Sailor’s Starter Package
Your complete pathway from beginner to confident sailor!
Ready to turn your dream of sailing into reality? The HBSC Starter Package is the ultimate all-in-one launchpad for new sailors. Designed to take you from your very first lesson to confidently cruising Lake Ontario and beyond. You’ll receive everything you need to start sailing safely, and with confidence.
What’s Included?
Sail Canada Basic Keelboat Cruising Course (28 hours)
Learn to skipper a cruising keelboat in moderate conditions with HBSC’s Sail Canada certified instructors. 18 hours on the water aboard a 31-foot Hunter cruising keelboat, plus 10 hours of classroom instruction and a written exam.
- Boat handling under power and sail
- Docking, anchoring, and crew-overboard procedures
- Reefing, knots, and sailing terminology
- Rules of the road, safety equipment, weather and chart reading
- Multiple course formats to suit your schedule
ROC(M) VHF Radio Certificate with DSC Endorsement
Every competent skipper needs strong radio skills. This two-evening course teaches you how to operate a marine VHF radio correctly and legally, including emergency procedures and Digital Selective Calling (DSC). On the second evening, you complete a short written and oral exam to earn your Restricted Operator’s Certificate (Maritime).
PCOC – Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card (Boating Licence)
The official proof of competency required for anyone operating any motorized pleasure craft in Canada. Automatically achieved upon successful completion of the Sail Canada Basic Keelboat Cruising Exam.
PVOP – Power Vessel Operator’s Permit (Toronto Harbour Licence)
A legal requirement for those entering the Toronto harbour. The on-water portion is taken care of during your Basic Cruising course and there is a short exam that can be written afterwards.
One Month of Unlimited Sailing — HBSC Boat Sharing Club
This is where everything comes together. Your Starter Package includes 30-days of UNLIMITED SAILING as a member of the Humber Bay Sailing Centre Boat Sharing Club, giving you immediate access to a diverse fleet and an active sailing community.
As a member, you can:
- Sail sunrise, morning, afternoon, and evening, every day of the week
- Join boats as crew through our online reservation system
- Learn from experienced skippers, instructors and crew
- Attend formal club mentoring sessions on specific topics
- Participate in club racing, dinner cruises, flotilla weekends, and social events
- Enjoy the HBSC waterfront deck, grounds, and stunning Lake Ontario sunsets
You’ll have access to club boats including our C&C 34, Hunter 33, C&C 32, J/24s and more, giving you the chance to build experience on a variety of vessels.
Instead of taking courses and memberships separately, the HBSC Starter Package gives you a clear, affordable, and exciting pathway into sailing:
✔ Learn to sail
✔ Get certified
✔ Get licensed
✔ Get on the water
✔ Become part of a sailing community
Whether your goal is weekend cruising, future charters, or simply spending more time on the water, this package gives you the skills, confidence, and access to start your sailing adventure the right way – from day one!
Package Price: $1995.00 (+HST)
You can also upgrade from Basic Keelboat Cruising to the Sailor’s Starter Package during the same season for $1,050 (+HST). Upgrade from Sailor’s Starter Package to a full 12-month club membership also available. For more information please contact education@hbsailing.com