Bayfield Sailing Academy

Bayfield Sailing Academy: A Journey on the Lake

For as long as he can remember, James Armstrong was attracted to the water. Sitting on his tractor seat in the fields between the home farm on Bronson Line and the Goshen Line, gave him a long view to Lake Huron. Eventually he got out on that water in a 12’ dinghy that his father bought, eventually leading him to sailing and the opportunity to purchase his own sailboat, a Tanzer 7.5. He began trailering it to Florida to extend his sailing season and then traveled to the British Virgin Islands for ASA 101, 103 and 104 courses.

He purchased a PDQ-36 catamaran after helping a couple sail one to Key West, and falling in love with the experience. He continued his courses until he was fully certified in ASA 201, 202 and 204. Along the way, he enjoyed sharing sailing with others and showing them the ropes. “I just love to see the smile on people’s faces,” says James.

Finally, he made the decision to open a sailing school, realizing a dream that the universe seemed to be pushing him toward. With a little help from his daughter, a website was set up in 2023 and Bayfield Sailing Academy was launched, just one of four ASA accredited sailing schools in Canada. Last year, he graduated 21 students in basic keelboat ASA 101.

He now has two boats in Bayfield for the academy: the Tanzer 7.5 and a larger Bayfield 32C Cutter.

James is now racing on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, and last year won the prestigious 47th Annual William Given Memorial Race, from Bayfield to Goderich and back under difficult conditions.

In addition to sailing courses, Bayfield Sailing Academy offers sailing experiences where you can just sit back and enjoy the ride or become an active crew member. Daytime sails and sunset sails are available.

A quote that helped James through a difficult time in his life has even more meaning for him as he has done a 180 degree pivot from his farming career - “The same wind blows on us all; the winds of disaster, opportunity and change. Therefore, it is not the blowing of the wind, but the setting of the sails that will determine our direction in life.” (Jim Rohn)

Start your own sailing adventure. Home port - Harbour Lights Marina, 19 Fisherman’s Wharf Road, Bayfield.