Frequently asked questions

Group courses run from Squamish, BC.

With private training, I serve the Greater Vancouver and Sea to Sky region, occasionally travelling anywhere in BC, and the world.

Absolutely! Crew management is a major part of sailing. If you have friends or family that you sail your boat with regularly, or if you have a group of friends that would like to expand their skills, definitely do bring them along.

This is true for both Private Training and Group Courses.

Yes. Our school boat is at your disposal, either through a Group Course, or Private Training.

Theory is actually one of my secret passions. I admittedly rather enjoy reading the ColRegs during winter by the fire with a glass of good peated scotch in my hand. But pssst!

Knowing your theory well will give you the edge over many a sailor; it is gold in situations that you need to understand quickly, and can also bring a great sense of accomplishment.

Be it the rules of the road, chart work, navigation, or weather, I can guide you through it in a practical, and understandable manner.

Absolutely! Besides teaching, I run quite a few adventure experience builders every year. Always in interesting locations, and always with a unique opportunity to learn.

Through Wander the Waves, we also run more holiday-y adventure sails.

Hit me up for available spots!

If you own your own boat and sail for pleasure, in many parts of the World you don’t need any qualifications. In Canada, you need a PCOC which is more of a formality.

However, as you are responsible for yourself, the boat, and everybody onboard, my recommendation is at least an equivalent of an IYT International Bareboat Skipper course or an RYA Day Skipper course. Plus, you will enjoy your time on water way more when you are confident in your skills.

If you are looking to charter a boat, please read the question below:

In most parts of the World, you need an internationally recognized skipper’s license, and a radio license. RYA, IYT, and ASA licenses are widely accepted throughout the World, ICC is accepted in most parts of the World, and respective national licenses are often accepted as well. If in doubt, you can check with the charter company.

In Canada, which is still a developing charter industry, some companies might ask you for a sailing resumé or references.

I can help you arrange a charter. I can recommend the right destination, and help you choose the right boat for your needs, and arrange it for you. I am a licensed charter agent and can make the whole process super easy and tailored for you.

100%! I am excited to take you out on a holiday of a lifetime. And if you’d prefer, a family style catered experience can be arranged through Wander the Waves.

Yes. YMC can now offer the full range of IYT recreational certifications through private training, including the IYT International Bareboat Skipper, IYT Yachtmaster, and the ICC.

Please check available dates in the training section.

I can help prepare you for taking the course.

Yes.

No. However there are many skills that are the same on a sailboat and a powerboat, and we can focus on those.

For Private Training, please check pricing.

For group courses, please check details there.

I am very happy to offer discounts to youth training programs or equivalent, non-profit organizations, ocean conservation projects, and projects of particular interest. These can be, for example, innovative boat designs, unusual destinations, creative & scientific projects, or social-help projects.

For Private Training: In Canada, I can only take legal charge of your vessel if the vessel’s insurance policy lists me as a skipper and covers me for liability towards the boat, the Participant, and any other third parties. Otherwise, I can train Participant onboard as a coach, but without legal command of the vessel. The boat owner then remains in charge of the vessel. In both cases, a liability waiver needs to be signed before training commences.

For Group courses: YMC is fully insured.

statistically, sailing is a pretty safe activity. However, there are risks involved – I believe the trick is to strike the right balance between managing these risks, and living them at the same time.

Out on the ocean, we are witnesses to elements that are far greater than us. With due respect and preparation, I believe these elements make us feel alive in a way that we can seldom experience in the safety of modern world.

I will never push a questionable situation, and always err on side of safety.

As landlocked as the Czech Republic is, it is only a 5 hour drive to the Baltic, and an overnight drive to the Mediterranean.

I did a little bit of windsurfing with my family when I was young. I never sailed though.

About 17 years ago, I got a phone call from a friend asking me if I wanted to join him for a week in the Mediterranean. Yes was the answer. Dangerous answer. Confronted with the wild freedom of the ocean, there was no turning back. After a couple of years of occasional sailing in the Med, I went for an RYA sailing course in Western Scotland, and the rest is history.

Many sailors learnt sailing when they were very young. I feel that having started sailing only later in my life allows me a different perspective on the challenges of learning to sail.

I am a cruising sailor in my soul, and have limited racing experience. I love to explore the uncharted coves and dents in cliffs, and when I sail past an island I’ve never seen before … it lures me in.

Don’t get me wrong though, I got that need, need for speed!

I enjoy perfect sail trim, and I believe it is as important when you are cruising as it is when you are racing.

I can teach you to sail fast, sail efficiently, sail with happy watery eyes and that broad grin on your face!

Sure! Hit me up on the contact page or PM =)

Yes! I walked the road myself, and can give you bearings. Feel free to reach out to me! There will be a video dealing with this topic soon too.

For more FAQs specific to Private Training and Group Courses, please see their respective pages.