Summer Sailing Camps
West Vancouver Yacht Club has one of the highest quality Youth Sailing Programs in the country.
Registration is now open for everyone for the Summer of 2024. We filled up very fast last year so please don't delay making the choice to send your child to a summer of fun.
If you have any questions please EMAIL the Sailing Director at [email protected]
We incorporate Sail Canada's "CANSail" standards into our own unique training programs, enabling us to offer the most memorable, educational and rewarding experiences possible.
There are many courses to choose from, each suited to a particular age and skill level. Even sailors as young as 6 years old can learn to sail! At WVYC, we introduce basic sailing skills, develop existing skills, and improve racing performance for youth sailors in both a safe and fun environment. Students can progress at a comfortable pace while having one of the most exciting and memorable summers of their lives.
Sailing is a very social activity and sailors are encouraged to register with their friends. Our programs allow sailors to develop their skills and achieve their CANSail levels without being confined to a specific course curriculum. Coaches will work with sailors and base instruction around sailors' needs, allowing them to have fun with their friends and improve on sailing skills at the sailor's own pace.
To view our programs click the "+" sign next to the program of interest at the bottom of the page. To register, click the link and you will be taken to the registration portal.
Be aware that Microsoft Explorer is no longer supported as a browser. Please use Google Chrome, Firefox or Safari to register.
Cancellation or Withdrawal from Program:
- Classes may be cancelled up to 14 days before the class start date. There is a $50 cancellation fee.
- Refunds are issued at the sole discretion of the Sailing Director.
- While we try our best to ensure that everyone has a good time at our programs, we cannot guarantee that your child will enjoy the activities as much as most do.
- Within 14 days of the start of the program, refunds are only issued for medical reasons.
- "Not having Fun" or "Not liking the water" or "Not getting along with the other kids" are not grounds for a refund.
Camp Hours:
9:00am to 4:00pm daily (except holidays)
What to bring / wear?
Students must bring their own Ministry of Transport of Canada approved PFD (Personal Flotation Device) that fits properly and is correct for their weight if they have one. They can be purchased at any Marine Supply store, Canadian Tire, Walmart and other shops. If you don't have your own you can borrow one for the duration of the course.
Students must wear close toed shoes, such as runners, to protect their feet from potential stubbing or cuts. Shoes should be non-slip and not damaged by water. Please no flip flops or open toed shoes.
Students should wear clothing for the day's weather. Please also bring swimming attire, towel, a change of clothing (at least one), refillable water bottle, cloth face covering, waterproof sun block (please apply before camp too!), hat and sunglasses. Always a good idea to write the names on hoodies and jackets that may get left behind.
Bring a healthy lunch (peanut free) and snacks (that can be eaten on the water).
What to expect...
Students will be on the water as much as possible.
Students will need to be comfortable in the water - they do not necessarily have to be a strong swimmer as they will be wearing a MOT Canada approved PFD.
Leave all valuables that do not agree with salt water on shore, or at home! Students should leave the following items at home: valuables, toys, phones, electronics, money, etc. There is a phone at the club they can use if they need to call someone.
Where and when?
All Learn to Sail courses meet in the WVYC Yachting Centre. Our address is 5854 Marine Drive, West Vancouver.
Our courses run Monday* through Friday, start time is at 9:00 am and pick up is at 4:00 pm.* There will be no lessons on Monday, July 1st (Canada Day) or August 5th (BC Day).
Lunch
We are doing the "Bring your own lunch" option. Think of it as camping. If you pack it in, pack it out. Please take all garbage and recyclables home with you so we keep our grounds as clean as possible.
Drop-Off Procedures (8:30-9:00 am daily) may look like the following:
A greeter will be posted at the main parking entrance. Advise them you are there to drop off a LTS participant and they will direct you to the "drop-off" queue. There are two different areas. One for those kids enrolled in the multi-activity program and one for everyone else. The greeter will tell you which way to go. Additional staff will guide you along the queue until you are directed to one of the clearly-designated "drop-off" spaces. Once there, participants are to exit their vehicle and check in with the check-in person there. The participant will then be told what to do, and where to go next.
Parents are asked to remain in their vehicles and immediately leave to ensure the queue and process maintains a good pace. Please don't block the pass through with your vehicle.
Each participant will be assigned a coach and directed to one of multiple, well-defined muster areas.
Participants will be advised to return to the same muster area each morning.
Daily roll call will be conducted in the muster area.
Coaches and participants will proceed to designated program areas.
On the first day of the program please gather on the deck of the Yachting Centre.
Pick-Up Procedures (4:00 pm daily):
Return to the same area to queue and pick up your child in one of the morning "drop off" spaces and then immediately leave the area.
Additional Information for Participants, Parents and All Members:
Anyone needing additional information is asked to wait until they've cleared the queue and park in the main parking area between the Yachting Centre and the Club. The Sailing Director will be available each morning to address any questions. As of Tuesday, July 2nd, the washrooms in the Yachting Centre will be designated for use by the LTS participants, Monday through Friday. Members will be asked to use the washrooms located in the bottom of the Clubhouse, adjacent to the workshop. Parking in the Drop-Off and Pick-Up area will remain available for Members use, however, it is highly recommended to avoid the area between 8:30am to 9:30am and 3:30pm to 4:30pm. Increased traffic volume and congestion is to be expected.
For those members wishing to use the east crane, take note that the crane is used for craning in/out coach boats for LTS each week day between 8:30am and 9:30am and 3:30pm and 4:30pm. Please respect the fact that these boats need to go in and come out as quick as possible so please do not block the crane or its use during these times.
For further clarification, please email [email protected]