Group sailing courses

Squamish, BC

April - November 2026

2026 dates will be released in early March.

Small groups. Limited spaces. If you’d like early access & priority booking, please join the waitlist.

Join the waitlist

Group Courses

Learn to sail and earn globally recognized qualifications onboard one of our scheduled small-group IYT courses.

Beginner course | International Crew

Start here if you’re new to sailing.
Learn the fundamentals and become a capable crew member on a yacht.
This is a 4-day beginner course - available as day sailing or liveaboard.

Learn more: International Crew

Skipper course | International Bareboat Skipper

Ready to take the helm yourself and become a captain?
Build the boat handling, navigation, and command skills to charter with confidence.
This is a 5-day liveaboard skipper course.

Learn more: International Bareboat Skipper

International Crew

Beginner course | 4 days day sailing* | Prerequisites: NONE | Teaches sailing foundations as a crew | Capacity: 3-4

*Can be also combined with a mixed 5 day liveaboard skipper course.

International Crew introduces complete beginners to sailing and teaches the seamanship and safety skills needed to become an active, reliable member of a yacht crew.

🧭 Who is it for, what to expect, what does it enable me to do?

👉 Who is it for?

Complete beginners with little to no sailing experience
Anyone who wants to join a yacht as crew and learn the basics of sailing
Recommended minimum age: 16

⛵ What to Expect?

Hands on training on the water. You’ll learn and practice the essentials of sailing — steering, sail handling, mooring, ropework, nautical terminology, and safety drills such as man-overboard recovery — all from the perspective of a crew member.

🧭 What does it Enable you to do?

Join a sailing yacht as an active crew member on coastal passages.
Contribute safely to onboard operations under the direction of a skipper.
Progress naturally to the IYT International Bareboat Skipper course for command training.

💡 Syllabus & Key skills you'll learn

IYT International Crew Syllabus

Nautical terminology
Types of vessels and basic parts of a yacht
Personal and boat safety
Vessel checkout and daily routines
Basic sail and power handling skills
Steering under sail and power
Ropework and knots
Anchoring techniques
Emergency procedures (including man overboard)
Basic collision regulations (COLREGs)

💎 Includes

High attention instruction over 4 days of 8h day sailing.
Small group size: max 3 in mixed group, or 4 in a private group.
All fuel and boat related expenses
Tea & freshly roasted coffee onboard
IYT International Crew certificate

🗓️ Schedule & Pricing

April - November dates and pricing will be announced soon. Please feel free to join the waitlist.

Reserve a spot

International Bareboat Skipper + ICC

Intermediate skipper course | 5 days Liveaboard | Prerequisites: YES | Teaches Skipper skills | Capacity: 3-4

For sailors who want to step up as skipper and take their friends and family sailing — whether that means chartering abroad or taking responsibility of their own boat.
The course that transitions you from crew to skipper — and builds the confidence and competence to take full command of a yacht — planning and executing coastal passages safely, managing crew, and making sound decisions as skipper.

You’ll develop navigation, pilotage, boat handling, and leadership skills. This course is widely recognized around the world and also enables you to apply for an ICC (International Certificate of Competence), which is also valid in Canada in lieu of the PCOC.

🧭 Who is it for, what to expect, what does it enable me to do?

👉 Who is it for?

Sailors with some solid crewing experience (International Crew or equivalent)
Anyone planning to skipper and charter yachts up to 24m in coastal waters (typically within 20NM offshore, fair conditions)
Minimum age: 16

🧭 Pre-requisites:

200NM & 10 days sailed (includes the 100NM & 5 days on the course itself) and VHF license. (I can help with that)
Sailing skills equivalent to the International Crew level.
Theory knowledge equivalent to the IYT IBS Theory course. (free online)

📚 How to Prepare?

At this level, you’ll be expected to combine practical sailing ability with solid theory knowledge.

Your first skipper course is challenging — and rewarding — because it transitions you from crew to a position of complete responsibility.

