START KEELBOAT SAILING 

START KEELBOAT SAILING 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The Introduction to Cruising Sailing on a Keelboat (IVQ) course is part of the Quebec Sailing Federation’s curriculum. This course is recommended for those who want to discover the world of sailing without committing to a longer course, while acquiring the basics of navigation. This course is also intended for new boat owners who want to take charge of their own vessel.

If, at the end of your course, you wish to continue your training to obtain the Elementary Cruising Sailing Certificate, you can simply add additional days (minimum 2 days) to your training. For more information on the Elementary Certificate or to reserve your additional days, visit this page.

Obtaining the IVQ Certificate

Throughout your training course, your instructor will assess your ability to follow instructions as a crew member and take part in maneuvers on board the boat. You will also be asked to complete a workbook to assess your understanding of the terminology and concepts covered in this course. Candidates who obtain a passing grade of 70% or higher and demonstrate consistent practical skills throughout the course will obtain the Keelboat Sailing Initiation Certificate. For a detailed description of the certificate and its objectives, please click here.

Sailing area

Lac des Deux-Montagnes is considered an exceptional place to learn to sail. Its vast expanse of water offers a safe and relatively uncrowded environment, allowing beginners to sail in complete safety, while benefiting from variable wind conditions for an enriching learning experience.

Additional information

The course takes place aboard a 26-foot Tanzer, Azimut, an ideal boat for learning to sail. Capacity is deliberately limited to three students in order to offer each participant optimal practice time, whereas many schools accommodate up to four participants per boat. Classes are taught in French. For courses in English, please contact us by phone at 450-472-8042.

The course is taught on a 26-foot sailboat (Tanzer 26) and, if you wish, we can also teach it on your own boat (travel expenses not included, reservations by phone at 450-472-8042).

Lunch is taken on board the boat and is not included. We invite you to bring your own meal.

At the end of the season, the list of candidates who have passed their IVQ certificate will be sent to the Quebec Sailing Federation, which will issue the stamp to be affixed to your logbook.

Training days will be held with a minimum of two participants. If the minimum number is not reached, the customer will be invited to reschedule their training day, or a private lesson option may be offered to the registered student.

For important information to consider before your course, please refer to our Important Information for Your Course document and our Cancellation Policies.

BOOKING INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1: Book your course

The course lasts two days, which may be consecutive or non-consecutive. (When booking online, be sure to select both days from those offered in the calendar.)
If you wish to continue your training—for example, to obtain the Elementary Certificate—additional days may be added at a later date.

During these sessions, your instructor will guide you and, in collaboration with the other students, help you put into practice all the skills required to obtain the IVQ Certificate (Introduction to Cruising) or the Basic Certificate from the Canadian Sailing Federation, depending on the number of days selected.

Training days are held with a minimum of two participants. If the minimum number is not reached, the customer will be invited to reschedule their training day, or a private lesson option may be offered to the registered student.

STEP 2: Purchase your book (optional)

The book Introduction to Cruising Sailing is the official manual of Sail Canada and is an essential tool for anyone wishing to discover or consolidate their basics in cruising sailing. Designed to accompany cruising sailing training, it is not mandatory for the IVQ certification, but is a complementary educational tool to support your learning.

The $20 + tax shipping fee is included in the cost.

STEP 3: Sign the online risk acceptance form

Thank you for reviewing the risks associated with your activity and signing the online risk acceptance to make your on-site experience as pleasant and hassle-free as possible.

Step 4: Last step before boarding (the most important one)

YOUR PREPARATION

Watch our YouTube playlist

To make learning more dynamic and engaging, Voile Sansoucy has invested in a series of videos covering essential topics to prepare you for your cruising sailing course. This series of 10 videos, with a total duration of approximately 40 minutes, provides an overview of the important maneuvers that will be covered during your course. Sit back, get your popcorn ready, and start learning now!

Reading the book Introduction to Cruising (Optional)

Although the book “Introduction to Cruising” by Sail Canada is not mandatory for this certification, it is highly recommended that you read it beforehand to familiarize yourself with the terminology and maneuvers covered in the course. You can add the book to your order when you make your online reservation.

See you on the water!