There are no formal prerequisites for this beginner course other then age, 14+. If you attended an introductory course, have crewed on a boat or are engaged in other water sports all the better.
Swiming skills are desirable, but not required. Still, you should be comfortable on water far from shore. Unlike dinghy sailing, capsizing is not a 'daily routine' on a keelboat, although a crew member may accidently end up in the water.

Basic Cruising Standard is Sail Canada first level skipper course. The course is designed for beginners and those with little experience. May sound too basic, but whether on a daily cruise or across the ocean, you will be using sailing terminology, maneuvers and safety procedures you learn at this level. The aim is to learn how to operate a boat under sail and under power with some basic cruising skills. The emphasis is on proper techniques and safety.
By the end of this course, candidate should be able to cruise safely in familiar waters as both skipper and crew of a sloop rigged keelboat of 6 to 10 meters with an outboard or inboard motor in moderate wind and sea conditions by day.
The Exam: To get the certificate you must pass both ashore and afloat tests. Ashore knowledge test consists of set of questions and you must achieve 70%. Normally the exam is organized at the end of the course. If you do not pass you will get a second chance minimum 14 days later. The afloat skills are evaluated on the on-going basis. Nobody became a proficient skipper after two days on the water, but you should be able to safely operate the boat in moderate conditions and familiar waters.

Every sailing school providing courses leading to Sail Canada certification uses the curriculum set by the association. In 27 hours, the course covers the following topics:
- Terminology.
- Sailing gear.
- Maneuvering under sails: upwind, downwind, tacking, gybing, reefing, heaving to.
- Maneuvering under power.
- Docking and casting off.
- Anchoring.
- Safety aboard sailing vessel.
- Basic rules of the road.
- Weather conditions and its impact on a sailing trip. Obtaining forecast.
- Responsibilites of the skipper and the crew.
- Handling common emergencies.
- Lines and knots.
- Checking the boat before departure. Snugging down upon return.

For more details visit Sail Canada Basic Cruising Standard web pages
https://www.sailing.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Basic-Cruise-2024_11_22.pdf

Although the list of the ashore objectives is longer than of the afloat, teaching and practicing afloat skills takes about 80% of the time.

Our primary activity for the upcoming season will be Sail Canada II - Intermediate Cruising Standard course, which we recommend.
If you are interested in this basic course alone, please contact us for arrangement.
Included:
- Instructions, exam and Sail Canada registration fees
- Food and non-alcoholic drinks
- Four days (three nights) on-board accomodation
- Fuel, water, port taxes, etc.
- Sail Canada Log book and seal
- "Basic Cruising Skills" text book