Competent Crew Certification

First level of Instruction

This course is set up for the complete novice, no experience is necessary. It has two components: Theory and Practical

Theory:
Once you are registered, you will receive a package with the manual, details of what to bring and our standard waiver. The manual contains all the information. Review questions at the end of each section are to be completed. The contents include basic steps to leave the dock, put up the sails, turning into and away from the wind and returning to the dock. You will become aware of many nautical terms and learn a few essential knots. Basic safety requirements are covered. Having the book complete is all that is required, there is NO EXAM! Once completed you are now ready for the practical component.

Practical:
We practise the theory you have completed over a full two day period. You are not tested, do not have to memorize and can repeat tasks as time allows. This is your time to get the feel of crewing on a keel boat.
Our day will start at 9:00am. It begins with safety orientations and checks, followed with sharing the objectives of the day. Ideally we will be back on the dock by 5pm and have our tasks completed by 6pm.

Pricing:
You have various ways to approach this. Many first time students purchase the manual ($50) and complete it on their own. When they are ready to commit to certification they sign up for the Competent Crew course through Living Sky Sailing School or ANY Canadian Recreational Yachting School. They will pay the full Competent Crew fee and attend the Practical on water session. You will be required to purchase your official LOG Book from the school which you have registered. ($25) You will get a stamp seal from the instructor for both the Practical and Theory component for Competent Crew. You are now certified to crew on a sailboat.

Summary:
Manual only: $50 (no certification or instruction provided)

Competent Crew Certification : $650
Theory and Practical. Includes the manual, independent learning and all hours on the boat.



** If you completed a Discover Sailing Three Hour Introduction with Living Sky Sailing School in the current or previous sailing season, that fee will be credited to any future course registered and completed by the end of the next sailing season.

How to prepare:

Book your session and complete the manual.
Light lunches and snacks will be provided each day but you are welcome to bring your own additional favorites.
Bring a few layers of clothes. Splashing and light rain are possible.
Bring no more than one small bag with your personal items. Include sunscreen (non aerosol, please), sunglasses and hat. And always include a positive attitude and patience!
All life jackets are included and must be worn for the entire time on the water. If you prefer to bring your own, you may, but it must be an approved PFD and be worn.
NO ALCOHOL is to be brought on board and smoking of any kind, including vaping is prohibited.
Physical Condition: You must have the ability to move to all parts of the boat with some agility.

Day Skipper Certification

Second level of Instruction

This is where planning begins. Day Skipper is set up for the competent crew graduate or anyone with previous sailing experience. This course has two components: Theory and Practical

Theory:
Once you are registered, you will receive a manual with all the material you require. Time is spent considering different conditions for leaving and returning to the dock, mooring and anchoring. Basic meteorology and awareness of emergency situations are introduced. You will become aware of many more nautical terms and learn a few more knots. Basic collision avoidance regulations are covered. Having the book complete is all that is required to move into the practical component.


Practical:
We will practise the theory you have completed over two full days. You will not be tested, do not have to memorize and can repeat as many tasks as time allows. This is your time to get the feel of skippering on a keel boat.
Our day will start at 9:00 each day. It will include safety orientations and checks, followed with sharing the objectives of the day. Ideally we will be back on the dock by 5pm and have our tasks completed by 6pm.

Pricing:
You have various ways to approach this. Many first time students purchase the manual ($50) and complete it on their own. When they are ready to commit to certification they sign up for the Day Skipper course through Living Sky Sailing School or ANY Canadian Recreational Yachting School. They will pay the full Day Skipper fee and attend the Practical on water session. You will get a stamp seal from the instructor for both the Practical and Theory component for Day Skipper.
Another common option is to combine Competent Crew and Day Skipper and complete in three full days. This condenses the learning time and reduces the cost.

Summary:
Manual only: $50 (no certification or instruction provided)

Day Skipper Certification: $650
Theory (on your own) and Practical. Includes the manual, independent learning and all hours on the boat.

*If you register for both the Competent Crew and Day Skipper course, we can complete this over 3 full days on the water and the cost would be $1100

** If you completed a Discover Sailing Three Hour Introduction with Living Sky Sailing School in the current or previous sailing season, that fee will be credited to any future course registered and completed by the end of the next sailing season.

How to prepare:

Book your session. Sign up for multiple courses and receive a discount.
Light lunches and snacks will be provided each day but you are welcome to bring your own additional favorites.
Wear a few layers of clothes. Splashing and light rain are possible.
Bring no more than one small bag with your personal items. Include sunscreen (non aerosol, please), sunglasses and hat. And always include a positive attitude and patience!
All life jackets are included and must be worn for the entire time on the water. If you prefer to bring your own, you may, but it must be an approved PFD and be worn.
NO ALCOHOL is to be brought on board and smoking of any kind, including vaping is prohibited.
Physical Condition: You must have the ability to move to all parts of the boat with some agility.

Coastal Navigation Certification

How do we get there?

