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Learn to Sail at the Kitsilano Yacht Club

Whether you’re a complete beginner, an experienced sailor looking to refine your skills, or an aspiring racer, Kitsilano Yacht Club (KYC) has the perfect program for you.


We are a CANSail training site registered with BC Sailing and Sail Canada. Our instructors teach CANSail levels 1 through 6, starting with basic skills for beginners and progressing to more intermediate sailing skills. All of our sailing courses are taught by Sail Canada certified instructors with a very low student to instructor ratio. 


Explore our programs below and get started on your sailing journey today!

Why Learn to Sail at KYC?

  • Sail Canada Certified CANSail Instructors – Learn from accredited instructors using the national standard CANSail curriculum.
  • A Community on the Water – Join a welcoming group of sailors of all ages and skill levels.
  • Progressive Learning Pathways – Programs for complete beginners to advanced racers.
  • Sailing in Beautiful English Bay – The perfect spot to build confidence on the water!



Adult Sailing Programs

Find freedom on the water! Whether you're looking for a fun introduction to sailing or want to sharpen your skills, we have a program for you. Our courses are designed for all experience levels, from total beginners to seasoned sailors ready for the next challenge.

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Discover Sailing – Try It Out!

Not sure if sailing is for you? Discover Sailing is a one-time experience where you'll hop aboard with an instructor, feel the wind in your sails, and get a taste of the sport—no commitment needed!


Ready Set Sail – Beginner Course

🌊 The perfect first step into sailing! This introductory program covers basic boat handling, safety, and essential sailing skills in a fun and supportive environment. No prior experience required!


CANSail 1 & 2 – Learn to Sail

A comprehensive beginner-friendly course where you'll gain confidence on the water while learning to:

  • Rig and de-rig a sailboat
  • Steer and control sails in various conditions
  • Sail independently in light to moderate winds


CANSail 3 & 4 – Skill Development

For sailors ready to take it up a notch! Build confidence and independence as you:

  • Fine-tune sail trim and boat handling
  • Learn advanced techniques for sailing in stronger winds
  • Prepare for independent sailing or club racing


Salty Sisters – Women’s Sailing Group

Join a supportive and adventurous community of women sailors! The Salty Sisters program is designed for women of all skill levels who want to learn, sail, and build confidence on the water together. Enjoy expert instruction, casual sailing, and great company in a relaxed, social setting.


View Full Course Details & Register → Click here

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What to Expect in Your Sailing Course
What to Expect in Your Sailing Course

Whether you're stepping into a sailboat for the first time or building on previous experience, our adult sailing programs are designed to be welcoming, active, and empowering. Led by Sail Canada–certified instructors, each course blends essential theory with plenty of hands-on sailing time on English Bay.


Each session begins with an on-land briefing, followed by plenty of on-water time in our double-handed (two person) C420 dinghies. You’ll generally sail in pairs, with lots of opportunity to practice skills and receive feedback from our enthusiastic, experienced coaching team.


Dinghy Sailing is very much a watersport—expect to get a bit wet and a lot of fresh air! Lessons are active, engaging, and beginner-friendly.


What to Bring

  • Closed-toe shoes that can get wet (mandatory!)
  • Comfortable, weather-appropriate layers (e.g. activewear, fleece, rain gear)
  • Sun hat or warm hat depending on forecast
  • Change of clothes and a towel
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Sunscreen Day-use lockers are available at the club—please bring your own lock if you plan to store personal belongings.


Safety First

Your safety is our top priority. Instructors accompany all sailing sessions in motorized safety boats and monitor weather and water conditions closely.


Except in the event of inclement weather that would make the session unsafe, our programs run rain or shine. Please dress for the weather—it’s often cooler on the water than on shore.


PFDs are required at all times on the water (KYC will provide one if needed). Participants may bring their own PFDs if preferred, provided that they are suitable. If you have a question about PFD suitability, please contact us or ask your instructor.


Avoid bringing valuables or electronics to the club. KYC is not responsible for lost or damaged items.


Location & Access

KYC is located just off Point Grey Road, steps away from the Kitsilano Pool, and is accessible via a short walking path.


Please note: There is no on-site parking for students. Please do not drive down directly to the club. Street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood. Help us be good neighbors by following all parking signage and being mindful of local residents.


Late Arrival? If you're running late or can’t attend a session, please let us know in advance. We may not be able to accommodate late arrivals more than 20 minutes after the start time due to on-water safety protocols.