⛵ What to Expect?

Five to six days of skippering, navigation, pilotage, crew leadership, and boat-handling instruction under real conditions. You’ll plan passages, handle the boat under sail and power, and practice docking, anchoring, and emergency drills.

Assessment is continuous — combining practical skills, theory understanding, and responsible command. Your instructor will give you feedback throughout the course, so you know what to work on.

🧭 What does it Enable you to do?

Skipper a yacht for private cruising or charter in many parts of the world.
Qualify to apply for the International Certificate of Competency (ICC) — often required for chartering in Europe, and accepted by Transport Canada in lieu of the PCOC
Progress toward IYT Yachtmaster Coastal and beyond.

Most importantly, it will give you the tools to go out and learn for yourself — and to make your mistakes and progress safely.

Ready to take charge? Book your IYT International Bareboat Skipper course today

💡 Syllabus & Key skills you'll learn

IYT International Bareboat Skipper Syllabus

Skipper responsibilities and crew management
Safety, hull, rig, and systems checks
Fuel, water, and provisioning planning
Weather, forecasts, and local patterns
Passage and pilotage planning
Mooring, anchoring, and vessel handling in confined waters
Tides, currents, and position fixing
Collision regulations: lights, shapes, and sounds
Ropework, knots, and general deck work
Dinghy handling and tender operations

🗺️ Typical Itinerary

This is just a sample - the itinerary is depended on weather conditions, and the dynamics of the course, with focus on maximum learning.

Day 1: Squamish - Gibsons / Keats
Day 2: Nanaimo
Day 3: Gulf Islands
Day 4: Gulf Islands or Vancouver / Bowen Island
Day 5: Squamish

💎 Includes

High attention instruction over 5 liveaboard days of sailing.
4 nights accommodation onboard
Food onboard: Breakfast, snacks, lunch each day. 2-3 dinners (we typically eat out when in harbor)
All fuel, marina fees, and boat related expenses
Small group size: max 3 in mixed group, or 4 in a private group.
IYT International Bareboat Skipper certificate

🗓️ Schedule & Pricing

April - November dates and pricing will be announced soon. Please feel free to join the waitlist.

Reserve a spot

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the schedule be released and what is the pricing?

Schedule and pricing will be released in early March. YMC is transition from offering private instruction only to also running limited group courses on our training vessel. Once this process is finalized, we will update the page with scheduling details. The scheduled courses will run monthly from April to late autumn.

Do I need International Crew before Bareboat Skipper?

No — you can enter at any level if you already have the required experience, theory knowledge, and practical skills expected below that level.

It’s highly recommended, though, to have either the official IYT prerequisite course or an equivalent qualification from another recognised training organisation before moving up.

For example, many sailors with prior crewing or skippering experience go straight to IYT International Bareboat Skipper.

That said, it’s important to choose the level that truly matches your experience — both for your enjoyment and your progress.

International Bareboat Skipper is not designed to teach the absolute basics; you’ll likely struggle without a good crewing foundation.

Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore are coaching-based courses and assessments for seasoned skippers — you should already be competent and confident in all areas of seamanship; the course simply sharpens those skills and validates them through examination.

Do I need a theory course?

Not strictly — but you do need to have the same level of theoretical knowledge.

Your practical course focuses on applying skills like navigation, COLREGs, tides, and passage planning, so arriving with that understanding already in place will make a huge difference to your confidence and progress.

IYT offers free e-learning modules for many of its courses — it’s well worth checking them out at IYT E-Learning.

Are these courses recognized internationally?

Generally, yes.

There’s no single global “sailing licence,” but IYT qualifications are among the most widely recognised worldwide thanks to multiple governmental approvals and more importantly charter and insurance company wide recognition.

With an IYT International Bareboat Skipper certificate, you’re eligible to obtain an ICC (International Certificate of Competence), which many European charter companies require. The IYT ICC is also recognized by Transport Canada so you don't need a PCOC.

