A Unique Learning Environment and Experience
Welcome to
the Beaconsfield Yacht Club Cruising School!
Training
SWEN Sailing Training is dedicated to providing high-quality instruction and activities at the Beaconsfield Yacht Club.
Within this warm, community-oriented setting—supported by premier facilities—you will have the opportunity to learn, advance, and fully immerse yourself in the world of sailing… all from the heart of Montreal!
Beyond a community, we are building a living ecosystem:
A place of connection, support, and growth, where everyone can progress, learn, and sail further.
Let’s grow an inspiring maritime community together.
Share your ideas, aspirations, and projects — your feedback helps shape the experiences we create next.
Take the quiz to determine your next steps based on your current proficiency and objectives.
Program
Sail
Canada
Certification Training
Our certified training programs evolve with you: designed around the needs of our community, they offer useful, engaging experiences perfectly aligned with your ambitions.
SWEN
Autonomy
Nautical Miles
Advance, Experience, and Share
Between discovery, enjoyment, and progress: experience a new way to sail.
🔵 Blue: Programs available for immediate booking (Book Now / Join the Crew).
⚫ Dark Grey: Launching once 4 participants have expressed interest (Register Now).
⚪ Light Grey: Coming Soon – Express your interest to stay updated (Notify Me).
🔵 INTRODUCTION TO CRUISING SAILING⚓
Take your first steps with confidence
- Location: Beaconsfield Yacht Club (Optional travel sessions available)
- Format : 2 days- customizable dates and flexible timings
- Core Boat Handling (N1 et N2)
- Prerequisites: None
- Objective: To become an active participant and assist on board.
- Price: $480 per person.
This course serves as the perfect starting point to test your sea legs in a relaxed and secure environment. Transition from a passenger to an engaged crew member.
By the end of your training, you will be fully prepared to assist with onboard operations and participate in maneuvers.
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Women’s Sailing
We also offer this excursion as part of our Women’s Sailing program — please consult the calendar and join us on board!
Gain confidence and develop your nautical skills in a supportive and encouraging environment (led by a female instructor).
🔵 5 to 8 – Discover Sailing
Enjoy your summer evenings in Montreal.
- Location: Beaconsfield Yacht Club
- Duration: 3 hours
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: $124 per person.
Trade the office or crowded patios for Lake Saint-Louis and transform your late afternoon just minutes from Montreal.
No sailing experience is required to register!
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Women’s Sailing
We also offer this excursion as part of our Women’s Sailing program — please consult the calendar and join us on board!
Gain confidence and develop your nautical skills in a supportive and encouraging environment (led by a female instructor).
🔵 Intro to Sailing – Day – N1
Make Montreal your summer playground
- Location: Beaconsfield Yacht Club
- Duration: 7h
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: $240 per person.
Escape to Lake Saint-Louis for a day and turn your time off into something exceptional, just minutes from the city.
No sailing skills necessary to participate!
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Women’s Sailing
We also offer this excursion as part of our Women’s Sailing program — please consult the calendar and join us on board!
Gain confidence and develop your nautical skills in a supportive and encouraging environment (led by a female instructor).
🔵 Travelling differently by sail
We offer bespoke, curated sailing expeditions designed for peace of mind—no prior maritime experience required.
- Duration: Minimum of 7 days
- Destinations: International
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: upon request.
Reserve as a group for your preferred dates and destinations, or join our interest list.
We organize departures by destination and month.
Solo Travelers ?
Simply specify your preferences (dates and destination) in the registration form to join a group.
Departures are confirmed as soon as a minimum of four participants are registered—this can happen very quickly!
🔵 ELEMENTARY CRUISE SAILING⚓
A springboard to establish solid, safe fundamentals.
- Location: Beaconsfield Yacht Club (Optional travel sessions available)
- Format: 4 days — flexible dates and schedules.
- 2 days – Basic Maneuvers (N1 & N2)
- 2 days – Advanced Maneuvers (N3 & N4)
- Prerequisites: None
- Objective: To become a Competent Crew member or an Active Skipper.
