Small Dinghy Sailing School

Parents booking summer courses for children, adults learning for the first time, and people wanting to improve before buying or chartering a boat.

A fee per course, such as a week of half-days or a set of weekend sessions, with extra income from private lessons, group bookings and camp or corporate days.

• Confident sailor with a Sail Canada instructor certification (or willingness to get one)
• Teaching and keeping groups safe on the water
• Booking, scheduling and customer service

• Commercial general liability and marine liability insurance, check that it covers instruction and students under 18
• Pleasure craft operator card for the rescue boat, and whether Transport Canada rules for commercial or small passenger vessels apply to you
• Waterfront access rules and any permits from the municipality, harbour authority or provincial parks
• Short season in most regions, so plan cash flow for winter months
• Weather, water safety and child supervision, including staff background checks

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on the size of your dinghy fleet, safety gear, rescue boat and dock or club arrangements.

Check commercial general and marine liability insurance covering instruction and students under 18, plus pleasure craft operator card needs and whether Transport Canada rules apply. Also check waterfront access permits and staff background checks for child supervision.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on course numbers, fleet size and pricing. The season is short in most regions, so plan cash flow for winter. Expect at least 15 hours a week.