Prairie Ocean Cruising
Introduction to Cruising
This program provides the newcomer with a taste of what cruising under sail is all about. It is an opportunity to experience first hand what sailing is about without committing to a full Learn to Cruise Program. The program can be shared as a couple, or a group. You and your friends or associates will spend the day cruising aboard a sailing yacht with the opportunity to experience many aspects of operating the vessel.
Your CYA certified instructors are veteran sailors with extensive and varied experience. You will be able to draw on their knowledge and experience to gain insight into cruising, boat selection, boat operation, chartering and provisioning. The educational components of the program will include basic terminology, the language of sailing, readying the vessel and getting under way, basic sailing both as helmsman and crew.
Rates
$200.00 for 6 hrs up to 2 people
$100.00 for each additional person
Basic Cruising Courses
The Basic Cruising Course is designed for the prospective cruising sailor who has minimal or no sailing knowledge or experience. The student is taught the necessary skills to safely sail local waters in moderate winds and sea conditions during daylight hours. The student will learn to perform the duties of both skipper and crew of a 24 – 29 foot sailing vessel.
This course is offered in two formats.
The first is comprised of the student attending classroom lectures covering the ashore knowledge element of the program. This is accomplished over an eight week period generally held in the off season (late fall, winter, or early spring) and followed by three full days on the water during sailing season.
The second format is 5 full days at a harbour where the theory and practical components of the course are delivered in a combined format.
CURRICULUM FOR ASHORE KNOWLEDGE
Rates:
On Water only
$360.00 per person for 21 hrs instruction.
5 Day Theory and on Water
$675.00 per person
Intermediate Cruising
Intermediate cruising offers the skipper the opportunity to develop those skills required for bareboat chartering. The course is taught in familiar waters on sailing yachts of 8 to 12 meters in moderate sea conditions. The emphasis of this program is on the water skills with additional components dealing with yacht systems, provisioning, navigation and living afloat.
Prerequisites for the program are the Basic Cruising Standard, acting as skipper for at least 10 day sails, Coastal Navigation, current First Aid Certificate, VHF Radio Operators Certificate and applied knowledge of the skills learned in Basic Cruising.
Rates
$1015.00 per person for 5 day live-aboard course that includes text book and provisioning. Just bring your gear, a sleeping bag and a pillow.
Prior to the program there will be an introduction and briefing meeting to discuss the itinerary and plan menus for the trip.
Ladies, You Can Do It!
Ladies, You Can Do It - is a two day hands-on interactive workshop that will help the candidate prepare for the unforeseen situation where they are left to take control of a vessel. The course has both a classroom and on water portion giving the candidate the opportunity to execute many of the maneuvers and protocols used in emergency situations.
The objective of the program is to create a comfort level for the candidate, that is usually crew, to take charge of the vessel should they be placed in unforeseen situations.
Rates:
$250.00 per person
Instruction on Your Own Boat
Do you need to brush up on a few skills? Are you a new boat owner who would like some help getting familiarized? Private instruction on your own boat is the way to go. We provide a certified instructor on your Keelboat or Powerboat to help you out. Private instruction is a minimum of 3 hours and is based on the number of participants.
KEELBOAT or POWERBOAT INSTRUCTION
Rates:
$200.00 for 3 hours for up to 2 people
$240.00 for 3 hours for 3-5 people
Mileage and travel time charges may apply
Single Handed Cruising Workshop
The Single handed workshop provides you with a one on one experience on your own boat focused on developing single handed sailing skills. You will work through course components and skills development that include:
· Raising and lowering sails
· Reefing
· Anchoring
· Short handed sail trimming techniques
· Safety
· Docking
At the end of the program you will be provided with a report of recommended upgrades and improvements that could be considered to outfit your vessel for more effective single handed operation.
Rates:
$250.00 for 6 hours for up to 2 people
Mileage and travel time charges may apply
Docking
Bought a new boat? Need a refresher or just want to get better at leaving a slip and docking ? This course is just the ticket. Practice docking on our course boats in various docking maneuvers up to and including stern-to if available.
Rates:
$100.00 per person for 3 hrs of instruction.
Corporate Team Building
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Need a corporate team building exercise, why not try sailing? We can accommodate groups of up to 6 people for a day sail that includes total operation of a sloop rigged sail boat. Crews will receive basic instruction in line handling, procedures and boat operation and then will be provided the opportunity to interact and problem solve while sailing the boat through different courses and exercises. If we spot another boat on the water there may be racing involved.
Rates:
$250.00 per person for a full day session.
Course limitations
Courses are scheduled to run rain or shine. However at times wind and weather conditions impact safe operation of the vessels and the skipper may cancel the event. In such cases full refunds will be provided though we will make every effort to reschedule.
Deposits
All courses require a deposit at registration to hold the course dates as follows:
Courses less than $100.00 require a 50% deposit per person
Courses over $100.00 require a $100.00 deposit per person.
Intermediate courses require a $250.00 deposit per person.
Required Gear for Programs