Sail Nelson BC

08/10/2026

Sail Nelson Update: After nearly a decade of helping people discover the joy of sailing, I have some bittersweet news to share.

Sail Nelson will officially close its doors on October 31, 2026.

When I started Sail Nelson in 2017, I never imagined the incredible journey it would become. Together we've introduced hundreds of people to sailing, built confidence on the water, shared unforgettable adventures on Kootenay Lake, and created a wonderful community of sailors. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who trusted me with their sailing journey, whether you joined me for a single lesson or returned year after year.

I want to thank everyone who has been a part of this journey, especially Sailing With Graham who became not only an instructor for Sail Nelson, but a great friend. I look forward to many more sailing "shenanigans" ahead! You helped to keep me (and Sail Nelson!) afloat when I was exhausted or floundering.

While Sail Nelson as a business is coming to an end, I am certainly not stepping away from sailing. In fact, I'm looking forward to focusing my energy on some exciting new opportunities including sailing flotillas, instructor development and free online resources for all sailors to access.

I’m also excited to be working on a new project, and once it launches, I’ll be in touch with details about where to find me and how we can continue sailing together.

This isn't goodbye to sailing—it's simply the beginning of a new voyage.

Thank you for being part of the Sail Nelson story. I hope our paths continue to cross—whether at a Sail Canada instructor clinic, on a charter somewhere in the world, through Your Pocket Sailing Instructor, or out on the water.

Fair winds and following seas,

Penny

07/02/2026

Enjoying some special time in the Gaspe in one of my favorite places where I learned to sail as a wee one. ❤️⛵️ Filling my bucket 🪣

06/25/2026

Morning coffee visitor, afternoon lunch visitors, Todd Narrows traffic and now safely back in Nanaimo. Another great trip in the bag ❤️ Next stop: Montreal!

06/23/2026

Beautiful spot to rendez-vous with ! ❤️🥰 Was a quick visit, but filled my bucket! Fair winds Marla!

06/23/2026

Enjoying some Gulf Island cruising time aboard Fancy Free! Princess Cove, Long Harbour, Salt Spring Island, headed up to Pirates Cove this evening... all the hot spots!

06/08/2026

Spindrift has come home for the week so I can sail in our bay and test out having her at home. I think she is looking good and we should make this permanent! ❤️😍

05/21/2026

🎓 Safe boating is a skill — and it starts with education.

Taking a boating course helps you understand navigation rules, safety equipment, and how to handle emergencies. I am here to help! Take a course with Sail Nelson and you will feel confident, competent, and ready to tackle any boating obstacles that come your way!

Safe Boating Awareness Week may end, but safe habits last all season. 🌊

👉 Keep learning. Keep boating safely.

05/20/2026

🧊 Cold water can be deadly — even on warm days.

In Canada, cold water immersion is a real risk and can quickly lead to shock and hypothermia.

👉 Dress for the water, not the weather
👉 Always wear a lifejacket

Stay aware. Stay protected.

05/19/2026

⚓ Before you leave the dock… are you ready?

Preparation can make all the difference on the water.

✔️ Check weather conditions
✔️ Carry required safety equipment
✔️ File a float plan
✔️ Know your vessel

Safe boating starts before you even leave shore.

05/19/2026

Thank you for writing an article about my eXXpedition Antarctica ocean research sailing trip! Still a long way to go to get organized and raise the funds I need, but I will get there!

⛵️ Make sure you check out the article! Thank you to all of my cheerleaders, supporters, donations and so much more! Feeling the support and very encouraged to make this an unbelievable experience and share it with you all!

➡️ More info found in the link in my bio and sailnelson.com

⭐️ Still looking for some corporate sponsors to join me! Opportunity for your business to be a part of something so unique!

Explore beautiful Nelson BC from the water! Sail Nelson is our local recreational boating school offering you professional, fun, sailing courses that lead to Sail Canada certifications.