“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! Not sure where to start? Take our New Sailor Survey to find out! Start your sailing adventure today!

Courses & Resources
- All
- Coastal Navigation
- Cruising
- Day Sailing
- Gifts
- Marine Radio
- Online Learning
- Women & Wind
- 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 Posts
Kootenay Boating Wish List
Well I have been in the Kootenays for almost 6 years now. I have realized since moving Spindrift out here from Montreal that there are…
COVID-19: A Summer of Photos
A summer of photos…
Sailing Weather Apps
Looking for some weather apps to help with your sailing adventures? Well, here are a few weather apps that I have started playing with recently……
Gear Review – Foul Weather Gear
REBLOG from Summer 2018: As I prep for my upcoming trip this summer, I am realizing that my old foul weather gear is just not…
Boating with Kids
I can tell you from experience that there is nothing more rewarding than teaching your kids a new skill, such as sailing. There is also…
Finding our Course in Challenging Times…
Well I have had to make some difficult decisions lately about the course Sail Nelson will take for the 2020 season. Based on the current…
Our Safe Boating Partners
