Sailing courses in Howe Sound

Use the course calendar to choose a date that may work for you, then send a booking enquiry. I will confirm availability, answer any questions, and send payment and preparation details.

No — you can enter at any level if you already have the required experience, theory knowledge, and practical skills expected below that level.

It’s highly recommended, though, to have either the official IYT prerequisite course or an equivalent qualification from another recognised training organisation before moving up.

For example, many sailors with prior crewing or skippering experience go straight to IYT International Bareboat Skipper.

That said, it’s important to choose the level that truly matches your experience — both for your enjoyment and your progress.

International Bareboat Skipper is not designed to teach the absolute basics; you’ll likely struggle without a good crewing foundation.

Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore are coaching-based courses and assessments for seasoned skippers — you should already be competent and confident in all areas of seamanship; the course simply sharpens those skills and validates them through examination.

Not strictly — but you do need to have the same level of theoretical knowledge.

Your practical course focuses on applying skills like navigation, COLREGs, tides, and passage planning, so arriving with that understanding already in place will make a huge difference to your confidence and progress.

IYT offers free e-learning modules for many of its courses — it’s well worth checking them out at IYT E-Learning.

Scheduled group courses need a minimum of 3 students to run.

If the course does not reach minimum enrolment by the confirmation date, you can either transfer to another course date or receive a full refund.

Sometimes, if everyone wants to go ahead, I may offer the option to run the course as a smaller semi-private course at an adjusted rate. There is no pressure to choose this option.

Generally, yes.

There’s no single global “sailing licence,” but IYT qualifications are among the most widely recognised worldwide thanks to multiple governmental approvals and more importantly charter and insurance company wide recognition.

With an IYT International Bareboat Skipper certificate, you’re eligible to obtain an ICC (International Certificate of Competence), which many European charter companies require. The IYT ICC is also recognized by Transport Canada so you don’t need a PCOC.

Recognition can still vary between countries and charter operators, so if you’re planning a trip, it’s always best to check their specific requirements in advance.

What is the ICC (International Certificate of Competence)?

The ICC (International Certificate of Competence) is a widely recognised skipper certificate originally developed to help standardise recreational boating across Europe.

There is no single “global sailing licence,” but the ICC has become one of the most commonly accepted credentials for chartering yachts in Europe — and in many other destinations worldwide.

When you successfully complete the IYT International Bareboat Skipper course, you qualify to apply for the ICC directly through IYT.

The IYT-issued ICC is:

• Recognised by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA)
• Recognised by Transport Canada (Canadian edition – PCOC equivalent for recreational use)

Important Note (UN Resolution 40)

Under UN Resolution 40, IYT cannot issue ICCs to residents of countries that already have their own national ICC issuing authority.

If you are a resident of one of the following countries, you must apply through your national body instead:

Please follow this link for more details. * *practically, you are eligible for the IYT ICC if you are not a resident of the following countries:

• Austria
• Belarus
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Finland
• Germany
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Romania
• Serbia
• Slovakia
• South Africa
• Switzerland
• Ukraine

For the International Bareboat Skipper, you need to have a VHF license. This can either be an IYT VHF license, or other recognized VHF license. A popular way of obtaining one is through Canadian Power and Sail Squadron , available as an online or in person course. There is no VHF requirement for International Crew.

Yacht Master Class as of now does not provide VHF exams.

I will give you feedback throughout the course so you know what to work on. Assessment is continuous — combining practical skills, theory understanding, and responsible command at the appropriate level. Towards the end of the course, there is a short theory test, which includes the topics covered during the course.

Group courses bring together people from different backgrounds, ages, and experience. What connects everyone is the same thing: a genuine motivation to learn.

Sailing has a way of creating natural teamwork. We operate in an environment where cooperation and respect are essential. That shared purpose tends to align people quickly.

Over the years, I’ve never had a course where personal differences became a major problem. In fact, many students stay in touch long after the course ends — sometimes becoming lifelong friends.

The key ingredients are simple: humility toward the sea, respect for each other, and a willingness to learn.

If you value those, you’ll fit in perfectly.

Safety is always the first priority.