- Price: $960 per person.
- Included: Logbook and practical exam.
Competent Crew :
You will become an indispensable right-hand member of the team, capable of effectively assisting a captain. (This objective is achieved by the majority of participants within 4 days).
Elementary crew chief
Designed for those seeking to lead autonomously. This certification confirms that you are safe and responsible for your crew. You possess the command and judgment required to manage both your crew and your vessel.
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Women’s Sailing
We also offer this itinerary as part of our Women’s Sailing program—check the schedule and come aboard!
Gain confidence and develop your nautical skills in a supportive and encouraging environment (led by a female instructor).
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Important: Skill Level Requirements
Please verify the required level during registration. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.
Levels N1 & N2 : Sailing basics and core reactions.
Levels N3 & N4 : Skill refinement and autonomy (prerequisite: basic level validated). Level-based training ensures a solid foundation for your certification.
Note: Adherence to these levels is mandatory to obtain your certification. If you are unsure of your placement, please contact us.
⚫ PLEASURE CRAFT OPERATOR CARD⚓(PCOC)
- Location: Beaconsfield Yacht Club
- Prerequisites: None
The Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is mandatory for anyone operating a motorized vessel in Canada. Consider this your nautical “driver’s license.” This certification is also required when chartering vessels internationally.
Training commences once a minimum group of 8 participants is reached.
Register to join the upcoming cohort, or organize your own private group to select a custom date.
⚫ ROC(M) VHF with DSC Endorsement ⚓
- Location: Beaconsfield Yacht Club and/or Online
- Prerequisites: None
The Restricted Radiotelephone Operator’s Certificate is a legal requirement for anyone operating a marine radio in Canada and many international jurisdictions.
Similar to the PCOC, we operate on a cohort basis.
The theoretical coursework and examination will be launched once a minimum of 8 participants have registered.
⚫ Standard First Aid & CPR-C (General or Marine)⚓
- Location: Beaconsfield Yacht Club & Online
- Prerequisites: None
At sea, safety begins with the ability to act.
This essential training prepares you to manage medical emergencies and perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) effectively, whether in an urban setting or a remote maritime environment.
Similar to the PCOC, we operate on a cohort basis.
Training launches upon reaching 8 registered participants.
⚪ BREVET DE NAVIGATION
CÔTIÈRE élémentaire⚓
- Location: Beaconsfield Yacht Club and/or Online
- Prerequisites: None
🔵 PRACTICAL SAILING DAYS
Flexible Scheduling
Master fundamental and advanced maneuvers from the Elementary Cruising Standard.
- Location: Beaconsfield Yacht Club
- Duration: 7h
- Prerequisites
- Basic Maneuvers (N1 & N2) :
- None
- Advanced Maneuvers (N3 & N4)
- Basic Maneuvers (N1 et N2) or Introduction to Sailing
- Basic Maneuvers (N1 & N2) :
- Price: $240 per person.
- Package offer: 6 day trips for the price of 5.
You will find two levels in our calendar: choose the one that best supports and optimizes your learning experience.
- Basic Maneuvers (N1 & N2)
- Advanced Maneuvers (N3 & N4)
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Women’s Sailing
We also offer this excursion as part of our Women’s Sailing program — please consult the calendar and join us on board!
Gain confidence and develop your nautical skills in a supportive and encouraging environment (led by a female instructor).
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Questions? We are here to help.
🔵 SAILING CLINIC – Evening
- Location: Beaconsfield Yacht Club
- Evening Session: 3h
- Prerequisites:
- Introduction to Cruising
- Or your first two days of Basic Cruising
- Price: $124 per person.
- Package offer: 6 day trips for the price of 5.
An ideal opportunity to log nautical miles and sharpen your seafaring instincts in a relaxed, post-work environment.
We focus on both fundamental and advanced maneuvers within the elementary cruising curriculum, tailored specifically to your individual requirements.