Recognition can still vary between countries and charter operators, so if you’re planning a trip, it’s always best to check their specific requirements in advance.

What is an ICC and how do I get it?

What is the ICC (International Certificate of Competence)?

The ICC (International Certificate of Competence) is a widely recognised skipper certificate originally developed to help standardise recreational boating across Europe.

There is no single “global sailing licence,” but the ICC has become one of the most commonly accepted credentials for chartering yachts in Europe — and in many other destinations worldwide.

When you successfully complete the IYT International Bareboat Skipper course, you qualify to apply for the ICC directly through IYT.

The IYT-issued ICC is:

Recognised by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA)
Recognised by Transport Canada (Canadian edition – PCOC equivalent for recreational use)

Important Note (UN Resolution 40)

Under UN Resolution 40, IYT cannot issue ICCs to residents of countries that already have their own national ICC issuing authority.

If you are a resident of one of the following countries, you must apply through your national body instead:

Please follow this link for more details.*

*practically, you are eligible for the IYT ICC if you are not a resident of the following countries:

Austria

Belarus

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Czech Republic

Finland

Germany

Hungary

Ireland

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Netherlands

Norway

Romania

Serbia

Slovakia

South Africa

Switzerland

Ukraine

Is VHF (radio) license required? For which courses?

For the International Bareboat Skipper, you need to have a VHF license. This can either be an IYT VHF license, or other recognized VHF license. A popular way of obtaining one is through Canadian Power and Sail Squadron, available as an online or in person course.

There is no VHF requirement for International Crew.

Yacht Master Class as of now does not provide VHF exams.

How does assessment work? Is there an exam?

I will give you feedback throughout the course so you know what to work on. Assessment is continuous — combining practical skills, theory understanding, and responsible command at the appropriate level.
Towards the end of the course, there is a short theory test, which includes the topics covered during the course.

I’m a bit nervous about joining a group course. What if we don’t get along?

Group courses bring together people from different backgrounds, ages, and experience. What connects everyone is the same thing: a genuine motivation to learn.

Sailing has a way of creating natural teamwork. We operate in an environment where cooperation and respect are essential. That shared purpose tends to align people quickly.

Over the years, I’ve never had a course where personal differences became a major problem. In fact, many students stay in touch long after the course ends — sometimes becoming lifelong friends.

The key ingredients are simple: humility toward the sea, respect for each other, and a willingness to learn.

If you value those, you’ll fit in perfectly.

I’m a little concerned about safety. How do you manage it onboard?

Safety is always the first priority.

I do not push questionable situations, and decisions are err on the side of caution.

I am a commercially endorsed Yachtmaster with extensive offshore experience including adverse weather, first aid certification, and sea survival training.

Our training vessel carries a full complement of required and in-date safety equipment, including lifejackets, harnesses, liferaft, flares, VHF/DSC radio, and man-overboard recovery gear.

Before departure, we conduct a thorough safety briefing so everyone understands the vessel, equipment, and procedures.

If at any time you have concerns or questions, please let me know immediately.

In the unlikely event of a serious emergency, we are always within reach of Coast Guard assistance via marine radio.

What boat are the courses run on?

Group courses are run on a Vancouver 32 — a classic long-keel ocean-going sailboat.

She’s a proven offshore design: stable, well sailing boat, and perfectly suited for skill development in real conditions. The boat comfortably accommodates up to five people onboard, is maintained to high standards, and equipped with a full suite of safety equipment.

More details about the vessel, layout, and onboard setup will be shared soon on a separate page.

What is accommodation like onboard? Will I have to share a bunk?

Life onboard is sometimes described as “glorified camping on the water.”

Space on a yacht is compact by nature — everything is thoughtfully designed, functional, and efficient. You’ll sleep in individual berths (bunks). On mixed group courses, students do not share bunks. If you’re joining as a couple, you may share the forward double cabin.

