Smooth Sailing Academy

An Okanagan Sailing School - View our Sailing Courses

Located on beautiful Okanagan Lake in Kelowna, BC, Smooth Sailing Academy teaches beginners, cruisers and racing sailors, at their level of sailing.

Our Services

Sailing Sampler

Whether you're keen on hands-on learning or simply want to enjoy an instructional learning sail on the water, this choice is for you.

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Intro to Sailing

What is it like to sail a sailboat and how does it work? If you want to explore sailing this basic hands-on sailing course is where you begin.

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Cruising Certificate

Would you like to be able to charter a boat that you skipper? This is a course that will set you heading to become a confident skipper.

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Crew Development

This course is for both skippers with crew, and for individual crew who want to improve their skills on a sail boat.

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Charter a Sailboat

Are you looking to vacation on a sailboat? We will set up and skipper your charter boat anywhere in Canada or abroad. You could also come back with a Sail Canada Basic Cruising Standard certification.

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Private Lessons

These lessons are tailored to you, based on your level of experience and desired learning outcomes. Send us a note when you reserve a spot and we’ll be in touch!

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Testimonials

"We have cruised local and Caribbean and I have club raced sailboats with Danny many a time. Excellent sailor, knows his stuff and loves to include everyone in the art of sailing. And if you love new and different food look no further than Chef Danny. Incredible experience dining when Danny is cooking. The only issue is once you meet Danny and his partner Shelly you will become sailors and best friends for life!! We love these folks."

Brian and Nicole Hughes, KYC
"Danny is an excellent sailor and a very patient, competent and knowledgeable instructor. An extra bonus is he is also an all round fun and very personable guy! Go sailing with Danny at Smooth Sailing Academy!"

Diana Williams Barker, Kelowna BC
"I had the privilege of racing with Danny for more than ten years, during which he coached myself as a skipper and four crew for the KYC Women's Series. Danny's coaching was outstanding, I gained invaluable insights into helming, the crew learned their roles brilliantly and we won in the coached fleet! I use many sailing tactics from all my years on his boat that enhance my performance when racing my own sailboat."

Pamela Miller, VYC
“My sailing journey with Danny began many years ago, starting with a basic cruising course. However, it quickly evolved into competitive racing, 1500nm passages in the Pacific, and island-hopping in the Caribbean. Whether the seas are calm or it's a heavy storm, Danny's spirit and passion for teaching are unwavering. I am confident that anyone who wants to learn from Smooth Sailing Academy will come away with a wealth of knowledge and, as I have, a lifelong friend.”

Cole Bullock, Kelowna BC
Anniversary Sail

Danny took my wife and I for an evening sail for our 20th wedding anniversary.
It was such an amazing experience getting to watch the sun set, and see the city lights from the water.
Danny added some basic sailing instruction into our cruse and gave us the itch sail again.
I would definitely recommend Danny, and Smooth Sailing Academy for a charter sail or lessons.

Jesse Karn
Trail B.C