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Always wanted to sail? Now’s your chance.

Learn to Sail in Vancouver, BC at Kitsilano Yacht Club

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Overview

Sailing Lessons in Vancouver — Learn to Sail on English Bay

Kitsilano Yacht Club offers sailing lessons in Vancouver for adults and youth, with programs designed for beginners and returning sailors alike. Whether you searched for “sailing lessons vancouver”, “learn to sail vancouver”, or “sailing courses vancouver”, this is where your time on the water starts.

As a nonprofit community club on English Bay, we focus on accessible, high-quality Vancouver sailing lessons built on Sail Canada’s CANSail curriculum. Our programs cover both adult learn to sail courses and youth summer sailing camps.


All instruction is led by Sail Canada certified instructors, supported by BC Sailing. Small group ratios, coach boat support, and a structured progression mean you’re not just going for a boat ride — you’re actually learning to sail.

Programs for Adults & Youth

We offer a clear pathway whether you’re an adult looking to learn a new skill or a parent searching for summer camps for your kids.

  • Adult learn to sail courses on English Bay
  • Youth summer sailing camps (no membership required)
  • All programs based on Sail Canada’s CANSail standard
View All Sailing Programs

Beginner-Friendly Sailing Lessons

Start from the basics and build skills day by day. Our sailing courses in Vancouver are welcoming to complete beginners — no experience or boat ownership required.

Certified Instruction

All programs are led by Sail Canada certified instructors with first-aid training, following Sail Canada, BC Sailing, and KYC safety standards.

Sailing in Vancouver

Learn to sail on English Bay with views of downtown Vancouver and the North Shore mountains — a memorable way to experience sailing Vancouver.

Why KYC

Why Choose Kitsilano Yacht Club for Sailing Lessons in Vancouver?

When you search for sailing lessons vancouver or vancouver sailing lessons, you want more than just a scenic boat ride. You want real skills, a safe environment, and a welcoming community.

Certified & Caring Instructors

Programs are led by Sail Canada certified instructors with first-aid training and a focus on safety, clear communication, and positive coaching.

Small Group Ratios

Low student-to-instructor ratios mean plenty of feedback and support for both adults and youth participants.

Prime English Bay Location

Calm, protected waters for beginners with the option to stretch into more open water when skills progress — all from a Kitsilano waterfront clubhouse.

Community & Culture

A nonprofit, community-club atmosphere where people of all ages learn, race, and simply enjoy being on the water together.

CANSail Curriculum

We teach Sail Canada’s CANSail program, recognized across Canada and supported by BC Sailing, giving you a clear pathway as you continue to sail.

Safety-First Approach

KYC provides safety gear, coach boat support, and follows safety protocols from Sail Canada, BC Sailing, and KYC.

The Experience

What It’s Like to Learn to Sail with KYC

Learning to sail in Vancouver is about more than just technique — it’s about seeing the city from the water, reading the wind on English Bay, and feeling more confident every time you leave the dock.

From our Kitsilano location, you’ll experience sailing Vancouver with views of downtown and the mountains. Depending on the program, lessons may run on evenings, weekends, or as week-long camps.

It’s an accessible way to get into sailing courses in Vancouver without buying a boat, arranging moorage, or figuring it out alone.

  • Structured progress for both adults and youth participants
  • Modern safety practices and on-water coach boat support
  • Clear next steps into more advanced courses or club programs
English Bay · Vancouver, BC
Learn and practice in real coastal conditions with the support of certified instructors, safety boats, and a waterfront clubhouse.
Programs

Sailing Lessons for Adults & Youth

Our offerings include adult learn to sail vancouver courses and youth summer sailing camps. Both follow CANSail-based progressions and are open to the public — no membership required.

Adult Learn to Sail

Structured sailing courses in Vancouver for adults who want to learn properly, with a mix of shore-based briefings and on-water practice.

  • CANSail-based adult curriculum
  • Ideal for beginners and returning sailors
  • Clear pathways into recreational sailing and club racing
Explore Adult Courses

Youth Summer Sailing Camps

Week-long summer camps that blend learning to sail with games, teamwork, and time outside — a great entry point into sailing vancouver for kids and teens.

  • CANSail-based youth programs led by certified instructors
  • Daily on-water sessions, weather permitting
  • Open to the public — no membership required
View Summer Camps
Skills & Next Steps

What You’ll Learn & How to Get Started

Whether you’re signing up yourself or registering your child, our Vancouver sailing lessons focus on building real skills, confidence, and respect for the water.

Core Sailing Skills

  • Boat parts, rigging, and getting underway
  • Steering, sail trim, and balance
  • Tacking and gybing with control
  • Basic upwind and downwind sailing
  • Introductory boat handling and seamanship

Safety & Seamanship

  • Lifejacket/PFD use and dock safety
  • Working with a coach or crew and communicating clearly
  • Awareness of wind, weather, and surroundings
  • Respect for the marine environment and other water users
  • Pathways into ongoing club programs and racing

How to Get Started

  • 1. Choose the Right Program
    Decide whether you’re looking for adult learn to sail courses or youth summer camps, then visit the relevant program page.
  • 2. Register Online
    Complete online registration to secure your spot. You’ll receive confirmation and pre-program details by email.
  • 3. Arrive Ready for the Water
    We provide boats and lifejackets; you bring closed-toe shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and enthusiasm.
View All Sailing Programs
FAQ

Sailing Lessons in Vancouver — FAQ

A few quick answers for people searching for sailing lessons in Vancouver for themselves or their kids.

Do I need to be a member to take sailing lessons?

No membership is required. Our sailing lessons and summer camps are open to the public. If you enjoy the experience, you’re welcome to learn more about membership and year-round programs later on.

Are these programs suitable for beginners?

Yes. Many participants are complete beginners. Our sailing courses in Vancouver are designed to start from the basics and build up in a safe, supportive way.

Do I need my own boat or gear?

No. KYC provides boats and Transport Canada–approved lifejackets/PFDs. You just need closed-toe shoes and clothing suitable for the weather, plus the usual sun protection and water bottle.

Is it safe?

Safety is our top priority. We follow safety guidelines from Sail Canada, BC Sailing, and KYC. A motorized coach boat is on the water during all on-water sessions to provide coaching and safety support.

Where are the sailing lessons held?

Lessons and camps run from Kitsilano Yacht Club on the south shore of English Bay, just steps from Kitsilano Beach and the pool, with easy access by bike, transit, or car.

Start Your Sailing Journey

Contact Us


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

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