Cruise & Learn

A hands-on sailing experience that blends active participation with relaxed exploration. Learn the fundamentals of sailing while enjoying a longer, scenic journey along Vancouver’s coastline.

Why this expedition

  • Actively participate in sailing the boat
    Guests take part in helming, sail trim, and crew roles, gaining real, practical sailing experience.

  • Learn by doing
    Instruction is woven naturally into the sail, allowing skills to build through movement and repetition rather than classroom-style teaching.

  • Longer time on the water
    A four-hour format allows for a relaxed pace, skill development, and time to enjoy the scenery between learning moments.

  • Guided by experienced sailing instructors
    Professional instructors adapt the experience to your comfort level, offering guidance without pressure.

  • Balanced and confidence-building
    Designed to feel engaging and rewarding without being technical or overwhelming.

Book Now

Starting at

$999 for up to 5 people

Dates

May 1 - September 30, 2026

Duration

4 hours

Style

Private charter, Hands-on sailing with guided learning

Perfect for

Curious beginners, aspiring sailors, couples, small groups, and guests who want more than a passive sail

What’s Included

  • Professional sailing instructor

  • Sailing yacht and fuel

  • Safety equipment

  • On-water instruction and guidance

  • Light local insights during the sail

The Experience

This experience is about understanding how sailing works.

After a short dockside introduction, you’ll head out onto the water and begin sailing almost immediately. Your instructor introduces steering, sail trim, and crew coordination in a practical, approachable way, adapting the pace to the group.

Between learning moments, there’s time to relax, enjoy the views, and feel how the boat responds to wind and conditions. The result is a deeper connection to sailing without the pressure of formal certification.

How the Sail Unfolds

Each sail is shaped by wind and conditions. While no two trips are the same, most include:

Dockside orientation
A brief overview before heading out.

Under-sail learning
Hands-on practice with steering and sail control.

Extended sailing time
Time to refine skills and enjoy the journey.

Relaxed return sail
A comfortable sail back with changing scenery.

Routes and learning focus vary with weather and conditions to ensure comfort and safety.

10.jpg
14.jpg
15.jpg
12.jpg

Trust & Safety

This experience is operated by MacSailing, Canada’s largest sailing school, operating on Vancouver’s waterfront since 1999.

Our vessels and operations comply with Transport Canada regulations, and our skippers are professionally trained and highly experienced, operating under established safety procedures developed through decades of instruction, coaching, and on-water programming.

Safety equipment is carried onboard, and routes are selected each day to prioritize comfort, conditions, and guest experience.

 FAQs

 

  • No. This experience is designed for beginners and non-sailors.

  • Seals and seabirds are common, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

  • Yes, for older children comfortable on boats.

  • Conditions are usually calm. We choose routes that prioritize comfort.