Offshore Cruising with Rob McLean and Barefoot Offshore Sailing School

Category : Site Updates

Beginning in fall 2021, Barefoot Offshore Sailing School is offering Sail Canada offshore certification courses led by Rob McLean of LTCO. Sail Canada’s Offshore Cruising Standard is designed to equip participants with all the skills they need to plan and implement extended offshore passages.  Anyone completing these courses will gain the knowledge, experience and confidence necessary for future adventures skippering offshore voyages.

Three types of itineraries will be available:

A. Intra-Caribbean:  this is a week long continuous passage that begins and ends in St. Vincent, and will cover 500 miles looping around Barbados and various other Windward islands.  The first availability for this type of course will be in early 2022.

B. Atlantic crossing: these opportunities will coincide with new boat deliveries from Europe to the Caribbean and will typically last between 14 and 21 days. The first availability of this type of opportunity is November, 2021.  Others are anticipated in 2022.

C. North America to the Caribbean:  these opportunities will also be organized in connection with boat deliveries to or from the Caribbean, and will typically last approximately 14 days.  We anticipate that the first availability of this type of opportunity will be in early to mid-2022.

At this time, we are taking Expressions of Interest from sailors who are interested in additional information about any of these three types of offshore training itineraries.  Please contact Rob McLean with information about your sailing background, the type of offshore experience you are interested in, and your potential availability dates.  Rob will keep you informed of relevant details as specific timing and logistics for these opportunies is clarified later in 2021 and in early 2022.  Given the nature of these experiences, sailing 24/7 for one to three weeks, we need a critical mass of qualified participants to proceed. Bring your partners and friends!


Post-Covid Sail Canada courses in the Caribbean

Category : Site Updates

Barefoot Offshore Sailing School in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is resuming Sail Canada courses in November, 2021, including the weeks of November 7, 14 and 21.  Additional offerings will be available in early 2022.  For details, refer to https://barefootoffshore.com/sail-canada-courses/sail-canada-course-schedule/ and/or contact Phil at phil@learntocruise.ca


Intermediate Instructor Clinic

Category : Site Updates

Humber Bay Sailing Club (HBSC) is sponsoring an Intermediate Instructor Clinic, to take place in Georgian Bay September 10-12, 2021.  If you are a Basic Instructor interested in moving up to Intermediate, this is a good opportunity for you.  The clinic will be led by Rob McLean of LTCO and Bryant Adlam of HBSC.  For details, see the Ontario Sailing website, or email Rob at rob@learntocruise.ca


Grand Banks Trawler Sold

Category : Sailing News

Update: Conditional offer closed as of April 25, so Carpe is no longer available.

We are selling our beloved Grand Banks Trawler.  Details at: https://learntocruiseonline.ca/carpe-is-for-sale/


Basic Coastal Navigation Online Exam: Register Now

Category : Site Updates

For students who have subscribed to the Basic Coastal Navigation course. Do the Basic Coastal Exam in the comfort and safety of your home. We are offering on-line virtually proctored Coastal Navigation Exams during the COVID19 pandemic. You will need an internet connection capable of video in a Zoom meeting. The next exam is offered 1800-2100 EDT on May 27th.
You will need to register by May 17th in order to be sent the exam materials by mail. Please contact Instructor@learntocruise.ca for more details or to register.”

Collaboration with Humber Bay Sailing Centre

Category : Site Updates

Students taking HBSC courses now have the option of taking online courses through LTCO.  For details, please see:  http://learntocruiseonline/hbsc


Upcoming SC Advanced Cruising courses in the Caribbean

Category : Sailing News

Rob McLean will be leading Advanced Cruising courses in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on November 17-23, 2019 and March 15-21, 2020. There’s no better place to do the advanced curriculum than in the trade-winds and charming islands of SVG. These courses include access to our online Ashore Knowledge preparatory modules. For more information, please contact Rob.


Nav dividers

LTCO Intermediate Navigation Practice Exam is now available

Category : Site Updates

LearnToCruiseOnline is pleased to announce the addition of an online practice exam to our online Intermediate Navigation course.  The practice exam enables candidates to test their knowledge before scheduling the official Sail Canada exam!  Click here for more details.


LTCO Update: Maritime Radio Practice Exam is now available

Category : Site Updates

LearnToCruiseOnline is pleased to announce the addition of an online practice exam to our online VHF radio course.  The practice exam enables candidates to test their knowledge before scheduling the official Transport Canada exam!  Click here for more details.


LTCO Update: Practice exams now live for Basic and Intermediate Cruising

Category : Site Updates

LTCO subscribers working through the Ashore Knowledge modules for Basic or Intermediate Cruising now have access to an online practice exam.  The practice exam questions offer questions that are similar to, but different from, the official exam questions.  This provides you with an opportunity to test your knowledge before taking the official Sail Canada exam.  For details, visit:

Basic Cruising

Intermediate Cruising