All Hands:
Women's Learn to Sail
Two days on the water. New friends. Real skills.
All of it just for you.When women learn to sail together, something magic happens.
Questions flow. Everyone is heard. And by Sunday afternoon, you're all sailing.Day courses mean you can be home every night.
Good times ahead.
No experience required.
Enjoy a space where you can ask any questions you want and where mistakes are a welcome part of the learning process.All Hands is our women's Learn to Sail course. Instructor Annalise Van Ham, Wild About Sailing co-owner, veteran adventure sailor and Sail Canada certified instructor who brings patience, expertise, and a lot of enthusiasm to every tack and jibe.Two days on the water in the Gulf Islands. Maximum four students. Zero prerequisites. One great time!
Your Sail Canada Instructor
Annalise Van Ham
Instructor & Co-owner
Wild About SailingAnnalise is a Sail Canada certified instructor and veteran adventure sailor whose approach to teaching is as patient as it is practical. When she's not on the water, she's running trails or skiing into the backcountry. She brings that same calm problem-solving mindset to helping new sailors find their footing, and their confidence.
Our Approach
Small, friendly classes
Maximum 4 students means real one-on-one time with your patient instructor. No one gets lost in our crowd!
Sail fast, fun boats!
Our 28-foot performance cruisers are easier to learn on and super fun to sail. Small is beautiful! Fast is fun!
Sail Canada Certification
Every course follows national standards. Sail Canada's Learn to Cruise standard is recognized across Canada.
Learn in BC's Gulf Islands
Learn in some of BC's most beautiful sailing waters. Protected, scenic, and great wildlife!
What our students say ...
★★★★★
"Had a wonderful week learning at Wild About Sailing, and feel so much more confident to take our boat and family out on the water. Thank you!"Constance
★★★★★
"This was an excellent course! Dave and Annalise were wonderful - patient, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Beautiful boat too!!"June
★★★★★
"What an absolutely wonderful weekend!! Not only did I learn a ton but we all had so much fun," I can’t wait for my next course!!Stefanie
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to bring?
Just yourself and a sense of adventure. We provide the boats and the PFDs you'll need on board. Dress in layers for the weather, bring sunscreen, and wear shoes you don't mind getting wet. See your registration for a detailed list. We'll take care of the rest.
How big are the classes?
We keep it small, just three to four sailors per boat. That means you get real time at the helm, not just an afternoon watching someone else sail. Small groups are at the heart of how we teach.
Do I need to know anything before I show up?
Not a thing. At this level, there are no prerequisites, no experience required. If you can tie your shoes, you're qualified. We start from scratch and have you sailing on day one.
What happens if the weather is bad?
There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes. We sail in all kinds of weather — that's part of learning! Lessons are only cancelled in genuinely unsafe conditions, and we'll reschedule at no cost to you.
What time do classes start and end?
Weekend classes: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
What is your stay-aboard accomodation option?
If you'd rather not drive home after a full day on the water, onboard accommodation is available on the boat (subject to availability).
Just ask when you register.All it costs is a donation to RCMSAR Unit 36 Sidney (suggested at $50 per night). They're the volunteer search and rescue team that keeps our waters safe, and it's a great way to give back to the community while you sleep aboard.
Thank you!
We'll get back to you as soon as we can!