Sailing Classes in Vancouver?

[Juicycanada]

I recently moved to Vancouver from Ontario and I would like to take a class on Ocean sailing/Cruising. I have some sailing experience on lakes and in various 20' to 35' yachts. Does anyone know of a good school in the Vancouver area? A quick google search brought up a few, but they offer CYA or ASA courses. What is the difference and what would you recommend? I am sure this seems pretty basic for many of you experienced sailors, but I have been following this forum for awhile and want to build my knowledge, before I consider buying a boat. Thanks in advance

[Capt Phil]

Used to be an outfit called JibSet in both Vancouver and Victoria. Ran by an ex-racer, Les Alfreds, with a lot of transpac experience but is long since dead. He hired ex-racers and instructors with considerable offshore experience... for some reason he gave me a job many years ago just as CYA was getting going on the West Coast.
Used a lot of Cal boats in the fleet and the course ran from a day or so to a week long cruise either up to Desolation Sound or out to the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Not sure whether it is still running but it was a great school, particularly for the uninitiated despite me being one of the instructors. Capt Phil

[jackdale]

You will find ISPA, CYA, ASA and IYT schools in the Vancouver area.

Check out Cooper Boating Centre (CYA and IYT), Blue Pacific (ISPA) and QuickNav (CYA) on Granville Island. There are some others around as well. Sailcraft (CYA and ISPA), Land's End (CYA)

You might also check out schools on Vancouver Island as they are somewhat closer to the cruising grounds of the Gulf Islands and Desolation Sound.

Sidney - Island Cruising (ISPA and CYA), Coopers, Gulf Island (CYA)

Nanaimo - Nanaimo Yacht Charters (ISPA and CYA)

Comox - Desolation Sound (ISPA and CYA), Island Cruising

I have worked for most of them. PM me for additional info.

[Mike OReilly]

I did my advanced CYA with Jim Lavers. He also offered the Offshore standard as well at the time. He's a great instructor for people who are motivated to learn. Look him up.

He also teaches through Coopers.

[Capt Phil]

jakedales' info is much more up to date than mine... I'd go with his suggestions. Capt Phil

[serah]

Though not technically classes, the Bluewater Cruising Association offers talks, seminars and education courses specifically geared to offshore cruising. We have our club night tonight (every third Wednesday, I believe) at 7pm at the Scottish Cultural Centre.

They also offer a mentor program, and there are always members looking for crew for short- to -long term cruises.

We're preparing to head south in a few years, and this group has been invaluable in both keeping the dream going through the wet winter, and teaching us a lot of the skills we'll need (HF radio, diesel maintenance etc.) The best part though is meeting people like you who are still in the dreaming stage. Very deep wealth of knowledge. They have a Fleet as well of people who are actively preparing to voyage.

Bluewater Cruising Association, Vancouver, BC, Canada

[Maggie-K]

Sailing lessons are usually lower priced out of the states so if your planning to do a cruise and learn look in the San Juan's . The courses are all similar. I teach for a couple of the major players as well.

[kiwitrucker]

I checked them all out and settled on Salecraft using ISPA accreditation.

[DRS]

My wife and I got our CYA cert from Cooper Boating on Granville Island over 25 years ago, Have used them for updated / advanced courses and charters over the years as well. The thing I liked about the original course was that you started on small boats and progressed to larger ones (24 -32' at that time) as the course went on. Good confidence builder and good exposure to the various systems. tiller, outboard, wheel, inboard etc. I have done the Power Squadron course as well. High in book knowledge but no practical experience.
Give Cooper a call I know they run a ton of courses this time of year.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by kiwitrucker

I checked them all out and settled on Salecraft using ISPA accreditation.

In case anyone wants to google - Sailcraft

[kiwitrucker]

Opps sorry about the spelling

[s/v Beth]

Jack you're still teaching arn't you? From what I have heard your classes sound great.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by s/v Beth

Jack you're still teaching arn't you? From what I have heard your classes sound great.

I am still teaching sailing, Last week I was running an ISPA instructors course and certifying another Instructor Evaluator in Sidney BC

Thanks for the positive comments.

[JoeFish]

I've had a couple people aboard my boat who've taken the Sailcraft courses and they handled themselves safely and confidently when sailing with me, two things I value a great deal in crew.

While I have no direct experience with Sailcraft other than with people who've participated in their courses, that's enough for me to suggest they may be worth consideration.

--
Bonne Amie, S&S Design No. 1068
Nevins, 1955
http://bonne-amie.blogspot.com/

[Juicycanada]

Wow thanks for all the info I will look up these companies based on your recommendations and let you know how it turns out. Nice to know so many people here are from Vancouver. I still wonder is there any major difference between ISPA, CYA, and IYT? As in does one have big advantages over the others? I am guessing the obvious is international vs national.