Welcome to Silver Star Sailing School
Welcome to Silver Star Sailing – sail training and nautical lessons offered in Eastern Ontario on the St. Lawrence River, near Cornwall, Ontario.
Silver Star Sailing School provides training programs for all levels of sailors; from 3-hour Introduction to Sailing trips on the St. Lawrence River, to multi-day Adventure Sailing programs based out of Cornwall and SD&G, and internationally.
A Little Bit About Us….
Silver Star Sailing School was started by Scott Booth and Leslie Marvell. We have been married for 26 years, residents of South Glengarry for 25 of those, having relocated from Vancouver for small town living.
Our sailing journey began as participants of Stormont Yacht Club’s, “Adult Sail Weekend.” We were absolutely hooked. Within a year, we completed American Sailing Association (ASA) courses on Lake Champlain and were on our way to purchasing our first sailboat. Celtic Song, a Bayfield 40 Ketch was to become our weekend escape with our two kids.
Now almost 10 years later, we want to share our love of the art of sailing. Scott and Leslie have both Sail Canada and American Sailing certifications to help you pursue the certification path of your choice.
We have big goals for the school – Bareboat Courses for those seeking to get away and charter a boat for friends and family in warmer waters in the winter or on the Great Lakes, Catamaran training, and Navigation. Continue to watch us here!
SAILING Courses and Programs
Scheduling and Availability
We are not creating a firm schedule as we want to provide flexibility to you. We are first come, first serve. If you want a weekend course, weekday or weeknight course, we will work together to schedule it. Using the contact button on the course selection, there is a contact form to complete. Identify which course you want, the preferred date(s), and we will contact you to get your course scheduled.
Sail Canada and American Sailing Certifications are available
If you have a preference to acquire certification for ASA instead of Sail Canada, please contact us and we will help facilitate your ASA course scheduling.
Introduction to Sailing
This is 3 hour sail to introduce you to the experience of moving with wind, no engine noises – just a quiet breeze and lapping water. You will be hosted on our vessel with our instructor. You can choose to sit back and relax, or join in to pull lines steer. This is for new boaters or those curious about sailing.
Start Keelboat Sailing
This course is recommended for those who wish to pursue sailing as a hobby and/or want to ready themselves to crew for others. Participants will learn the language of sailing and how to be fully involved. The time on the sailboat will be building skills to gain confidence to participate and an active sailor.
- Two full days or four evening sessions.
- Sail Canada Certification
Basic Cruising Course
This Sail Canada Certification course is recommended for those who wish to seek to own and sail their own vessel with friends and family. Participants learn maneuvering under power and sail, docking, and operating around other vessels, weather, and navigation. This course will develop the skills where you are confident to sail in moderate conditions during the day, anchoring for lunch or overnight, and return home on your own sailboat. Perfect for couples!
- Weekend or evening classes are available
- Private or semi-private lessons.
- Sail Canada Basic Cruising Certification
- PCOC (Please Craft Operators Card – Boaters License).
Intermediate Cruising – Living Aboard
This course will cover more technical topics related to boat ownership and extended trip planning. Topics include planning for fuel, food, weather, and navigating new marinas and bays. There is a higher focus on seamanship – the art of sailing safely and confidently.
- Six full days on board with at least two nights anchored away from a marina
- Course will cruise the Seaway up to Lake Ontario to experience transiting Locks and managing currents
- Sail Canada Intermediate Cruising Certification
- Pre Requisites for certification are Basic Cruising Certification, Coastal Navigation Certification, VHF license and First Aid/ CPR
Coastal Navigation Certification
Where are you, where do you want to sail to, and how do you get there safely? This course will give you the knowledge of Charts, Navigation Aids, and Navigation theory. This course is required to obtain Intermediate Cruising Certification and critical skills to sail safely anywhere in the world.
- Courses available online, via Zoom or Teams, or in person.
Complete Cruiser Program
A combination course for those of you who want to head south next year, bareboat charter with friends and family in a location of your dream. This program is everything you need to untie from the dock and go.
Silver Star Sailing Schools Complete Cruiser Program begins with Basic Cruising and progresses through Coastal Navigation, and Intermediate Cruising Certifications and VHF Operator training . The courses bundled will provide significant savings compared to each course taken individually. The program will also can be offered in the Caribbean in early 2026.
Private Lessons or Training Aboard Your Vessel
If you are seeking a skills refresher or additional skill development, we can provide private lessons or training on board your vessel. Please, contact us for more information.