Privacy is limited compared to land-based accommodation, so we ask everyone to be considerate of personal space and mindful of noise at night.

There is a well sized marine head (toilet) and shower compartment onboard.

USB charging is available onboard.

What is food like onboard?

For liveaboard group courses, the boat is provisioned for the duration of the training.

As the overall focus is on learning, the breakfast and dinner are the main meals of the day, with lunch typically being quick sandwiches or soup. We usually enjoy one or two dinners ashore when staying in a marina.

Cooking and clean-up are shared as part of the crew experience. Learning to function as a team onboard is part of the training.

If you have dietary requirements, please let us know in advance. Most needs can be accommodated with proper notice.

For day-sailing sessions, tea and coffee are available onboard.

Packing list

We recommend that you bring a soft collapsible backpacking / duffle style bag as suitcases are challenging to store onboard.

Generally, we recommend packing no more than what you would bring on a summer backpacking trip in the mountains.

On top of regular staples, consider packing these:

Thermals. Handy for night sailing or if it’s particularly windy, even in warmer climates.
Swimming suit
Warm socks
Sun hat
Scarf (for sun protection)
Towel
Headlamp/flashlight, ideally with red light option
Wind and water proof jacket and trousers.
Ear plugs
Non-marking shoes
Sunglasses
Notepad
Travel Insurance
Marine-friendly sunscreen
Marine-friendly products if going down the drains of the boat (we will provide shampoo, conditioner, soap and all cleaning products onboard)
Bug spray
Sailing gloves
Refillable water bottle
Personal medications and first-aid kit

What happens if the weather is bad?

Sailing is weather-dependent by nature. In over a decade of teaching — including extensive time instructing in Scotland’s winter Atlantic conditions — I have never had to cancel a course due to weather.

That said, safety and learning quality always come first. If a forecast indicates conditions that would meaningfully compromise safety or the educational value of the course, we will adjust the plan. This may mean modifying the itinerary, working on theory and decision-making in the safety of a harbor, or in rare cases postponing a session.

Most challenging weather systems pass quickly. Often, they provide valuable teaching opportunities. You won’t be pushed into situations beyond your ability. Every decision is made conservatively, with skill level, vessel capability, and crew wellbeing in mind.

Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking Policy

Alcohol

Yacht Master Class courses are training programs. There is no alcohol consumption while sailing or during training hours.

If we are securely moored in a marina and the day’s training is complete, you’re welcome to enjoy a drink ashore with dinner. Please do not bring personal alcohol onboard.

Drugs

Drugs of any kind are strictly prohibited on all Yacht Master Class courses. If a participant is found to be in possession of or under the influence of drugs, they may be removed from the course immediately without refund.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted onboard, including in cabins or below deck. If you wish to smoke, it must be done ashore.

This policy protects the safety, comfort, and shared environment of everyone onboard.

What is the payment and refund policy, and terms and conditions?

Please refer to our T&Cs.

For more general FAQs please see: Frequently Asked Questions page.

Let's talk

Do you have any questions? Not sure which course is right for you?

Get in touch

About

International Yacht Training

Yacht Master Class is accredited under the IYT training system. International Yacht Training Worldwide (IYT) was founded in 1998 to provide recreational and professional sailors with certifications recognised around the world.

Over the past two decades, it has grown into one of the most globally connected boating training organisations, with several hundred partner schools operating across dozens of countries.

IYT offers a complete training pathway—from International Crew and Bareboat Skipper through to Yachtmaster Ocean—and extends into professional programmes including superyacht training.

Its qualifications are accepted by numerous national maritime administrations, including the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), USCG, Transport Canada, UN Resolution 40 signatory countries (ICC), as well as most charter operators worldwide.

Uniquely, IYT is also one of the few non-governmental bodies authorised to issue the International Certificate of Competency (ICC), often required for yacht chartering across Europe and other regions.

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