Our practical navigation course will help you master the essential skills you need for coastal navigation.A pre-requisite for Sail Canada's Intermediate Cruising course and for bareboat chartering.
Save time and maximize learning with our mix of in-person and online learning
Two Online Theory Nights
Review important theory based on the assigned readings during online sessions on Zoom.
Two Full-day Practical Sessions
Meet for two full Saturdays to review and practice hands-on with charts and navigation tools.
An Optional
On-water Day
Sign up for an optional on-water day to practice your skills in a realistic setting aboard Student Driver.
Earn Sail Canada's Basic Coastal Navigation standard with Wild About Sailing

Key navigation skills
Learn to read Canadian Hydrographic charts and navigation publications, and to plot courses and your position. Master these foundational skills for coastal navigation.
GPS and electronic navigation
Understand how satellite navigation systems work, and how to use them alongside traditional navigation methods. Learn what information matters and how to avoid common mistakes.

Tides and currents
Learn to use Government of Canada tide and current tables to predict conditions along your route. Understand how tides and currents affects your passage plans and anchoring.
Trip planning, start to finish
Plan complete daytime passages including harbour entries, selecting waypoints, accounting for hazards. You'll leave this course able to confidently plan your own coastal trips.
Victoria, BC
| Wed, May 27 | 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm | Theory on Zoom |
| Sat, May 30 | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm | Practical day |
| Sun, May 31 | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm | Practical day |
| Wed, Jun 3 | 7:00 - 9:00 pm | Optional study session |
| Wed, Jun 10 | 7:00 pm -9:30 pm | Exam |
| .. | .. | .. |
Calgary, AB
| Wed, Mar 4 | 7:00 pm-9:00 pm | Theory on Zoom |
| Sat, Mar 7 | 9:00 am-4:30 pm | Practical day |
| Wed, Mar 11 | 7:00 pm-9:00 pm | Zoom |
| Sat, Mar 14 | 9:00 am-4:30 pm | Practical day |
| Wed, Mar 18 | 7:00pm-9:00pm | Optional study session |
| Sun, Mar 22 | Noon-2:30 pm | Exam |
★★★★★
"Dave has a soft, kind, and respectful approach. He goes easy and is ready to appreciate, validate, and explore with the learner while enjoying sailing."Daniel
★★★★★
"It was a stellar day on the water! I highly recommend anyone interested in sailing and learning to sail to plan their experience with Wild About Sailing. "Berns
★★★★★
*"Dave was a very knowledgeable and patient instructor, catered to our level of experience leaving both of us looking forward to getting out on the water again. *Ken
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any sailing experience?
No sailing experience is required, but the course is most valuable if you've done some boating or completed our Learn to Skipper course, as you'll have context for applying your new skills.
Is the optional on-water practice day worth it?
Absolutely. The classroom gives you the theory and paper skills, but nothing prepares you better than practicing in the boat. You'll get to experience some of the challenges, learn some practical tricks and get comfortable plotting while underway.
Is there a difference between the Calgary and Victoria courses?
The courses are identical. The same curriculum, same instructor, same Sail Canada certification. The only differences are dates and location. Choose whichever works best for your schedule and location.
Will this course prepare me for the Intermediate Cruising and bareboat charters?
Yes, that's exactly what it's designed for. Basic Coastal Navigation is a required prerequisite for Intermediate Cruising, and this course covers everything you need.
More questions? Contact us!
Let's make this happen, cap'n!
[email protected]
+1 778-817-0275
wildaboutsailing.com
Thank you!
We'll get back to you as soon as we can!