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, questions flow. There's laughter. Everyone gets heard. And by Sunday afternoon, you're all sailing.You'll earn Sail Canada Start Keelboat Sailing certification and the confidence to crew on any boat.Day courses mean you can be home every night.
Weekend courses are currently open in July and August.
Find your crew.
Find your confidence.
Two days sailing with other adventurous women.You'll be on the helm from day one, sailing the Gulf Islands with a maximum of three other students.
No experience required. Just show up curious.Co-owner Annalise Van Ham leads every course with patience and warmth. She's genuinely fun to learn from.By Sunday afternoon you'll have real skills and a Sail Canada certification to prove it.
Your Sail Canada Instructor
Annalise Van Ham
Instructor & Co-owner, Wild About SailingOur students say Annalise is patient, warm, and genuinely fun to learn from. She'll help you feel capable, strong, and confident on the water.She's been sailing since 1987 and earned her Sail Canada instructor certification in 1990. Along the way, she's crewed offshore passages across the South Pacific, served on a tall ship hospital vessel in the Pacific, co-skippered Sloop du Jour in the Race to Alaska, and rowed a 21-foot ocean rowboat from Tacoma to Port Townsend.She's always the most approachable person on the dock, and she shares an enthusiasm that will make you feel at home in the boat. When she's not on the water, she's skiing in the backcountry or running trails and marathons.
All Hands:
Women's Learn to Sail
We'll show you the fundamentals you need to confidently start crewing for daytime adventures on boats
up to ten metres.
Course Details
Two-day program - home every night!
One evening class (7:00 pm to 9:00 pm)
Optional accommodation aboard our boats
No prerequisites
Three to four sailors
$725 per person (+ taxes)
What our students say ...
★★★★★
"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 R. 06/25
★★★★★
"Our sail with Wild About Sailing was spectacular.
Annalise was a joy to deal with and was very knowledgeable and kind."Lyndal T. 05/26
★★★★★
"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 C. 08/25
Why go with Wild?
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
We're in North Saanich, BC near BC Ferries Swartz Bay Terminal and about 15 minutes from the Victoria International Airport.
You'll find us at Canoe Cove Marina, often on the patio at the Fox & Monocle Cafe, enjoying a cinnamon bun and a coffee.
What do I need to bring?
Just yourself, a lunch, 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. 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 is your cancellation policy?
From time to time, we may need to reschedule or cancel a course due to factors beyond our control (e.g., weather). If we do, we will offer you a full refund of your course fees. If you cancel your course up to 28 days before it starts, you will receive a full refund.
What time do classes start and end?
Daytime classes: start at 9:00 am and end at 4:30 pm
Evening classes: are scheduled on a convenient day for participants. They start at 7:00 pm and end no later than 9:30 pm
What is your stay-aboard accommodation 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!