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
  • Charter Sails
  • Cruising
  • Intermediate Cruising
  • Live-Aboard Cruising
  • Coastal Navigation
  • Day Sailing
  • Gifts
  • Marine Radio
  • Online Learning
  • Women & Wind

Live-Aboard Sampler

Gift Certificates

Women & Wind

Day Sailing Quiz

Coastal Navigation

VHF Marine Radio
Basic Cruising

Basic Cruising

Sailing Essentials

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