“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 beautiful Nelson BC from the water! Sail Nelson is our local recreational boating school offering you professional, fun, sailing courses that lead to Sail Canada certifications.
If you are not interested in courses, but still want to go for a sail, check out our Sailing Samplers!
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 54: Recycling your Boat… when it’s time to say goodbye
Episode #054: Your Pocket Sailing Instructor Podcast Recycling your Boat: What to do when it’s time to say goodbye It is the time of year…
Continue reading → EP 54: Recycling your Boat… when it’s time to say goodbye
EP 51: Spring Maintenance!
Episode #051: Your Pocket Sailing Instructor Podcast Spring Maintenance! Here I am sanding away on Spindrift’s bottom! Graham and I did SO MUCH sanding, faring,…
EP 50: Renaming Ceremonies!
Episode #050: Your Pocket Sailing Instructor Podcast A Renaming Ceremony! It is kinda appropriate at that my 50th podcast episode is about performing a renaming…
EP 49: Boating Superstitions!
Episode #49: Your Pocket Sailing Instructor Podcast Boating Superstitions! Support me on Patreon! Sign Up for the Podcast! Here is my most recent episode: Alright so…
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…
Our Safe Boating Partners
