Ready to teach what you love?

You're passionate about sailing and want to share that with newcomers. You have the skills—now learn how to teach them effectively. This four-day intensive prepares you to become a Sail Canada Start Keelboat Sailing or Basic Cruising instructor through hands-on theory, classroom work, and on-water practice in Sidney, BC.

What you'll receive

Professional credentials: Earn your Sail Canada instructor certification to teach at accredited schools.

Effective teaching techniques: Adult learners are self-directed and goal-oriented. We'll explore proven approaches—games, problem-solving, storytelling, interactive scenarios—that build confidence. You'll leave with immediately usable tools.

Learning on fun boats: Develop your teaching skills aboard our Andrews 28 Student Driver and Laser 28 Sloop du Jour. Our performance cruisers are forgiving yet spirited.

A personalized experience: Led by two Sail Canada instructor evaluators, this small clinic provides individual attention and feedback, and the opportunity to meet and network with your peers.

Clinic format & key dates

Candidates are required to attend

A clinic kickoff meeting on Zoom on Monday, February 2, 2026
Four pre-clinic Zoom meetings will be scheduled for February and March 2026
Four intensive, in-person days from Friday evening, April 17, to Tuesday, April 21, in Sidney, BC

Limited overnight accommodation is available aboard our boats (with pay-what-you-can donation to Royal Canadian Marine SAR Unit 36 Sidney)

Who should apply

The most successful candidates

Bring a genuine love of sailing
Enjoy leading and teaching groups of new sailors
Show a curiosity for and a willingness to embrace new adult teaching methods.

Select from one of two certifications.

Basic Cruising: Candidates who have some formal keelboat education through Sail Canada (or another equivalent standard) and have experience sailing on tidewater.

Start Keelboat Sailing (Small boat): Intended for adult CANSail dinghy instructors with prior teaching experience, and who have completed Sail Canada's Basic Cruising Standard (or equivalent).

Registering, deposits & final payment

Registration is first-come, first-served and will be limited to eight instructor candidates. A minimum of six is required for the clinic to proceed.

Candidates are required to pay a 20% deposit when they register. Registration closes on December 15, 2025. The balance of course fees is due on January 31, 2026.

Please see Wild About Sailing's clinic booking, refund and course policies for more details.

Become a Sail Canada Start Keelboat or Basic Sailing Instructor