Capt Mac's School Of Seamanship

Captain Mac is the real deal! We did his basic sailing course and my expectations were exceeded. With 40+ years of experience it is no surprise that I learned more in 5 days than I ever thought I would.

I took the Basic Cruising sailing course and it was a great experience. Learnt a lot, had a good time, and enjoyed a lot of great scenery. Captain Mac knows his stuff. Strongly considering taking the Coastal Navigation course next summer. Highly recommend Captain Mac for your sailing lessons.

We had such an amazing time during our Basic Cruising Standard course. Hard to believe just how much you can learn in just 5 days. We now feel confident going out in our own sailboat and have since taken on some sizeable trips.Captain Mac is an excellent instructor and took the time to answer an endless stream of questions. He was super focused on helping us to understand the real world value of what we were learning - things that can't be taught by just a book. Immediately after taking his course we were able to take our sailboat on some substantial trips. Not only that but we're able to get our boat fixed up and into better working condition based on his advice. He even took extra care and attention in helping us to understand how certain things would work on our new boat (25' Tanzer) vs his boat, which helped a ton in understanding our own sailboat. It's all the little things he teaches that are invaluable. Even after the course he's gone above and beyond in helping us through various issues we've run into.Outside of Capt Mac's teaching style, he's also just a really awesome character. Good sense of humour, fun to be around. When you're stuck on a boat for 5 days, this becomes super important!The food was great, the boat was beautiful, and the whole experience was something we won't forget. Would definitely highly recommend this to anyone who is serious about learning how to sail. You changed our lives Captain Mac! We're sailors now!-Travis & Julie

We did our Basic Cruise Standard last year , and returned for a tune up and to practice the basic skills again . It was an amazing week , a little more relaxed knowing we weren't going to be writing an exam this time but an outstanding learning experience again . We lucked out with the weather and wind this time , food was fantastic again . I was able participate in some basic boat maintenance this time. All part of learning what is going to be involved in eventually owning our own sailboat. Dabbled in basic navigation as well. We'll be back for more of the follow up courses. Thanks again Captain Mac !

I had a really great time on the Intermediate Cruising course with Capt Mac. He is a really great instructor with a tonne of knowledge. The boat, food and locale were all amazing! Thank you and looking forward to the next class!

I would highly recommend Capt Mac for your sailing instruction. His sailing vessel is pristine and comes with tremendous pride of ownership. This was my first time sailing on the ocean and the practical common sense lessons learned were valuable. Excellent cook as well. Our 5 day live aboard cruise was educational, even though we motored 50% of the time we still learned valuable lessons while motoring. Thanks Capt Mac!

Capt Mac was regarded as a good seaman but I found he was very bad and unqualified.On the fourth day of my training from Nanaimo that he headed there with a gale warning, But he insists going to Gibson with engine all the way 6 hours where Wind was about 30 knots and Waves were 2~3 meters high.It was like fighting to death with the wind and almost fell Overboard twice.This is a Failure of safety that he should stop this kind of action right now and it is meaningless to teach students like this for his own goods and the business.He said this kind of things he did many times. We are here to learn how to sail Not how to drive a motorboat.I quit at the arrival of Gibson port and never recommend him FOREVER

Did a weeklong cruising course with Captain Mac this summer. The entire trip was really fun and a great learning experience.The instruction was really hands on and everything is explained in simple and easy to understand ways with lots of time to practice everything that's learned.The locations we visited were nicely chosen and some of them were relatively off the beaten track compared to most. The food was great and the Captain did a good job of keeping us all entertained in the evenings.

Signed up as a single and took the Basic Cruising Standard course in June 2022. Had one of the most fun and educational experiences of my life. Everything from the views, sailing/boating exercises & lessons, the accommodation, meals and banter, all exceeded expectations!Will definitely be back to further develop my seamanship with Capt Mac.Side note: Make sure to read through the books and other information he sends you prior to beginning your course. Should go without saying but you will get much more out of it that way.

We had such an amazing time during our Basic Cruising Standard course. Hard to believe how much you can learn in just 5 days. We now feel confident going out in our own sailboat. Captain Mac is an excellent instructor and took the time to answer an endless stream of questions. Would definitely recommend this to anyone who is serious about learning how to sail. You changed our lives Captain Mac! 
-Travis & Julie