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Summer Sailing Camps in Vancouver for Kids & Teens

 

Fun, Safe & Educational Sailing Courses for Ages 6–17 on English Bay

No membership required! Give your child an unforgettable summer on the water! Our week-long sailing camps at Kitsilano Yacht Club are open to the public and blend expert sailing instruction with beachside fun and new friendships. Whether your kid is a first-time sailor or already has salty sea legs, we have a program to inspire confidence, skill, and a lifelong love of sailing.

As a nonprofit organization, the Kitsilano Yacht Club is proud to offer affordable, safe and fun summer sailing camps. All of our camps are taught by certified CANSail instructors, who are registered with Sail Canada. 

Sign up today. Summer fun awaits!

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 child 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 easy drop-off near Kitsilano Beach).

  • Community & Fun – A welcoming, non-profit club atmosphere where campers make new friends and learn teamwork. We mix sailing with games, crafts, and beach activities to keep it fun (so it’s not “school” in the summer!).

  • Proven Curriculum – We are proud to teach Sail Canada’s CANSail program, meaning kids earn nationally recognized skills levels as they progress. 

Safety First, Always

Your child’s 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, age-appropriate boats and maintain a motorized coach boat on the water during all sessions. Parents can relax knowing their kids are in safe hands while they have a blast.

Sailing Camps for Ages 6-12

kids learning to sail at Kitsilano Yacht Club summer camp

Wetfeet

Ages: 6-8

Prerequisite: None

Schedule:

AM Session: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

PM Session: Monday - Friday, 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM


A fun and engaging introduction to sailing for our youngest sailors! Wetfeet is designed to introduce kids to water safety and basic sailing concepts in a supportive environment. Through games, adventure-based learning, and hands-on experience, children will develop comfort in and around boats while gaining foundational sailing skills. This half-day camp is perfect for kids who love to explore and play on the water.


Cost: $225 (plus GST)

KYC Member Cost: $200 (plus GST)


Looking for a full day program for sailors age 6-8? Add AM and PM sessions for the same week and use discount code "FULLDAY" for discounted pricing.


Cost: $375 (plus GST)

KYC Member Cost: $350 (plus GST)

kids learning to sail at Kitsilano Yacht Club summer camp

Opti FUN

Ages: 8-12

Prerequisite: None

Schedule:

AM Session: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

PM Session: Monday - Friday, 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM


A fantastic introduction to sailing in a fun and engaging environment! Opti Fun focuses on building foundational sailing skills through games, creative challenges, and interactive on-water activities. This course helps young sailors develop confidence, coordination, and comfort in an Optimist dinghy while learning the basics of boat handling and wind awareness.


Cost: $225 (plus GST)

KYC Member Cost: $200 (plus GST)

Opti 1

Ages: 8-12

Prerequisite: Completion of a previous sailing camp

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM


Opti 1 is designed for young sailors who have had an introduction to sailing and are ready to build their skills. Using Optimist dinghies, sailors will learn essential skills like steering, sail trim, and boat control through hands-on practice and fun, engaging activities, following the CANSail 1 curriculum. This course builds confidence and independence while laying the foundation for future sailing progression.


Cost: $375 (plus GST)

KYC Member Cost: $350 (plus GST)

kids learning to sail at Kitsilano Yacht Club summer camp

Opti 2

Ages: 8-12

Prerequisite: Completion of CANSail 1/Opti 1 or equivalent experience

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM


Opti 2 builds on the skills learned in Opti 1, with a focus on refining boat handling, sail trim, and on-water decision-making, following the CANSail 2 curriculum. Sailors will develop greater independence in the Optimist dinghy while continuing to improve their confidence and control in a variety of conditions. This course is a great next step for young sailors looking to continue their sailing journey.


Cost: $375 (plus GST)

KYC Member Cost: $350 (plus GST)

kids learning to sail at Kitsilano Yacht Club summer camp

Opti Race

Ages: 8-12

Prerequisite: Completion of CANSail 1/Opti 1 or equivalent experience

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM


Ready to pick up the pace? Opti Race is for young sailors who are eager to learn the fundamentals of sailboat racing. Participants will sharpen their boat handling, racing strategy, and teamwork skills while building confidence in a competitive but fun environment.


Sailors who participate in our Opti Race camp will have the option to join us the following week to compete at the Commodore's Cup Regatta


Cost: $375 (plus GST)

KYC Member Cost: $350 (plus GST)

(Entry fee for Commodore's Cup Regatta not included.)


Multi-Sport Camps for Ages 8-12

Sail and Paddle Multi-sport summer camp at the Kitsilano Yacht Club in Vancouver

Sail and Paddle

Ages: 8-12

Prerequisite: None

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM


This exciting camp introduces kids to both sailing and paddling in a safe and fun environment. Campers will explore water safety, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking, and sailing in a relaxed and playful setting. Whether they're balancing on a paddleboard, steering a kayak, or catching the wind in a sailboat, they'll gain confidence on the water while making new friends.


Cost: $375 (plus GST)

KYC Member Cost: $350 (plus GST)


Sailing Camps for Ages 12-17

kids learning to sail at Kitsilano Yacht Club summer camp in Vancouver

CANSail Basic

Ages: 12-16

Prerequisite: None

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM


CANSail Basic encompasses both CANSail 1 & 2, helping new sailors build essential skills on the water. With a focus on fun, safety, and hands-on learning, this course teaches the fundamentals of boat handling, sail trim, and teamwork.


Sailors can reasonably expect to achieve one level per course offering, and progress carries over between multiple sessions.


Cost: $375 (plus GST)

KYC Member Cost: $350 (plus GST)

kids learning to sail at Kitsilano Yacht Club summer camp in Vancouver

CANSail Advanced

Ages: 12-16

Prerequisite: Completion of CANSail 2 or equivalent experience

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM


CANSail Advanced is the next step for sailors who have completed CANSail Basic and are ready to refine their skills. This course covers the CANSail 3 & 4 curriculum, focusing on applied boat handling, sail trim, and tactical decision-making in a variety of wind and wave conditions. Sailors will develop greater independence on the water, improve their upwind and downwind techniques, and be introduced to elements of racing and performance sailing.This program is perfect for those looking to advance their sailing proficiency and prepare for more competitive sailing opportunities.


Sailors can reasonably expect to achieve one CANSail level per session, and progress carries over between multiple sessions.


Cost: $375 (plus GST)

KYC Member Cost: $350 (plus GST)


Ready to Set Sail?

Register Now

Looking for Learn to Sail courses for Adults? Click Here

KYC has introduced Vancouver youth to sailing for over 80 years, and our summer camps 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

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