“I was impressed with Penny’s abilities, knowledge and skills as a sailing instructor. I would strongly recommend her to other students and as a former flight instructor myself, I am well positioned to appreciate an instructor’s abilities when I see them!”
Welcome!
Explore Nelson BC from the water! Sail Nelson is our local recreational boating school offering you professional boating courses! Our courses lead to Sail Canada certifications which are recognized internationally and we are all about safe, professional, sailing fun! Start your sailing adventure today!
You can also tune in to our podcast, Your Pocket Sailing Instructor, where Penny provides weekly, free, sailing content for you to enjoy! Be sure to sign up for our weekly freebies, so you don’t miss an episode!

Courses & Resources
- All
- Marine Radio
- Skipper Training
- Crew Training
- Charter Sails
Testimonials
“The Sail Nelson Basic Cruising Course was just what I needed! It gave me the terminology, theory and, above all, the practical experience I required to be confident in sailing my own 22 ft Catalina sailboat. Penny Caldwell is an excellent instructor!”
“Sailing with Penny Caldwell of Sail Nelson was an absolutely thrill! Not only did I feel very at ease on the water, I was amazed at how much I was able to learn and absorb during the lesson and all while having so much fun! I will be sure to join Penny on the water again.”
Recent Podcast Episodes
EP 47: Docking: The Basics…
Episode #047: Your Pocket Sailing Instructor Podcast Docking: The Basics… Alright, we have all been there! You’re heading into the dock, speed is great, wind…
EP 46: Anchoring 2.0 Continued…
Episode #046: Your Pocket Sailing Instructor Podcast Anchoring 2.0 Continued… This is a continuation of my last episode all about anchoring. If you haven’t listened…
EP 45: How-to anchor like a boss!
Episode #045: Your Pocket Sailing Instructor Podcast How-to to anchor like a boss! There is something magical about spending a nice, quiet, night at anchor!…
EP 44: Don’t be a jerk – Boating Etiquette
Episode #44: Your Pocket Sailing Instructor Podcast Don’t be a jerk – Boating Etiquette This week I am talking all about being a good boating…
Continue reading → EP 44: Don’t be a jerk – Boating Etiquette
EP 43: Beating the Winter Blues – how I stay engaged in my sailing over the winter!
Episode #043: Your Pocket Sailing Instructor Podcast Beating the winter blues! How I stay engaged in my sailing over the winter… Alright winter sucks for…
EP 42: PFDs, life jackets & tethers… what you need to know!
Episode #042: Your Pocket Sailing Instructor Podcast PFDs, life jackets & tethers… what you need to know! This week we are talking about safety (no…
Continue reading → EP 42: PFDs, life jackets & tethers… what you need to know!
Our Safe Boating Partners