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Women’s Sailing
We also offer this excursion as part of our Women’s Sailing program — please consult the calendar and join us on board!
Gain confidence and develop your nautical skills in a supportive and encouraging environment (led by a female instructor).
🔵 SAILING EXCURSION
Embrace the true spirit of sailing
- Location: Beaconsfield Yacht Club
- Duration: 7h
- Prerequisites: Elementary Skipper certification
- Price: $240 per person.
- Package offer: 6 day trips for the price of 5.
This is not merely a leisurely sail; it is a mission-driven experience. Our goal is to reach a specific destination, enjoy the surroundings (whether for a swim or a coffee break), and return efficiently.
Participants will learn to plan and execute a short-range voyage, including: drafting a formal navigation plan, taking accurate navigational bearings, managing the vessel’s course and progress.
These outings take place one Sunday per month. Follow us on social media to stay informed about upcoming dates and make sure you don’t miss anything. The outing is a full-day trip departing from the Beaconsfield Yacht Club.
Should demand for this program increase, we will look into adding more dates to the calendar. If you are interested in participating, please let us know by sending an email.
🔵 HARBOR MANEUVERS & PILOTING
Master the Dock with Confidence
- Location: Beaconsfield Yacht Club
- Evening Session: 3h
- Prerequisites:
- Introduction to Sailing
- Competent crew member.
- First two days of Basic Cruising.
- Prix : 124$/personne
- Package offer: 6 day trips for the price of 5.
This three-hour session is designed to familiarize you with sailboat handling in confined waters, docking maneuvers, and piloting.
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Women’s Sailing
We also offer this excursion as part of our Women’s Sailing program — please consult the calendar and join us on board!
Gain confidence and develop your nautical skills in a supportive and encouraging environment (led by a female instructor).
⚪ NIGHT NAVIGATION 101
Prepare, Learn, Navigate
- Location: Beaconsfield Yacht Club
- Evening Session: 4h
- Prerequisite: Elementary Skipper level
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Women’s Sailing
We will also offer this outing as part of our Women’s Sailing program.
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This course is developed based on demand. Show your interest: register now to trigger the next start date!
⚫ HEADING FOR INTERMEDIATE
Prepare, learn, sail to succeed.
- Location: Beaconsfield Yacht Club
- Format: 7 hours per day, once a week this summer The format can be adjusted based on participant availability. Evening sessions are also available upon request.
- Prerequisites:
- Elementary Skipper
- Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)
- ROC(M) VHF with DSC Endorsement
- Price: $240 per person, per outing.
- Package offer: 6 day trips for the price of 5.
Theoretical and practical training. Prepare for the Sail Canada Intermediate Cruising certification by gaining the confidence, skills, and recommended prerequisites to continue your progression with peace of mind.
Register to help launch this summer’s training program!
🔵 GUIDED EXPEDITIONS
Prepare, Learn, Navigate
- Type: Voyage – life on board.
- Destinations: International
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: upon request.
A total maritime immersion designed to hone your seamanship. This expedition blends the thrill of travel with practical, real-world offshore cruising instruction.
Two ways to learn while traveling:
- Same-Level Group Sessions (Certification-Oriented): Join a group of peers with similar skills to work toward a formal qualification.
- Private Group with Loved Ones (Shared Experience): Embark on a journey with family or friends for a personalized, collective learning adventure.
Why leave your loved ones behind? Sailing is best experienced together! (Please note: You will remain in training; there will be designated working periods for you while the guests relax on the beach 😉).
The following programs are available in this format:
Introduction to Cruising
Basic Power and Sail
Skills Consolidation
👤 Traveling solo?
Join our waitlist!
We build crews as soon as 4 people share a common certification goal and similar destinations.
🔵 INTERMEDIATE CRUISING SAILOR⚓
A springboard to establish solid, safe fundamentals.
