Welcome!

After nine incredible seasons, Sail Nelson will be closing its doors at the end of 2026. What an adventure it has been!

A huge thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. I’ve had so much fun getting to know you all, sharing adventures on the water, and watching your sailing skills and confidence grow. It has truly been a pleasure to be part of your sailing journeys, and I’m grateful for all the wonderful memories we’ve made along the way.

But don’t worry, I’m not hanging up my sailing gloves just yet!

You can continue to follow along at my new website, penny-caldwell.ca, where I’ll be sharing plenty of free sailing resources, tips, and adventures. I’ll also be continuing my podcast, Your Pocket Sailing Instructor, and have some exciting plans for future sailing adventures and charters around the world!

While Sail Nelson may be coming to an end, there are still plenty of nautical miles ahead, and I hope you’ll come along for the ride.

Thank you for nine amazing years. Keep in touch, keep learning, and most importantly, keep sailing!

Courses & Resources

  • All
  • Charter Sails
  • Intermediate Cruising
  • Crew Training
  • Skipper Training
  • Gifts
  • Women & Wind
  • Coastal Navigation
  • Marine Radio
sailboats sailing on sea against sky

Live-Aboard Cruising
six white boats under horizons

Mileage Builders
silhouette photo of watercraft

Sunset Sail with Sage

Women & Wind

Coastal Navigation

VHF Marine Radio

Skipper Training

Crew Training

Testimonials

“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!”

Kootenay Lake Sailing
Georges, Ottawa ON

“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!”

David, Nelson BC

“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.”

Astrid, Nelson BC

Recent Podcast Episodes

Our Safe Boating Partners