I do not push questionable situations, and decisions are err on the side of caution.

I am a commercially endorsed Yachtmaster with extensive offshore experience including adverse weather, first aid certification, and sea survival training.

Our training vessel carries a full complement of required and in-date safety equipment, including lifejackets, harnesses, liferaft, flares, VHF/DSC radio, and man-overboard recovery gear.

Before departure, we conduct a thorough safety briefing so everyone understands the vessel, equipment, and procedures.

If at any time you have concerns or questions, please let me know immediately.

In the unlikely event of a serious emergency, we are always within reach of Coast Guard assistance via marine radio.

Group courses are run on a Vancouver 32 — a classic long-keel ocean-going sailboat.

She’s a proven offshore design: stable, well sailing boat, and perfectly suited for skill development in real conditions. The boat comfortably accommodates up to five people onboard, is maintained to high standards, and equipped with a full suite of safety equipment.

More details about the vessel, layout, and onboard setup : Tarka of Orwell

Life onboard is sometimes described as “glorified camping on the water.”

Space on a yacht is compact by nature — everything is thoughtfully designed, functional, and efficient. You’ll sleep in individual berths (bunks). On mixed group courses, students do not share bunks. If you’re joining as a couple, you share the forward double cabin.

Privacy is limited compared to land-based accommodation, so we ask everyone to be considerate of personal space and mindful of noise at night.

There is a well sized marine head (toilet) and shower compartment onboard.

USB charging is available onboard.

For liveaboard group courses, the boat is provisioned for the duration of the training.

As the overall focus is on learning, the breakfast and dinner are the main meals of the day, with lunch typically being quick sandwiches or soup. We usually enjoy one or two dinners ashore when staying in a marina.

Cooking and clean-up are shared as part of the crew experience. Learning to function as a team onboard is part of the training.

If you have dietary requirements, please let us know in advance. Most needs can be accommodated with proper notice.

For day-sailing sessions, tea and coffee are available onboard.

We recommend that you bring a soft collapsible backpacking / duffle style bag as suitcases are challenging to store onboard.

Generally, we recommend packing no more than what you would bring on a summer backpacking trip in the mountains.

On top of regular staples, consider packing these:

• Thermals. Handy for night sailing or if it’s particularly windy, even in warmer climates.
• Swimming suit
• Warm socks
• Sun hat
• Scarf (for sun protection)
• Towel
• Headlamp/flashlight, ideally with red light option
• Wind and water proof jacket and trousers.
• Ear plugs
• Non-marking shoes
• Sunglasses
• Notepad
• Travel Insurance
• Marine-friendly sunscreen
• Marine-friendly products if going down the drains of the boat (we will provide shampoo, conditioner, soap and all cleaning products onboard)
• Bug spray
• Sailing gloves
• Refillable water bottle
• Personal medications and first-aid kit

Sailing is weather-dependent by nature. In over a decade of teaching — including extensive time instructing in Scotland’s winter Atlantic conditions — I have never had to cancel a course due to weather.

That said, safety and learning quality always come first. If a forecast indicates conditions that would meaningfully compromise safety or the educational value of the course, we will adjust the plan. This may mean modifying the itinerary, working on theory and decision-making in the safety of a harbor, or in rare cases postponing a session.

Most challenging weather systems pass quickly. Often, they provide valuable teaching opportunities. You won’t be pushed into situations beyond your ability. Every decision is made conservatively, with skill level, vessel capability, and crew wellbeing in mind.

Alcohol

Yacht Master Class courses are training programs. There is no alcohol consumption while sailing or during training hours.

If we are securely moored in a marina and the day’s training is complete, you’re welcome to enjoy a drink ashore with dinner. Please do not bring personal alcohol onboard.

Drugs

Drugs of any kind are strictly prohibited on all Yacht Master Class courses. If a participant is found to be in possession of or under the influence of drugs, they may be removed from the course immediately without refund.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted onboard, including in cabins or below deck. If you wish to smoke, it must be done ashore.

This policy protects the safety, comfort, and shared environment of everyone onboard.

Please refer to our T&Cs .