- Destinations: International
- Duration: 1 week minimum
- Prerequisites:
- Elementary Skipper
- Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)
- ROC(M) VHF with DSC Endorsement
- Navigation Certificate – Level 1
- Objective: Competent Crew or Intermediate Skipper
- Price: upon request.
Elevate your skills through a total offshore immersion.
This program bridges the technical rigor of the intermediate certification with the exhilarating experience of blue-water sailing.
👤 Solo Travelers
Join our registry.
We assemble crews as soon as four individuals share a common destination and certification objective.
⚪ Intermediate Coastal Navigation Certificate ⚓
- Location: Beaconsfield Yacht Club and/or Online
- Prerequisites:
- Navigation Certificate – Level 1
- Intermediate-Level Cruise
- Price: upon request.
Refine your navigational skills, master the planning of complex excursions, and learn to manage voyages independently.
This course also covers navigation rules, buoyage systems, and coastal safety, effectively preparing you for the Advanced Cruising Certificate.
🔵 PATH TO IVQ & ELEMENTARY INSTRUCTOR
Become a first mate, undergo professional training, and prepare for the Instructor Certification Exam
- Location: Beaconsfield Yacht Club & International
- Prerequisites:
- Intermediate Cruising
- General or Marine First Aid & CPR Certification
Rejoignez notre programme d’échange : mettez votre temps au service de SWEN — marketing, entretien des bateaux, sorties…en fonction de vos compétences — et profitez d’une formation pratique, de temps de navigation comme second pour progresser et préparer vos certifications officielles.
Build your skills and confidence while learning hands-on in real conditions.
⚪ PATH TO ADVANCED SAILING
Prepare, Learn, and Navigate to Succeed
- Location: Beaconsfield Yacht Club, Online, and International
- Format: 8 full-day and 4 evening sessions. The schedule can be adjusted based on participant availability: we can offer more evening sessions than full days, and additional full-day sessions can be added upon request.
- Prerequisites:
- Intermediate skipper and prerequisites.
- Price: upon request.
Theoretical and practical training. Prepare for the Sail Canada Advanced Cruising certification by gaining the confidence, skills, and recommended prerequisites to continue your progression with peace of mind.
This course will launch as soon as 8 sailors show their interest: sign up now to kickstart this summer’s session!
🔵ADVANCED CRUISING SAILOR ⚓
A springboard to establish solid, safe fundamentals.
- Destinations: International
- Format: minimum 10 days
- Prerequisites:
- Intermediate skipper and prerequisites.
- Coastal Navigation Certificate: Level 2
- Price: upon request.
👤 Solo Travelers
Join our registry.
We assemble crews as soon as four individuals share a common destination and certification objective.
⚪ YACHTMASTER⚓
A springboard to establish solid, safe fundamentals.
- Destinations: International
- Format: Preparation tailored to experience level, followed by a 2-day examination
- Prerequisites:
- Minimum Requirements: 2,500 nautical miles
- 5 passages acting as skipper
- 5 night navigations
- Experience must be within the last 10 years
This training is offered in partnership with an external organization, as Sail Canada does not yet provide this program at a commercial level.
We are committed to delivering the highest caliber of sailing excellence, providing internationally recognized training programs based on Sail Canada standards.
👤 Solo Travelers ? Join our registry.
We assemble crews as soon as four individuals share a common destination and certification objective.
⚪ FLOTILLA SAILING
Guiding you toward safe and confident navigation
- Destinations: International
- Format : 1 semaine minimum
- Prerequisites:
- Advanced skipper and prerequisites.
- Price: upon request.
Achieve complete autonomy with peace of mind, supported by professional expertise. This program represents the final milestone before transitioning to independent yacht chartering.
Subject to a scheduled departure or if you have a group large enough for 2 boats.
⚪ PATHWAY TO YACHTMASTER
Transform your passion for sailing into a professional career.
- Destinations: International
- Recommended Prerequisites:
- Advanced skipper and prerequisites.
- Elementary Instructor certification
- Price: upon request.