Adult Learn to Sail Courses in Vancouver, BC at Kitsilano Yacht Club

No membership required. Our learn to sail courses are open to the public, and you don’t need to own a boat to get started.. If you enjoy your time on the water (and we think you will!), we're happy to chat about membership options, the co-op fleet, and racing opportunities—but there’s absolutely no obligation.

The Kitsilano Yacht Club is located right on the Kitsilano waterfront and is accessible via a short walking path at 2401 Point Grey Road, just steps away from Kits Beach and the Kitsilano Pool.

Please Note: There is no on-site parking or vehicle access for students/families at the club. Street parking is available nearby, but please do not drive down directly to the club. Help us be good neighbours by respecting all posted parking signs and being mindful of local residents.

If you will be late, absent, or needs to leave early, please let us know as soon as possible

• 14+ Days Cancellation:

100% refund of the registration cost, less an $75 administrative fee and any applicable transaction platform processing fees, if a cancellation is received at least 14 days prior to the start of the class.

• 8–14 Days Cancellation:

For cancellations received between 8 and 14 days before the class starts, you will receive a refund equal to 50% of the registration cost, less any transaction platform processing fees. However, if 50% of the registration cost would result in KYC retaining less than $75 as an administrative fee, the refund will be adjusted so that KYC retains a minimum of $75.

• Late Cancellations:

No refund will be given for cancellations received 7 days or less prior to the start of the class, or once classes have begun, unless extenuating circumstances warrant an exception. Each case will be evaluated individually.

• Elective Absences:

No pro-rated refunds or partial pricing options are available for any elective absences.

• Exceptions for Illness or Injury:

Exceptions for illness or injury may be granted at the discretion of the Program Director, with supporting documentation. If granted, the refund amount will be determined by the Program Director, taking into account the timing of the cancellation and other relevant factors.

• Course Cancellation by KYC:

In the event that a course is cancelled by KYC due to insufficient enrolment or other unforeseen or operational circumstances, KYC will notify you as early as possible and offer either a full refund, course credit, or the option to transfer to another KYC course. No administrative fee will be charged when a course is cancelled by KYC.

• Discount Eligibility:

Eligible discounts must be applied at the time of purchase. No reimbursements or partial refunds will be provided for discounts that were not utilized.

• Policy Updates:

This policy is subject to change. Any revisions will apply only to purchases made after the effective revision date. Please refer to your purchase receipt for the refund policy applicable to your transaction.

What to Wear

Plan to be comfortable, warm, and ready to get a little wet. Even in the spring and summertime, the water off of Kitsilano can sometimes be cold, so dressing in layers is key. We recommend:

- Quick-dry layers (please avoid cotton)

- A warm fleece or sweater and a waterproof shell

- Shorts or light pants you can move in easily

- Closed-toe, tight fitting shoes that can get wet and won’t slip — no flip flops, slides, or crocs, please. (mandatory; required for safety) 

What to Bring:

Plan to be sun-safe, hydrated, and ready for changing conditions on the water. We recommend:

- Sunscreen

- Refillable water bottle 

- Change of dry clothes

- Towel

- Hat and sunglasses (if sunny) 

Safety is the foundation of everything we do at KYC. Our instructors: 

- Lead on-water activities from motorized safety boats—meaning they are always nearby. 

- Regularly review safety procedures with participants. 

- Adapt activities to suit weather and skill levels — some days this can mean less on-water time, and more time spent on shore learning about the technical side of sailing, and other sailing skills and knowledge. Our priority is always the safety of our participants and staff. 

- All participants are required to wear Transport Canada–approved lifejackets when on or near the water. KYC provides lifejackets (PFDs), or students may bring their own if it is suitable. Closed-toe shoes must be worn at all times during course hours.

No boat needed or specialized gear required. Our courses are taught in club-owned boats. We also supply approved lifejackets/PFDs and safety equipment.

Both courses follow Sail Canada’s national CANSail 2.0 standard:

• CANSail Basic (typically CANSail 1–2) is for beginners. You’ll learn the fundamentals: rigging, tacking and gybing, points of sail, leaving and returning to the ramp, basic right-of-way, and how to handle the boat safely in typical English Bay conditions.

• CANSail Advanced (typically CANSail 3–4) is for sailors who have previous sailing experience are already comfortable helming a dinghy. You’ll refine your boat handling, sail trim, and balance; build confidence in stronger winds and waves; and get an introduction to performance sailing and basic racing skills.

