Happy Sailing Academy
Caribbean Sailing School
Learn to Sail in the Exumas, Bahamas
View Pricing & DatesYour Instructor
Welcome Aboard
Hi, I'm Evan, a Sail Canada instructor and coastal skipper. The monohull course runs aboard Sweetwater, our own 2011 Bavaria 36, which I sail from Prince Edward County on Lake Ontario to the Bahamas for the winter season.
Over the week we cover the practical side of cruising: sail theory, safety, navigation, and living aboard.
New and experienced sailors are both welcome. If you'd like to spend the week learning to sail and exploring the islands, you're welcome aboard.
-Fair Winds
Why This Destination
Paradise on the Edge of the Atlantic
The Exuma Cays are a chain of about 365 islands running 120 miles southeast from Nassau. You sail the chain aboard a monohull or catamaran with a Sail Canada instructor and no more than four students.
The geography creates two distinct sailing environments. The Great Bahama Bank to the west is a shallow sand shelf — 10 to 20 feet of water for hours at a time. Exuma Sound to the east drops to thousands of feet within a mile of shore. The cuts between the cays connect the two.
Winter temperatures average 24°C to 27°C. Northeast trade winds run 10 to 20 knots. Cold fronts pass through roughly weekly, shifting the wind direction and putting your new skills to the test.
The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
The middle 22 miles of the chain is a marine protected area established in 1958 — the first of its kind in the world. Nothing is removed from the water inside the boundary. At Warderick Wells, boats use park moorings rather than anchoring to protect the seabed.
Daily Structure
The first day out of Nassau is the longest run of the week. After that, most legs are under 20 miles. You sail every day and anchor every night, completing the full cycle of a cruising day six times over the course of the week.
The Cuts
The passes between the cays carry tidal current twice a day as the Bank drains into and fills from the Sound. Transiting at the wrong time means working against the current and against ocean swell. You plan passages around the tide, not the clock.
Provisioning
Several cays have Bahamian settlements with fuel, supplies, and restaurants. Others are undeveloped. The boat is provisioned in Nassau for the week.
Certification
You earn Sail Canada Basic Cruising, Intermediate Cruising, or both. Both standards are recognized internationally and are what you need to take a boat out on your own, anywhere in the world.
The Full Package
What's Included
Everything you need for an unforgettable week on the water.
Snorkel islands and experience protected marine habitats
Private cabin aboard a modern sailboat
Maximum 4 candidates per course (and a minimum of 2)
Hands-on training from a top Sail Canada instructor flown in for your course
Learning materials and your Sail Canada logbook
Official Sail Canada Basic Cruising & Intermediate Cruising certifications or both
Online zoom sessions pre-departure
All meals aboard (alcohol not included)
Fees (docking, fuel, water, taxes and permits)
Instructor gratuity
Investment
So, you're interested, what's the cost?
Departures January to mid-April 2027
Sweetwater, a 2011 Bavaria 36. Our main monohull in the Exumas, sailed by a Sail Canada instructor and run as a Basic or Intermediate Cruising certification course.
Feb 6 & 13, 2027 departures
Lagoon 40. Twin hulls, a level ride at anchor, and considerably more living and deck space for the week.
Departures January to mid-April 2027
A student-led week aboard Sweetwater for sailors building skills before a more advanced course, or anyone who wants a first feel for liveaboard life. No set curriculum: the days are shaped around what you and your crew want to work on. Portal access is included; formal learning materials and certification are not.
Every figure above is a total price per person in Canadian dollars, with taxes, fees, provisions and all meals aboard and gratuities included. Your flight is not included. The monohull and catamaran courses also include your Sail Canada certification and learning materials; the Mileage Builder is a student-led week aboard Sweetwater, with portal access but no formal certification or materials. Rates apply to the 2027 departures listed on each card. Contact us for a final quote for your dates.
Winter Season
Dates & Pricing
Choose a boat and a departure to see your all-in price per person.
Exumas Liveaboard
Sail Canada Basic or Intermediate Cruising, out of Nassau.
Sail southeast from Nassau into the Exuma Cays with a Sail Canada instructor and never more than three other students, anchoring every night and covering the whole cycle of a cruising day.
Every rate is the total price per person in Canadian dollars, with taxes, fees, fuel, all provisions and meals aboard, gratuities and your certification already included. Your flight is not included.
Your Week at Sea
7-Day Itinerary
Nassau to the Exuma Cays and back — island hopping through some of the most beautiful waters on earth.
Our itinerary is weather-dependent and may be adjusted for safety and conditions. Here is a typical route through the Exumas.
Nassau to Norman's Cay
Norman's Cay to Warderick Wells
Warderick Wells to O'Brien's Cay
O'Brien's Cay to Staniel Cay
Staniel Cay to Shroud Cay
Shroud Cay to Athol Island
Nassau — Disembarkation
What Our Students Say
Testimonials
By the end of the course, we had developed solid seamanship skills, a strong understanding of boat systems and life aboard, and improved our navigation and sail planning -- all expertly guided by the instructors.
The perfect blend of fun and education -- I gained so much confidence about chartering and sailing. The instructors handle all the details so you can focus on learning while you enjoy your trip.
Evan's expertise and passion for teaching created an engaging, supportive environment where we felt confident tackling new challenges. His ability to break down complex skills into manageable steps made learning both effective and enjoyable.
My husband and I took our Basic sailing course in the Bahamas just a couple of weeks ago. Evan was very patient, knowledgeable, and professional. We learned so much from him and we would highly recommend taking his course.
Student Resources
Prepare for Your Course
Ready to Book Your Adventure?
Fill out the inquiry form or reach out to us directly — we'll help you find the right course and dates.
Get in TouchBookings handled by our travel partner
Catherine Davis
416-566-5264 · TICO 50013277
Prices include tax and are quoted in Canadian dollars. A 50% deposit is required to book; all liveaboard payments are non-refundable. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended; confirm your own policy covers cancellation, as you are responsible for your own coverage.