HomeAdult Sailing Lessons

Sailing Lessons in Vancouver for Adults

No membership required! Learn to Sail in Vancouver, BC on English Bay with us!

Our Adult Learn to Sail pathway at Kitsilano Yacht Club is welcoming, fun, and beginner-friendly. Our CANSail courses are led by Sail Canada certified instructors—so you’re learning the right way, safely, from day one. Small groups and plenty of hands-on time mean real progress and skills you can trust the next time you step aboard. As a nonprofit community club, we’re proud to keep our programs welcoming, affordable and accessible.

When you’re ready for the next adventure, keep the momentum going with our adult racing programs, one-design racing, and friendly club regattas

Sign up today!

Registration for 2026 will open in January! Check back here for more details soon

Why Choose KYC?

Certified & Caring Instructors – All classes are led by Sail Canada certified instructors with first-aid training, ensuring a safe learning environment
Small Class Sizes – Low student-to-instructor ratio for lots of personal attention (so each student gets coaching tailored to their pace).
Ideal Location – Beautiful English Bay waterfront with calm, protected waters for beginners and exciting open water for more advanced sailors (plus convenient location near Kitsilano Beach).
Community & Fun – A welcoming, non-profit club atmosphere where students
Proven Curriculum – We are proud to teach Sail Canada’s CANSail program, meaning participants earn nationally recognized skills levels as they progress.

Safety First, Always

Your safety is our #1 priority. KYC provides all necessary safety gear (lifejackets/PFDs are required at all times on the dock and water). Our coaches are certified in first aid and follow all safety protocols from Sail Canada. We use stable, skill-appropriate boats and maintain a motorized coach boat on the water during all sessions.

Dinghy Courses

Learn to Sail in Vancouver, BC at the Kitsilano Yacht Club

CANSail Basic

Ages: 18+

Prerequisite: None
8 sessions

No previous experience required!

CANSail Basic is the perfect entry point for adult beginner sailors looking to build fundamental sailing skills. Following the CANSail 1 and 2 curriculum, this course teaches boat handling, sail trim, and navigation while developing confidence on the water. Instruction is hands-on, with a focus on practical skill-building and safety.

Cost: $395 (plus GST)

KYC Member Cost: $350 (plus GST)

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Course Dates

Spring

CANSail Basic: Spring A — May 4, 2025 - May 27, 2025 (Mon/Wed) — 6:00pm-9:00pm

CANSail Basic: Spring B — June 1, 2025 - June 24, 2025 (Mon/Wed) — 6:00pm-9:00pm

CANSail Basic: Spring B — June 2, 2025 - June 26, 2025 (Tues/Fri) — 6:00pm-9:00pm

Summer

CANSail Basic: Summer A — June 29, 2025 - July 22, 2025 (Mon/Wed) — 6:00pm-9:00pm

CANSail Basic: Summer A — June 20, 2025 - July 24, 2025 (Tues/Fri) — 6:00pm-9:00pm

CANSail Basic: Summer B — July 27, 2025 - August 19, 2025 (Mon/Wed) — 6:00pm-9:00pm

CANSail Basic: Summer B — July 28, 2025 - August 21, 2025 (Tues/Fri) — 6:00pm-9:00pm

Fall

CANSail Basic: Fall A — August 24, 2025 - September 16, 2025 (Mon/Wed) — 6:00pm-9:00pm

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Registration for 2026 will open in January! Check back here for more details soon

Sailing Courses in Vancouver, BC at the Kitsilano Yacht Club

CANSail Advanced

Ages: 18+

Prerequisite: CANSail 2 or equivalent certification
8 sessions

CANSail Advanced builds on foundational skills. This course dives deeper into refining sailing techniques, through the CANSail 3 and 4 curriculum. You'll explore advanced boat handling, sail trim optimization, and basic racing techniques on the water—all while learning how to read wind shifts, waves, and sea state.

Cost: $395 (plus GST)

KYC Member Cost: $350 (plus GST)

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Course Dates

Spring

CANSail Basic: Spring A — May 5, 2025 - May 29, 2025 (Tues/Fri) — 6:00pm-9:00pm

Summer

CANSail Basic: Summer B — August 3, 2025 - August 26, 2025 (Mon/Wed) — 6:00pm-9:00pm

Fall

CANSail Basic: Fall A — August 31, 2025 - September 23, 2025 (Mon/Wed) — 6:00pm-9:00pm

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Registration for 2026 will open in January! Check back here for more details soon

The Kitsilano Yacht Club has introduced Vancouver to sailing for over 80 years, and our learn to sail courses continue that tradition of inspiring the next generation of sailors.

Contact Us

Kitsilano Yacht Club, 2401 Point Grey Rd, Vancouver, BC V6K 1A1 | (604) 730-1646 | Email