“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 41: My 2023 training plan!
Episode #041: Your Pocket Sailing Instructor Podcast My 2023 training plan! This week I am giving you a sneak peak into some of the things…
EP 40: Boat Show Season! How to make the most of your boat show visit!
Episode #040: Your Pocket Sailing Instructor Podcast Boat Show Season! How to make the most of your boat show visit! Well it is boat show…
Continue reading → EP 40: Boat Show Season! How to make the most of your boat show visit!
EP 39: Top 10 things I wish I knew before getting my own boat…
Episode #039: Your Pocket Sailing Instructor Podcast Top 10 things I wish I knew before getting my own boat… This week we are talking about…
Continue reading → EP 39: Top 10 things I wish I knew before getting my own boat…
EP 38: What is my sailing journey?
Episode #038: Your Pocket Sailing Instructor Podcast What is my sailing journey? How did I get here? I absolutely love this picture. Some people say…
EP 37: Boating with Kids!
Episode #035: Your Pocket Sailing Instructor Podcast Boating with kids! This week we are exploring the wonderful world of boating with kids!! It is SO…
EP 36: So yeah, all my dock lines snapped during this storm… WTF?!
Episode #036: Your Pocket Sailing Instructor Podcast This week I’m sharing a recent experience where almost all of my dock lines snapped! I have never…
Continue reading → EP 36: So yeah, all my dock lines snapped during this storm… WTF?!
Our Safe Boating Partners
