Are You ready to learn to sail?

No HST for 2024. 
Prices on the website are valid for 2024
 Payment method will be discussed at registration.

  • Alexei is great Instructor. he will install sence of security and importance of good seamanship while making it really fun and informative. Many thanks.

    Milan Andri Avatar Milan Andri
    November 27, 2021

    positive review  Alexei is a great and experienced instructor! We are mid way our course and enjoying the good teaching in his sailboat.

    Natasha Tolub Avatar Natasha Tolub
    June 30, 2019

    positive review  Fantastic sailing school! Alexei was kind enough to put his boat in the water early for a birthday surprise! He was accommodating, always quick to reply and gave great instructions. I did a two hour lesson. On the day, he was a great teacher. You really felt involved and not just in a tour. We learned how to unfurl the sails, how to catch the wind and how to steer. This was a really cool adventure! Perfect for couple or small group. Toronto is so beautiful from the water, and Alexei knows where to go for great pics. I learned a lot about sailing and would definitely go again on a longer trip!!! Thanks so much !!!!

    Nicole Smashnuk Avatar Nicole Smashnuk
    May 5, 2019
  • positive review  Solid, Flexible and moderately priced ROC-M course

    Alastair MacIntyre Avatar Alastair MacIntyre
    April 15, 2019

    positive review  Awesome time on the water with Alexei! Thanks for a great day and all the great learnings.

    Julie Perry Avatar Julie Perry
    August 26, 2018

    positive review  We really enjoyed the Introduction Sailing class we took from Alexei! Looking forward to taking more in the future.

    Anna Dreyzin Avatar Anna Dreyzin
    August 8, 2018
  • Introduction Sailing class was great, very informative! Alexei is really professional, organized, excellent instructor. During two hours he can give all details and a lot of important information about sailing. I would highly recommended to take the course in Great Lakes Sailing School! Thank you Alexei for the great teaching!

    Elina Van Avatar Elina Van
    October 3, 2017

    First time sailing. We (four of us) took an "Introduction to sailing" class with Alexei & we had a blast. Everything was very well organized including booking, transportation & Alexei taught a class in a very easy & understandable manner. Very patient instructor. We almost asked him more then 50 questions and he answered all our questions when we were sailing. Now we know what is the different between 100% and 150% Head Sail. Great times with a cool and relaxed teacher. Very interesting, informative (before sailing, Alexei thought us how safe to get in and off the sail, how to control ourselves when standing on the deck. Before we start sailing he went through the check list with us for safety, equipment and emergencies, Radio, ridged knife, hand pump and many more other things. I wish I could take a picture of the check list (left my phone in the car). Very impressed with this sailing school. Will be signing up for more programs in the near future and definitely recommend to everyone. Thank you Alexei for great memories!

    Hadi Vaez Avatar Hadi Vaez
    September 25, 2017

    Great times with a cool and relaxed teacher. I would recommend it to any and everyone!

    Tyronn Rahda Monroe Avatar Tyronn Rahda
    September 12, 2017
  • I took the "Introduction to sailing" class for my wife and myself using the great promotion rate the school was offering. My wife was scared to step on any kind of boats since her childhood time due to an accident she had. Looks like her fears almost vanished. Thanks to Alexei’s kind and delicate manners and hospitality combined with solid confidence and knowledge of the subject. It was interesting experience, new knowledge and fun for all of us. Many thanks Alexei!

    Andrei Beznogov Avatar Andrei Beznogov
    August 18, 2017

    We took an introduction to sailing class with Alexei. It was incredible! Alexei is great instructor, very patient and his instructions are clear. Will be signing up for more programs in the near future Definitely recomended

    Nadia Beliakov Avatar Nadia Beliakov
    August 17, 2017

    My boyfriend & I took an "Introduction to sailing" class with Alexei & we had a blast. Everything was very well organized & Alexei taught a class in a very easy & understandable manner. Thank you for great memories!

    Olga Khilukova Avatar Olga Khilukova
    July 24, 2017

 

Are you just curious about sailing or are you an aspiring captain?

Our sailing lessons will help you find your sea legs. No experience is necessary to start our sailing lessons! We mainly operate in the Toronto Harbour area for your convenience.

sailing lessons in toronto

Choose the following Sail Canada Certified courses:

Introduction to Sailing –  $150 pp

You have never been sailing. You want to grab a partner and see what it’s all about. All you need is an able body and a willing spirit.

 Start Keelboat Sailing Standard – $550pp

You like being out on the water.  It’s time to learn the ropes! These lessons will give you the knowledge to be a competent crew member.

 Basic Cruising Standard – $850pp

You want to be the captain. With the completion of these lessons you will have the confidence and certification to captain a sailing vessel.

 VHF Radio Operator Certificate – from $180pp

You have never broadcasted your voice, it can be nerve-racking. Learn to operate Very High Frequency marine radios effectively and stay legal with this certification.

Additional Courses We Offer

Private sailing lessons and skill building

You want a very personal experience outside of a certified course. Sailing instruction, practical water safety, and outboard motor operation is available.

GIFT CERTIFICATES ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE COURSES

TO REGISTER PLEASE SEND EMAIL TO:  [email protected] 


After you have payed 50 % or the price I will send you a Gift Certificate file with your name, date and course name. 
This is an example:

Do you have questions about our courses? Contact us!

Where we teach:

Great Lakes Sailing School location and sailing area

VHF Radio course: Port Credit, Mississauga 

Sailing courses: Aquatic Park Sailing Club
Tommy Thompson Park, Toronto

Favourable wind and wave

Good weather conditions can always be found in Toronto’s Outer or Inner harbour due to the complex shoreline configuration.

Westerly 33 Sailing Vessel

Great Lakes Sailing School Vessel “Nascha”

You will start learning as soon as you approach the boat at the dock. The first lesson is how to board the boat: what to grab and where to stand to be safe.

Student pick up and drop off

You can choose several locations to begin your lessons. We will pick up groups by boat on the Toronto Downtown Waterfront, Outer Harbour Marina (free parking), or Aquatic Park Sailing Club (free parking) in Tommy Thompson Park.

Our Instructor

Alexei Pachkevicth

Alexei is by education and experience an aquatic ecologist. He has a passion for sailing and water sport. Alexei has extensive practice cruising the waterways around Ontario. Therefore his 40 years of sailing history make him an ideal sailing instructor. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alexei is a Sail Canada certified instructor. He has worked as an instructor in Toronto before starting Great Lakes Sailing School.  He is dedicated to the best practices in safety, boat handling, and boat maintenance.

Alexei’s feedback

We would first like to thank you for being a part of the team this season. We have had an overwhelmingly positive response from our students and renters.

Claire Williams
Assistant Manager
Sailing and Powerboating

Alexei Pachevitch taught me the Basic Keelboat course. His school is Great Lakes Sailing School. I have experience with several sailing teachers and Alexei is the one I recommend.

James Carlisle,
Student 2016
Great Lakes Sailing School

“Very interesting, informative, safe, and fun. Very impressed with this sailing school. Will be signing up for more programs in the near future.”

Kalman Roller,
Student 2017

Great Lakes Sailing School

“Alexei was very professional in his approach to the theory as well as the practical applications of sailing. He took the time needed to fully explain and demonstrate all topics and techniques required for the course. As well, he made sure that each and every question I posed was answered to my satisfaction. Alexei was very receptive to feedback and adjusted the lessons accordingly.I would highly recommend Alexei to anyone interested in getting started with sailing.”

Bruce Cuthill
Student 2018
Great Lakes Sailing School

CONTACT

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