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The Rigging Shoppe & Diane Reid Present

Courses

Get ready for your next adventure with our Marine Courses. Learn navigation, VHF marine radio operation, or sharpen your cruising skills in expert-led classes designed to boost your confidence and knowledge.

Courses are taught by Diane Reid, professional skipper, racer, and instructor with over 100,000 nautical miles at sea. As a Sail Canada instructor and Royal Yachting Association Ocean Yachtmaster, Diane brings hands-on experience from racing and teaching on everything from Mini 650s to Volvo 60s.

Join us in-person or online and earn the skills and certifications you need for a safe, confident season on the water.

Offshore Racing Theory

Dates:
2025 April 3, 10, April 17, 24, May 1 (Thursdays) from 1800-2100

Location: Zoom

Application Deadline: March 1, 2025

Fee: $450 per person plus applicable taxes

Enquiries or Applications:
Email Diane at the Rigging Shoppe

The first of three installments of programming.  Offshore Racing Theory is delivered through an online classroom live.  You will need access to a computer with video and audio.  Learn about:

  • Safety equipment and Offshore Special Regulations, electronics power supply and spend, galley management and how to eat at sea, weather and onboard weather routing systems, developing the road book, emergencies management & boat performance to name a few.
  • Pre-requisites: Previous hands on experience sailing overnight in a race or cruising, while participating in watch rotations.
  • Previous experience day racing
  • Offshore Racing Theory or equivalent skills is a pre requisite to Offshore Racing Training

Sail Canada Basic Navigation

Dates: 
Sundays, November 3, 10, 17, 24, December 1, 15, 22, 2024

In person: 
0900 - 1200 at The Rigging Shoppe

Online (Zoom): 0990 - 1200 

Location: Zoom

Fee: $550 + taxes (includes charts, plotting equipment, and testing fees)

Join our Sail Canada Basic Navigation course and learn all the essential skills to confidently navigate your next adventure. This course includes hands-on practice with a paper chart, plotting protractor, and dividers. 

Upon passing the final exam, you will receive a Sail Canada certification.

Intermediate Cruising Theory

Dates: 
Saturday November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30  2024 

Time: 0900 - 1300

Total Hours: 19

Registration Fee Per Person: 
$360 each plus taxes, including testing session

Looking to learn more about the systems on your boat? This Sail Canada Intermediate Cruising theory course is designed to help you get to know the ins and outs of the plumbing, electrical, engine, sail trim and many other aspects of going cruising for more than just a couple hours.

Interested in getting the full certification or just the education?  This course includes the theory test for the Intermediate Cruising certification, which combined with an on water sailing practical course leads to full certification. 

Whether wanting the full accreditation or just the knowledge, this course will help you get there.  

VHF Marine Radio Course

Dates: 
Saturday November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30  2024 

Time: 0900 - 1300

Total Hours: 19

Registration Fee Per Person: 
$360 each plus taxes, including testing session

Welcome to the world of using your VHF radio on your boat.  This course will lead you through learning how to send and receive radio calls, calling a Mayday, trouble shooting your transmissions and ultimately prepare you for the written test.

 Successful completion of the test leads to certification of your Radio Operator Certificate Marine – Digital Selective Calling.  This is the certification you are required to have by law in Canada to use the VHF radio on your boat.