There are precious few places left in today's world where people can experience the unbridled freedom and sense of exhilaration that comes from sailing an offshore yacht.
At times, sailing and the ocean express an unbelievable beauty and magic that, for the right person, reaches in to touch our very souls. At other times, in heavy weather, it can be quite uncomfortable and even scary.
In order to be safe when taking a yacht offshore, both the boat and the people who sail her must be prepared. There are no "Yellow Pages" out there - if something breaks and must be fixed, then you are the one who must fix it.
Good information is the basis of good decision making. Preparedness and skill development are the keys to the enjoyment and safety of this sport.
The Canadian Yachting Association (CYA) offers a complete set of programs designed to take you from a landlubber to an experienced ocean-going cruising sailor or offshore racer.
You can join us in Nova Scotia during our Canadian summers or in Florida during our Canadian winters to charter sailboats or certify to CYA standards.
If you already own a boat, we can come aboard and teach you how to sail, maintain and operate it. This is perhaps one of the most efficient ways to learn sailing and seamanship. We call it our "Custom" course because we meet you where your are, standing in your own sailing boots, and carry you forward from that point to the level of proficiency you want to achieve.
Welcome aboard! I can only hope you experience some of the thrills, joys, beauty and excitement that sailing has bought into my life.
As John Masefield put it: "I must go down to the sea again, to the sea and the lonely sky; and all I ask is a tall ship, and a star to steer her by."
I shall look forward to seeing you on the water.
Mike Whitehouse, sailor.
