catalina 42 Sailing YachtReceive your Advanced Cruising Afloat Certification and experience the adventure of sailing through Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, Erie and Ontario on this delivery cruise from Midland to Humber Bay. Course will be taught aboard a Catalina 42 Sailing Yacht equipped to meet Transport Canada and Sail Canada safety regulations. Course is facilitated by a registered Sail Canada Advanced Instructor. Course Pre-requisites:Sail Canada Basic Cruising and Sail Canada Intermediate Cruising Standards, |
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Advanced Afloat $1740.00 plus HST
(the cost of provisioning will be shared by the students)Advanced Theory and exam not included. Theory will need to be successfully completed in order to receive certification.
Download the Advanced Cruising 2022 Feature Sheet (opens in a new tab)
Interested students can create a user account to see all our courses and access our registration portal.
NEW Student Registration (opens in a new tab)
Intermediate Cruising Instructor Clinic
The objective of this course is to prepare, evaluate the capability of and authorize experienced Basic Cruising Instructors to deliver Sail Canada programs leading to the Intermediate Cruising Standard. At the end of this program the successful candidate should have the basic tools to be ready to develop a curriculum and plan and deliver quality lessons that will build student skills and knowledge at the level of the Sail Canada Intermediate Cruising standard. |
| Intermediate Instructor Clinic June 3 – 5, 2022 |
Intermediate Instructor Clinic September 9 – 11, 2022 |
Course Fee payable to HBSC: $737.17 plus HST (833.00 including HST)
Payment is by Credit Card and will be required to be paid through this website to complete registration. Please create a new student profile to access the registration portal.