Instructor Development

Become a Sailing Instructor

Share your passion. Build your skills. Inspire the next generation of sailors.

There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping someone discover the joy of sailing! Whether it’s watching a new sailor take the helm for the first time or seeing that wonderful “aha!” moment when everything clicks, teaching sailing is an experience unlike any other.

As a Sail Canada Senior Instructor Evaluator (IE), I have the privilege of helping train and mentor new cruising and power boating instructors each year. After more than 30 years of teaching sailing, I can confidently say that becoming an instructor is one of the best ways to develop your own sailing skills, build confidence on the water, and share your love of sailing with others.

Becoming a sailing instructor isn’t just about teaching someone to sail. It’s about developing leadership skills, improving your seamanship, learning to communicate effectively, and becoming a more knowledgeable and capable skipper. You’ll meet some fantastic people along the way, challenge yourself in new ways, and perhaps even open the door to exciting opportunities to teach and sail around the world!

Instructor Training & Certification

Sail Canada cruising instructor clinics are organized by Provincial Sailing Associations (PSA) and delivered by qualified Instructor Evaluators (IEs) at partner sailing schools. Clinics are typically offered in the spring and fall, providing opportunities for experienced sailors to take the next step in their sailing journey. The majority of our Cruising Instructor Clinics are offered through BC Sailing, Ontario Sailing, and Voile Quebec. However, every province has a PSA and if there is enough demand, we will certainly add clinics in other provinces!

On this page, I’ll share upcoming instructor clinic dates, registration information, and resources to help you understand the certification process. You’ll also find stories and experiences from instructors who have taken the leap into teaching sailing.

Whether you’re considering becoming an instructor for the first time or looking to advance your existing qualifications, I hope you’ll find some inspiration and useful information here.

Ready to take the next step? Explore upcoming clinics, learn about the certification pathway, and discover where teaching sailing might take you!

For official certification requirements and instructor training information, visit Sail Canada’s Keelboat & Cruising Instructor Program.

Upcoming Instructor Clinics

2027 Dates are being determined! I will add information here as it becomes available! In the meantime, please browse the Provincial Sailing Association (PSA) websites below.

Provincial Sailing Associations (PSAs)