If you’re unsure which course to choose, please reach out to us! We’re happy to help you pick the right starting point.

Safety comes first. Our courses run rain or shine, unless weather conditions are highly inclement; in which case we may elect to cancel or reschedule a session. Our instructors monitor conditions closely and follow Sail Canada and KYC safety guidelines.

If it’s too windy, too little wind, or conditions are otherwise unsafe, we may adjust the lesson plan to:

• Spend more time on shore-based learning (rules of the road, knots, tactics, weather)
• Shorten or reschedule on-water sessions if necessary

Some evenings will be more “theory heavy” and others more “hands-on”. If a course session must be cancelled or rescheduled, we will reach out to all participants as soon as possible.

We understand that life happens. Because courses run with set group sizes and lesson plans, we can’t always guarantee make-up sessions, but:

• Instructors will help you review what you missed
• We may be able to suggest another session to sit in on if space allows
• You’ll still get plenty of practice across the remaining classes

If you already know about a conflict when you register, reach out and we’ll advise on the best option.

You don’t need to be an athlete to learn to sail, but you should be comfortable moving around in a small boat and spending a few hours outdoors. There’s some bending, ducking, and swapping sides of the boat as you tack and gybe. If you have any concerns about mobility or fitness, let us know when you register—we’re happy to talk about which course will be the best fit.

Finishing a course is just the beginning! Once you’ve completed your course with us, you’ll have some great options to choose from:

Keep progressing through CANSail

If you loved the learning curve, the next level is a natural step. You’ll build confidence in stronger winds, improve boat handling and sail trim, and start sailing more efficiently (and more comfortably) in a wider range of conditions.

Sail more often with KYC’s co-op fleet (for members)

Many adults finish a course with us and immediately want more time on the water — and the KYC Co-op is one of the best ways to make that happen! As a KYC member, you can add a Co-op membership and get access to a shared fleet of sailboats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks without the cost and hassle of buying, storing, and maintaining your own equipment. The Co-op is volunteer-driven (members help keep the fleet running), with a mandatory orientation and agreement to the Co-op rules before you can use the equipment. Co-op fees support boat storage, purchase, and maintenance, and the fleet is user-maintained with labour on a voluntary basis —so it’s affordable, community-powered access that helps you keep building skills long after your course. Learn more about our Co-op Program.

Crew on Keelboats during club races and regattas

Racing at KYC is friendly, approachable, and a great next step. It’s one of the fastest (and most fun) ways to build your sailing skills and knowledge. Our member-owned fleet—Martin 242s, Stars, Cal 20s, and Lightnings—almost always has a spot for keen crew. We run a weekly race series on Thursday Nights during the spring, summer, and fall, and a number of weekend regattas. In addition, many of our members also compete in race nights and regattas hosted by other clubs in English Bay.

As crew, you’ll be part of the action from the start; there aren’t many “spectator” seats — which means hands-on crewing and learning by doing. Plus, you’ll meet a lot of friendly sailors quickly. After racing, stick around for our Thursday Night dinner and social at the clubhouse—it’s a great way to meet other KYC members.

If you're interested in crewing, reach out to us an we would be happy to put you in touch with one of our members. Additionally, you can add your name and contact to our Crew Board as well.

Dinghy Racing

Prefer dinghies? Join our Co-op and participate in our weekly race series on Thursday Nights during the spring, summer, and fall. Our dinghy racing is approachable and action-forward, with plenty of time on the water through lots of short races and quick turnarounds. The fleet is supportive, and newcomers are encouraged.

After racing, stick around for our Thursday Night dinner and social at the clubhouse—it’s a great way to meet other KYC members.

Get connected to the community

Sailing is more fun when you’ve got people to sail with. Volunteering, joining social events, helping at regattas, or simply showing up around the club are all great ways to get involved. KYC is a community-first club, and new sailors are genuinely welcome.

Not sure which direction is right for you?

Reach out to us anytime—before, during, or after your course—and we’ll happily recommend next steps based on your goals, whether that’s building skills, getting on the water more casually, or exploring a more social, competitive, or racing-focused pathway.

Our CANSail Basic and CANSail Advanced courses are taught in C420 dinghies. These are stable, beginner-friendly doublehanded (two-person) dinghies that are ideal for building real skills quickly and safely.