Arrival & Welcome (15 min)
Meet at the dock, introductions, and safety briefing.
Pre-Sail Orientation (15 min)
Review key concepts from the pre-trip materials and go over the boat systems.
Depart & Set Sail (30 min)
Leave the dock together—students participate in line handling and sail hoisting.
Hands-On Sailing Session (1.5–2 hrs)
Take turns steering, trimming sails, and learning how wind, course, and sail shape work together.
Skills Practice & Q&A (30 min)
Reinforce key skills, ask questions, and build confidence on the water.
Return to Dock & Debrief (15 min)
Dock the boat together and wrap up with a short review of what you’ve learned.

This is not a typical boat tour—it’s a hands-on sailing course. From the moment you step aboard, you’re part of the crew, actively learning how to sail rather than simply observing. You’ll leave with a real understanding of how a sailboat works and the confidence that comes from doing it yourself.

To make the most of your time on the water, you’ll receive learning materials ahead of your trip. This allows us to focus on applying concepts in real conditions, turning a short experience into a meaningful and practical introduction to sailing.

Port Renfrew offers a raw and dynamic coastal environment that makes every sail unique. The open water, changing conditions, and rugged scenery create an authentic setting to learn, far beyond what sheltered inland waters can offer.

With small group sizes, instruction is personalized and adaptable. Whether it’s your first time on a sailboat or you’re looking to build confidence, the experience is tailored to meet you where you’re at and help you progress quickly.

What to bring

• Hat

• Water bottle

• Sunscreen

• Layers/raingear depending on conditions

• Seasickness pills if prone to sea sickness

Special requirements

No prior sailing experience is required.

Participants will receive pre-trip learning materials and are expected to review them to get the most out of the course.

Minimum age is 14. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian or have written consent.

This is an outdoor activity that runs in most conditions—please dress appropriately (layers, waterproof jacket, non-marking shoes).

Restrictions

Participants must be able to step on and off the boat independently.

A reasonable level of balance and stability is required, as moving around the boat under sail is part of the experience.

This activity may not be suitable for individuals with significant mobility limitations or conditions that affect balance.

For safety reasons, this experience is not recommended for those who are pregnant or have medical conditions that could be impacted by a dynamic marine environment.

Health & Safety

We operate in real ocean conditions, and seasickness can occur. If you are prone to motion sickness, we strongly recommend bringing your own medication, as none is provided onboard.

Disclaimers

This activity operates in a wide range of weather conditions, including rain, wind, and moderate swell, as these are part of the sailing experience.

Trip conditions may vary depending on weather, tides, and sea state.

The operator reserves the right to modify the route, timing, or activities to ensure safety and quality of experience.

Trips may be delayed, rescheduled, or cancelled in the event of unsafe or extreme weather conditions.

More than 72 hours before departure:

Full refund.

24–72 hours before departure:

50% refund.

Less than 24 hours before departure:

Non-refundable.

Faro Sailing reserves the right to cancel or modify trips due to unsafe weather, mechanical issues, or other operational reasons. In these cases, guests will be offered either a full refund or the option to reschedule.

Shared departures require a minimum of 2 participants to run. If the minimum is not met, guests will be offered the option to reschedule, receive a full refund, or upgrade to a private departure.

Do I need sailing experience?

No experience is required. This is an introductory course designed for beginners.

Is this a tour or a course?

This is a hands-on sailing course. You’ll actively participate in sailing the boat and learning key skills.

What should I wear?

Dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket. Non-marking shoes are required. It can feel cooler on the water.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Trips run in most conditions, including rain and wind. If conditions are unsafe, the trip will be rescheduled or cancelled.

Will I get to steer the boat?

Yes—everyone will have the opportunity to take the helm and participate as part of the crew.