Regattas at Kitsilano Yacht Club

About

Kitsilano Yacht Club hosts a full slate of regattas each season on English Bay, bringing together sailors from across Vancouver and the region for great racing and a welcoming post-racing social scene. From one-design keelboat, PHRF, and dinghy fleets, our events are designed to be competitive, well-run, and easy to participate in—whether you’re an active racer, campaigning a boat, travelling in from another club, or just getting started in local racing.

April One-Design Regatta & English Bay Star Centenary Regatta
Fleets: One Design Keelboat
About: The April One-Design Regatta is KYC’s early-season one-design keelboat weekend. It’s a great opportunity to dust off the boat, reconnect with your crew, and start the season the right way—good racing, good people, and a welcoming club atmosphere.

Passage Island Race
Fleets: Any non-powered craft
About: A classic KYC distance race: start at Kitsilano Yacht Club, round Passage Island, and finish back at the club. Competitors can choose to leave the island to port or starboard, making strategy and conditions part of the challenge. The race is open to sail and paddle craft and is known for rewarding good decision-making—especially when English Bay currents come into play. It’s a memorable course that feels like a true “mini-adventure”.

Kits Invitational Regatta
Fleets: One Design Keelboat, One Design Dinghy
About: A cornerstone of KYC racing since the club’s founding in 1934, the Kits Invitational brings multiple one-design fleets together for a marquee weekend on English Bay. The event regularly attracts visiting sailors and class championships, alongside high-quality and competitive racing. Off the water, KYC leans into hospitality with a fantastic Saturday night dinner — making it a true highlight of the summer season.

Lawrance Cup Regatta
Fleets: Any non-powered craft
About: The Lawrance Cup is KYC’s anything-goes race to the Bell Buoy (Q62) and back. Open to sail and paddle-powered craft, with creativity actively encouraged. It’s the kind of event where smart planning and ambitious sail plans can really pay off. The vibe is intentionally fun and inclusive, and it finishes the right way: a clubhouse BBQ and post-race social, with the bar open for a well-earned debrief.

VARC Closer Regatta
Fleets: PHRF
About: Hosted by KYC as part of the Vancouver Area Racing Council calendar, the VARC Closer is the capstone event for the season’s big-boat program. Expect a full day of competitive PHRF racing on English Bay

Star One-Design Regatta
Fleets: Star
About: KYC’s Star One-Design Regatta is a Star-class focused day of one-design racing on English Bay, built for tight competition and a strong fleet culture. The Star has deep roots at KYC and remains a high-skill, high-reward keelboat for sailors who enjoy technical racing and refined boathandling. These Star fleet events are designed to bring racers and club members together early and often, combining spirited racing with camaraderie and an engaged community ashore.

Foiling Bluenose Regatta
Fleets: Foiling Dinghy, Wingfoil, Foiling Windsurfer
About: Foiling Bluenose is the Bluenose concept adapted specifically for foiling craft. Like the Bluenose weekend, it draws sailors across experience levels into a shared event atmosphere on English Bay. While the on-water format is tuned to foiling fleets, the overall spirit mirrors Bluenose: fun, inclusive racing that makes the weekend feel like an excellent wrap up of the season.

Bluenose Regatta
Fleets: One Design Dinghy, Cal 20
About: A Vancouver staple since 1988, Bluenose began as a Laser-only regatta and has grown into a larger, inclusive multi-class dinghy regatta that’s part of the BC Sailing Circuit. Each year it draws sailors from across the province, from juniors at their first regatta to seasoned racers, for high-energy racing on English Bay. The event is also known for its community feel: after racing on Saturday, sailors and coaches gather for a hot meal served by KYC Volunteers.

Thursday Night Racing

If you're looking for racing in a more relaxed format, our weekly Thursday Night Racing series is a great complement to our regatta calendar. It’s consistent, friendly racing on English Bay with a welcoming fleet. After racing, many sailors stick around for our Thursday night dinner and social at the clubhouse, which is one of the best ways to meet the community and get connected for future events. Learn more about Thursday Night Racing.