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View Full Course Details & Register
View Full Course Details & Register

View Full Course Details & Register → Click here

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Refund Policy
Refund Policy

• 14+ Days Cancellation:

100% refund of the registration cost, less an $85 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 $85 as an administrative fee, the refund will be adjusted so that KYC retains a minimum of $85.


• 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.add text here


Youth Sailing Programs

Inspiring the next generation of sailors! Our youth programs teach sailing in an engaging, supportive environment. From first-time sailors to those looking to develop racing skills, we have a course for every young sailor.

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Beginner Programs (Ages 6-12)

Wetfeet (Ages 6-8) – A fun introduction to sailing through games, adventure, and hands-on learning.


Sail & Paddle (Ages 8-12) – A mix of sailing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and kayaking—perfect for kids who love being on the water!


Opti Fun (Ages 8-12) – Beginner-friendly sailing in Optimist dinghies, with a focus on fun and exploration.


Skill Development (Ages 8-16)

CANSail Basic (Ages 11-16) – Covers CANSail 1 & 2, helping sailors build fundamental skills and confidence on the water.


CANSail Advanced (Ages 12-16) – Covers CANSail 3 & 4, refining advanced skills.


Opti 1 & 2 (Ages 8-12) – Progressive training in Optimists, focusing on steering, boat handling, and independent sailing.


Racing & Competitive Programs

Opti Race (Ages 8-12) – Introduction to sailboat racing in Optimists, focusing on speed, strategy, and competition in a supportive environment.


View Full Course Details & Register → Click here

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What to Expect in Our Summer Camps
What to Expect in Our Summer Camps

Kitsilano Yacht Club’s summer camps are a fun, safe, and engaging introduction to sailing and life on the water. Our camps are led by enthusiastic, Sail Canada–certified instructors and are built around hands-on learning, games, and adventure on beautiful English Bay.


Each day blends on-land instruction with plenty of time in the boats, with programs tailored to age and skill level. Whether your child is brand-new to sailing or building on skills from a previous summer, we aim to create an encouraging environment that sparks confidence, friendships, and a lifelong love of the water.


Sailors Can Expect:

A balance of games, group activities, and skill-building challenges

Instruction focused on safety, teamwork, and fun

A welcoming, inclusive camp community

Lots of sun and fresh air!


What to Bring:

  • Closed-toe shoes that can get wet (mandatory; required for safety)
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (e.g., activewear, fleece, rain jacket/pants)
  • Swimsuit and towel
  • Change of dry clothes
  • Hat and sunglasses (if sunny)
  • Sunscreen (please apply before arrival)
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Nut-free lunch and snacks — As part of our sustainability efforts and to help protect the marine environment, we encourage families to send your camper with a litterless, low-waste lunch.


Please label all belongings coming with your child to our camps clearly with their name. Campers should come prepared for the weather and ready to get wet!


Safety

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

  • Lead on-water activities from motorized safety boats
  • Regularly review safety procedures with campers
  • Adapt activities to suit weather and skill levels


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


Our Camps run rain or shine, unless inclement weather conditions make facility access unsafe.


Location

The Kitsilano Yacht Club is located off Point Grey Road, steps away from the Kitsilano Pool, accessible via a short walking path.


Drop-Off & Pick-Up:

Drop-off and Pick-up Points and procedures will be sent via email prior to your child's camp. Please check in and out each day with a designated instructor or staff member.


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 to the club. Help us be good neighbours by respecting all posted parking signs and being mindful of local residents.


If your child will be late, absent, or picked up early, please let us know as soon as possible.

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View Full Course Details & Register
View Full Course Details & Register

View Full Course Details & Register → Click here

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Refund Policy
Refund Policy

• 14+ Days Cancellation:

100% refund of the registration cost, less an $85 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 $85 as an administrative fee, the refund will be adjusted so that KYC retains a minimum of $85.


• 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.


Racing & Competitive Programs

Take your sailing to the next level! Our racing programs are for sailors looking to develop speed, tactics, and confidence on the racecourse.

Junior Racing Teams - Starting Fall 2025

  • Opti Race (Ages 8-12) – Intro to sailboat racing in Optimists.
  • 420 Race (Ages 12-16) – Double-handed sailing with racing techniques.


Competitive Programs

  • Club Racing & Regattas – Join our KYC racing community and compete locally.


View Full Course Details & Register → Registration Coming Soon


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Ready to Get Started?

Spots fill up fast—secure your place today and start your sailing journey!

Questions? Email us or call (604) 730-1646.