You are ready to learn to sail!

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 Deisel 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