The Instructor & SKIPPER
Meet Steve Fontanna
Sail Canada Certified Instructor · 10,000+ Nautical Miles · 20+ Years on Georgian Bay
Steve Fontanna has spent more than two decades sailing the rugged beauty of Georgian Bay, the North Channel, and the Great Lakes, with extensive offshore experience along the U.S. East Coast and the Bahamas. Calm, patient, and genuinely passionate about sharing these waters, he creates an experience that's as engaging for the dedicated learner as it is effortless for those who simply want to unwind.
His experience spans quiet freshwater anchorages, tidal waters, currents, and overnight passages, bringing a quiet confidence to every trip, whatever your goals.
Before following his passion full-time, Steve built and led a successful career in sales and real estate, running his own brokerage. He brings the same professionalism, leadership, and attention to detail to every charter and lesson.
Known for his easygoing nature, quick wit, and genuine love of people, Steve creates a welcoming atmosphere aboard. Every guest leaves with a sense of connection, to the water, to the journey, and to the unforgettable beauty of Georgian Bay.
"Safety is always the priority. But just as important is ensuring every guest leaves with a real connection, to the water, to the journey, and to Georgian Bay."
— Steve Fontanna, Founder & Instructor, North 45 Sailing
THE VESSEL
North 45° — Your Comfortable Basecamp on the Water
North 45° is a beautifully appointed 40' Beneteau sloop, designed to be as comfortable at anchor as she is thrilling under sail. Modern, well-equipped, and thoughtfully laid out for both Sail Canada instruction and private experiences.
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40' Beneteau sloop
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Private forward cabin — queen berth, hanging locker, storage
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Dual helm with electric and manual winches
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Full galley, airy salon, comfortable seating and dining
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Autopilot, AIS, chartplotter, full safety suite
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10' Highfield rigid inflatable + 9.9hp motor
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Paddleboards, swim platform, overhead hatch above berth
Large hatches, full bug screening, and ample ventilation invite in the fresh Georgian Bay breeze. The cockpit's fold-out table is perfect for open-air dining, chart planning, or watching the sun go down. At the stern, an integrated swim platform provides effortless access to the water.
Equipped with modern navigation and safety systems including autopilot and AIS, North 45° offers both peace of mind and the freedom to fully enjoy the journey. This is more than a boat, it’s your comfortable, capable basecamp for exploring the wild beauty of Georgian Bay.
North 45 Sailing is a Transport Canada approved recreational boating school.
The Destination
Sailing Georgian Bay's 30,000 Islands
Just 2.5 hours from Toronto lies a landscape that feels worlds away. The eastern shores of Georgian Bay form the largest freshwater archipelago on the planet, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of smooth granite, windswept pines, and crystal-clear water that stretches as far as the eye can see.
This is classic Canadian Shield country, long celebrated by the Group of Seven, and best experienced from the deck of a sailboat. Quiet anchorages reveal deer along the shoreline, turtles on sunlit rock, and the call of a distant loon. With a bit of luck, you might spot bald eagles overhead or otters playing in a sheltered cove.
30,000 Islands — the largest freshwater archipelago on earth
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Just 2.5 hours from Toronto
Departing Parry Sound, Ontario
Wildlife: bald eagles, otters, deer, turtles, loons
The landscape that inspired Canada's Group of Seven
Every day brings something new — narrow island channels, hidden swimming inlets, and peaceful anchorages where the only sounds are wind and water. It's a place that invites you to slow down, explore, and truly connect with the natural world.
