You are ready to learn to sail!

4.9

Based on 15 reviews

Michelle Lacroix

19:00 02 Sep 19

We did the 'Introduction to Sailing' class and had a great day sailing, and really enjoyed the hands on instruction.... Alexei was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions. Would recommend this class to anyone looking to try sailing on Lake Ontario!read more

Scott Wig

01:39 01 Sep 19

My wife and I took an Introduction to Sailing course with Alexei. We had no previous sailing experience, but... immediately felt safe with him as our skipper and instructor. We both had a chance to take the wheel as we hoisted the sail. A great 2 hours spent in Toronto Harbour! Alexei was very open to any questions we had and was extremely knowledgeable. His passion for sailing and teaching is very evident. Thanks for a great day!read more

McKenzie Hunter

17:18 22 Aug 19

We enjoyed our time with Great Lakes Sailing School.

Phillip Raffi

10:27 15 Aug 18

Alexei was awesome! My wife and I took a lesson with 2 other people and we all had a great time while learning a lot.... Alexei lets you get as involved as you want and teaches you the basic principles of sailing. He is extremely knowledgeable, experienced and fun.read more

Irshad Mulla

20:30 08 Dec 17

Took a 3 hours introduction to Sailing with the instructor Alexei this summer. The sailing club is hidden away. Make... sure to catch the shuttle since it arrives every hour. We missed it because we stood at the wrong location, but Alexei was nice enough to come and grab us.The others didn't show up, so what was supposed to be a group lesson ended up being a private lesson for me and my wife. Alexei was very nice and friendly. Showed us around the boat and got us to try sailing for a bit under his guidance. Answered a lot of our questions. He has a wealth of knowledge. He also showed us an article of him and his wife sailing in the Great Lakes.Highly recommend taking a class with him. Hope to join him again in the near future for a full sailing certification.read more

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No price rise, no HST for 2020

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.

Choose the following Sail Canada Certified courses:

1. 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.

2. Start Keelboat Sailing Standard – $450pp

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.

3. 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 $140pp

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

Marine Diesel Workshop – $170pp

You have a boat with a marine diesel engine. Maybe you’re not sure how to take care of it. We can take you through basic engine functions and simple maintenance.

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.

Do you have questions about our courses? Contact us!

Where we teach:

Great Lakes Sailing School location and sailing area

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.

Certified 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