Cooper Boating

I had an exceptionally good experience learning about sailing at Cooper Boating. I took the crew course a couple of years ago and recently the skipper course. I also had the experience of a couple of mentored practice sessions. The teachers seem truly dedicated, knowledgeable and passionate about sailing. You learn not only the basics of how to sail, but also safety issues, how to navigate around other boats and fundamentals of how to maintain and run a boat. The mentors are patient and generous in sharing what they know There seem to be a wide range of types of people and all ages in the courses and the different clubs. They have a number of clubs that allow people to keep learning and practicing by sailing with others. There is a spirit of generosity at Cooper Boating. I highly recommend this company for any level or any age, if you want an opportunity to sail. Cost is very reasonable.
Karen J. Vancouver

I have owned a charter boat in the Cooper fleet. for over two years now. I find the people to be friendly, competent and motivated without exception and I interact with them quite often. They take good care of my boat for me when I am away, keep it in top condition, and arrange for qualified people to enjoy the boat as well. Cooper Boating serves all levels of sailors and powerboaters, from those with no experience and are just standing on the shore, wishing, to those who have taken training, then chartered, and finally taken the leap and bought a boat. Their fleet and activities include boats from day-​sailers to ocean certified craft and their training starts with trial rides and beginner courses to expert and off-​shore courses and instructor training. I am very satisfied with this company, Five stars.

My total experiences on boats in my life have been as a very passive passenger. I am not outdoorsy nor am I mechanical. In lieu of my husband purchasing a boat (his dream, not mine!), I consented to take a 5 day Cruise and Learn course at Coopers with him. Truthfully, my anticipation level for this course was somewhere on the scale between visiting the dentist and the tax accountant.
I think Colin Denton, our instructor, was a miracle worker. After 5 days on the lovely 36′ power boat not only did I get my boating license but I passed both the written and practical testing to receive my CYA Beginner Power Boating Certification. I can drive, dock and anchor a boat. I know the names of all of the boat parts and engine parts. I learned the rules of the road and the safety stuff including how to do manoeuvres if someone goes overboard. I can read tide tables and can do a reasonable job at interpreting a navigation chart and using a compass to get a fix on my position. Shocking, I know!
There is no way that I would have believed you if you told me how much fun I would have. Even if I had not learned so much it still would have been pretty awesome cruising through the gulf islands and the sunshine coast. I have had such a turn around in attitude that I even went back to Coopers to take my VHF (Marine) Course to obtain my license.
We will be back to Coopers next summer to rent a boat.

I am surprised by Anno D.‘s poor review. It is certainly unlike my experiences with Cooper Boating over the past 25+ years, or those of countless friends and associates who have taken courses there. I have found them to be courteous, knowledgable and professional. They always strive to provide positive experiences, and possibly Anno D. is merely «frustrated»? Talking to the owner recently, he has been trying to reach you, to see if he can make things right, but your name does not appear to be on any of the course lists. Just wondering…

This past summer was my second time using Coopers and they do go out of their way to get things right. The boats are as presented and the rates are very competitive. They have 3 locations Vancouver, Powell River, Sidney which makes one way boating a great option, as well as out postin. Coopers offers a superb selection of course’s for various levels of sailing, power and navigating. They have been around since early 1980s and have really proven themselves as a leader in this market.