Private Instruction

For those seeking private instruction, a smaller class size or who would like to arrange their own group (friends or family), we provide options that let you tailor the course to your specific needs. There is a private course "buy out" option for most of our structured ASA courses or private instruction can be added to your bareboat charter. Simply let us know your preference and we’ll assist you with the rest. Our instructors are all USCG Captains and have their instructor certification through the American Sailing Association. But, beyond this training, what makes our instructors stand apart is their pleasant demeanor, adaptability and way of instructing that makes you not only excited to learn, but at the end of your training you’ll feel confident and secure in your sailing education.


Option 1 - Refresher and Maneuvering (up to 4 hours)

This option is for those who have already booked a charter with us. It is designed for experienced boaters who are chartering a larger boat than they have in the past or would like a skills refresher before heading out on their charter. This instruction takes place on the first morning of your charter and is designed to help you become more familiar with your chosen boat, gain confidence in its maneuvering characteristics, and provide your crew with a refresher in docking teamwork. Other subjects you may wish to review while your instructor is aboard are your boat's sailing characteristics, anchoring, chart reading, navigational electronics or any of the more complicated operational systems aboard your boat.

This instruction option is tailored to fit your needs. It can be anywhere from 1 hour to 4 hours, depending on how much you would like to cover. After instruction is complete you may drop your instructor back at the dock here in Squalicum Harbor and continue on with your charter.

Rate: $250 (in addition to the cost of your charter)


Option 2 - Private Instruction (1+ Day)

If you are planning for private instruction on a bareboat charter, the first step is to discuss what you’d like to accomplish on your charter. Are you looking to earn your Bareboat Cruising (Charter Certification) so that you can return to charter and skipper on your own? Possibly your crew is also looking for training as well. Or, maybe you’d rather have a skipper aboard and just relax and enjoy cruising throughout the islands! All these are options and can be easily tailored to meet your needs. If you are seeking American Sailing Association certification, the same training can be achieved in the private charter that we offer in our scheduled classes, just with your own crew and/or family and friends. Not all onboard need to be trained, since on a private you have the option of everyone or just a few to be involved in the learning process. This is often ideal for families with young children or for those with crew that would rather spend more time ashore or just relaxing on the foredeck!.

Based on what you are looking to accomplish, we’ll then assist you in selecting a boat (we know them inside and out!). Beyond the daily rate for instruction or skippering on one of our charter boats , you'll also want to include the instructor/skipper in your provisioning. Our instructors are very adaptable and will naturally take the least favorable sleeping location. We want you and your crew to enjoy our spacious cabins!

Rate: $425/day (in addition to the cost of your charter)

Special Opportunities