Our Story

It has always been my dream to charter sailing vessels and explore the world on beautiful boats. My love for sailing ignited at the age of 15 when a friend invited me to join him and his girlfriend on a sailboat. The thrill of tacking into the wind on the West Arm of Kootenay Lake in British Columbia, Canada, had me hooked instantly.

While under the guidance of my friend, I learned the basics of sailing, but it was a misread navigation aid that led me to run into a sandbar in the middle of the lake. No harm done, just a good laugh and a lesson learned—there was much more to discover about sailing.

From that moment, I sought every opportunity to be on a sailing vessel and even bought a windsurfer. In 1989, I began taking classes with the local Canadian Power/Sail Squadron, continuing my passion when I moved to Kelowna in 2002 and bought my first sailboat.

Knowing I wanted to expand my skills and knowledge for worldwide charters, I joined a race boat crew at the Kelowna Yacht Club in 2003. What started as training quickly turned into a love for racing, leading me to participate in races in western Canada, the USA, and the Caribbean.

During my high school days in Nelson, I became a skiing instructor, teaching for over 16 years in BC and New Zealand. Witnessing the joy when a student grasped a concept or honed a skill was always fulfilling. I carried this passion into the sailing realm, volunteering as a sailing instructor at the Kelowna Yacht Club for many years.

With over 9000 nautical miles under my belt, encompassing cruising, deliveries, and racing, my experiences include races in Okanagan Lake for 20 years, various races in Washington state, Vancouver Island, and the Caribbean, as well as cruising charters and transfers in exotic locations like, Antigua, BVI’s, and Mexico to Panama City.

My endorsements include a range of certifications from the Canadian Power/Sail Squadron, Canadian Yachting Association, Transport Canada, and the Royal Yachting Association. I hold a Small Vessel Operators Commercial license, a Yacht Master - Offshore certification from the Royal Yachting Association, and various sailing and safety certifications. I am also an instructor able to certify Sail Canada Basic Cruising Standard, PCOC, and Marine Band Radio VHF.

Smooth Sailing Academy was born from my desire to share the joy of sailing with anyone who has ever been captivated by the sight of a sailboat gracefully gliding across the water. I believe that even someone who has never held a tiller or stepped foot on a sailboat can discover a part of themselves on the water.

~ Danny Foster