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Learn to sail a keelboat in the sheltered waters of Baie des Chaleurs with Ecovoile Baie-des-Chaleurs. This two-day course offers practical skills and certification for new sailors aged 16 and up.
Learn to sail a keelboat in the sheltered waters of Baie des Chaleurs with Ecovoile Baie-des-Chaleurs. This two-day course offers practical skills and certification for new sailors aged 16 and up.
Book with Ecovoile Baie-des-Chaleurs
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Operated by Ecovoile Baie-des-Chaleurs · Carleton, Québec
Carleton, Quebec, sits along the sparkling shores of the Baie des Chaleurs, a stretch of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence distinguished by its calm, crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs. It’s here that Ecovoile Baie-des-Chaleurs invites aspiring sailors to deepen their connection with the sea through their two-day initiation to keelboat sailing, known locally as "Initiation à la voile sur quillard." Located at 183 Rue du Quai, this program cultivates new sailors by focusing on the core skills needed to crew a 6 to 12-meter sailboat, combining practical lessons with the unique marine environment of eastern Quebec.
This course is not just a standard sailing class; it offers students hands-on experiences in navigation, weather interpretation, mooring, and sail handling. Over 14 intensive hours, participants master maneuvering under sail and power, essential seamanship skills, and the art of ropework, all within the authentic setting of Baie des Chaleurs’ sheltered waters. Upon completion, students are awarded an initiation sailing certificate from Voile Canada, a credential that unlocks further sailing adventures across Canada and beyond.
Ecovoile Baie-des-Chaleurs stands out for its commitment to protecting local waterways while fostering community-based outdoor education. The bay is known for its distinct rocky coastline and diverse birdlife, giving learners more than just sailing lessons—they get a chance to absorb a fragile coastal ecosystem that supports species such as great blue herons and belted kingfishers.
For travelers hoping to advance their skills or simply gain confidence on the water, this course offers an immersive, skill-focused environment. With expert instructors and small group sizes, newcomers receive personalized guidance tailored to their goals. Whether you’re a local or a visitor passing through Québec’s Gaspésie region, Ecovoile makes Baie des Chaleurs a key destination for anyone serious about working with the wind and waves.
moderate.
2 days (9 AM to 4 PM daily).
Moderate fitness required; comfortable standing and moving on a boat deck is necessary.
No prior experience is needed; this program is designed for beginners aged 16 and over.
You will earn the initiation sailing certificate from Voile Canada, recognized nationwide.
Ecovoile will reschedule or refund portions depending on weather-related cancellations, with details provided during booking.
Groups are kept small to provide personalized attention and ensure safety during hands-on instruction.
Yes, private lessons are available at a higher rate for more focused training.
Bring layered clothing, non-slip shoes, water, snacks, and sun protection depending on the season.
Baie des Chaleurs has long been a seasonal fishing ground for Mi’kmaq communities and later European settlers.
Ecovoile emphasizes sustainable boating practices, minimizing environmental disturbance in this sensitive marine habitat.
Ecovoile Baie‑des‑Chaleurs is a sailing and watersports provider based in Carleton, Québec, on the shores of Baie‑des‑Chaleurs. The organization offers a diverse range of instruction, excursions, camps, and regattas for children, teens, and adults. Programs include the EcoMarins Voile CAN 1 et CAN 2 five‑day sailing camp for ages 9 to 17; a 12‑hour sportive dinghy course delivered over two days; introductory dinghy excursions of 1.5, 3, and 7 hours; windsurfing lessons booked à la carte; private Initiation Wing SUP and Wing Foil lessons; and catamaran Taxsea introductions. Multi‑day liveaboard programs use a Catalina 34 for five‑day cruises that combine navigation, seamanship training, swimming, and beach activities. A three‑day keelboat life‑aboard course offers foundational quillard instruction and practical time living aboard. Ecovoile Baie‑des‑Chaleurs also organizes competitive events: the 13th Régates Écovoile, including dinghy races and a dedicated F18 regatta in August 2025, with training days and multiple sailing classes. Sessions emphasize hands‑on training and instructor guidance, with options for skill practice, maneuver refinement, and shared learning circles such as the Voile au féminin program. Activities accommodate individual lessons, small groups, and family bookings. Located in Carleton, the business operates seasonally in Baie‑des‑Chaleurs and focuses on accessible, instructor‑led sailing and watersports experiences for a wide range of abilities. Booking options include private lessons, group registrations, seasonal camps, single outings, and specialized regatta participation, with schedules and equipment details provided for each program to help participants plan safe, instructor-led sailing experiences in Carleton and across Baie-des-Chaleurs. Seasonal dates and availability vary annually.
Book with Ecovoile Baie-des-Chaleurs