No prerequisite is required! In order to be able to charter a vessel, the company will want to know you can determine where you are and how to return safety, without electronics! This course can be used for Sailing or Power endorsement. This course has two components: Theory and Practical

Theory:
Once you are registered, you will receive a manual and list of items required. The manual is very comprehensive with how to use charts and current/tide tables to plan routes. If you had any interest or ability in Math or Physics problems, you will really enjoy this material. You will not have to memorize anything and there is NO EXAM! Once completed you are now ready for the practical component.This course requires two additional items. A plotter and a specific chart. These can be purchased on your own or through Living Sky Sailing School for an additional cost.

Practical:
The practical requires 5 hours on the water. We can cover this in an afternoon. You will chart a course and follow it using the Compass on board or a hand bearing compass. We will make at least three turns and ideally end up at a location you predetermined. We will also use triangulation to determine our location on a Lake Diefenbaker map. You will not be tested, do not have to memorize and can repeat as many tasks as time allows. This is your time to get the feel of Navigation for ANY vessel.

Pricing:
You have various ways to approach this. Many first time students purchase the manual ($50) and complete it on their own time. When they are ready to commit to certification they sign up for the Coastal Navigation course through Living Sky Sailing School or ANY Canadian Recreational Yachting School. They will pay the full Coastal Navigation fee and attend the Practical on water session. You will get a stamp seal from the instructor for both the Practical and Theory component for Coastal Navigation.


Summary:
Manual only: $50 (no certification or instruction provided)

Coastal Navigation Certification: $400
Theory and Practical. Includes the manual, independent learning and 5 hours on the boat.

*Portland Plotter $50, Nautical Chart #3463 $25. plus S/H.
*Often this course is added onto the Competent Crew and/or Day Skipper certification. If all three are signed up for, we can complete over 3.5 days on the water. ($1450).

** If you completed a Discover Sailing Three Hour Introduction with Living Sky Sailing School in the current or previous sailing season, that fee will be credited to any future course registered and completed by the end of the next sailing season.

How to prepare:

Book your session and ideally register for multiple courses to reduce the cost.
Light lunches and snacks will be provided each day but you are welcome to bring your own additional favorites.
Wear a few layers of clothes. Splashing and light rain are possible.
Bring no more than one small bag with your personal items. Include sunscreen (non aerosol, please), sunglasses and hat. A positive attitude and patience is always welcome!
All life jackets are included and must be worn for the entire time on the water. If you prefer to bring your own, you may, but it must be an approved PFD and be worn.
NO ALCOHOL is to be brought on board and smoking of any kind, including vaping is prohibited.
Physical Condition: You must have the ability to move to all parts of the boat with some agility.

Introducing New in 2023

Mileage Building Opportunity

After completing a class, you likely want to practise your skills, and you likely don't have a boat. Sign up to book one of our vessels and refresh those skills.
You won't be alone! Each opportunity includes a certified instructor onboard to assist or reteach if requested.
Are you nervous about booking your first charter? Consider this a practise run.
Bringing along a friend or spouse without experience or training by giving them a Discover Cruising Experience. (Add on)
Live a board add on is available to make it an overnight adventure.
Limited to a max of 4 participants.
Cost: $600 for the boat and instructor for 5 hours. $100 for additional hours.

Can I book a Charter boat yet?

Hopefully..

On paper, you are able to "apply" to book your first ever charter boat! Each charter company is a bit different but the general process is the same.
The company will need to see your sailing resume. They want to know you understand the environment, collision regulations and that the boat will come back to the same place in the same shape.
If you have never chartered and have little practical experience, they may require you to hire an instructor for the first day of your 5+ day trip. This person will help you like a coach and provide basic instructions to those with no training. You will be required to stay close to the home marina and practise your skills and show some competency for the first day. This instructor will then contact the Charter company to confirm your capabilities and you are now set! The feeling I had when our instructor (now friend) left the boat to me and three people who had never been on a sailboat, is a huge feeling of satisfaction and competency! I hope Living Sky Sailing School can get you to a similar situation!
After completing your certification through Living Sky Sailing School or any CRYA (Canadian Recreational Yachting Association) School, I would recommend using one of their charter schools first, as they will be familiar with your training.
A VHF Marine Radio Operators certificate (coming soon through us) and someone on board with First Aid / CPR may be required.

Still not sure where to start?

Discover Experiences

Discover Sailing 3 Hours

Each trip starts with an orientation and safety before heading out.
We head out on the water and enjoy the ride. Limited duties, tasks and obligations.
Our trips will have from one to three participants.
This is a Discover Experience. You will observe a variety of tasks and assist with direct guidance and supervision.

Discover Cruising 10 Hours

Each trip starts with an orientation and safety before heading out.
The objective is to train and give you experience to be a valueable crew member on any sailboat without formal certification.
Our trips will have from one to three participants.
This is a great add on, to join someone who is taking formal training.

How to prepare for either option:

Book your session.
Water to top up your water bottle is available. Bring a few layers of clothes. Splashing waves and light rain are possible.
Bring no more than one small bag with your water bottle, a few favorite snacks and a dry set of clothes or light rain jacket. Include sunscreen (non aerosol, please), sunglasses and hat. And always include patience and a positive attitude!
Physical Condition: You must have the ability to move to all parts of the boat with some agility.


Cost: Starting at $125 per individual


** If you complete a Discover Experience with Living Sky Sailing School, the fee will be credited to any future course registered and completed by the end of the next sailing season.