west vancouver yacht club summer camp

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).  

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]

• Commodores Cup is open to sailors who took a Learn to Sail course in 2023 that followed the CANSail programs. For those kids sailing an Optimist at summer camp this year you should register for Opti for the Regatta. Green fleet if this is your first summer camp and you have not completed CANSail level 2 by the time of the regatta. Champ fleet if you have completed at least level 2 by the time of the regatta. For those doing LTS Basic or Intermediate this year, you would sign up for Fevas and must have completed at least level 2 this summer prior to the regatta. Any questions email the Sailing Director at [email protected] Register here

Multi-Activity Program

Book before april 1st, 2024 and save 5%, west vancouver yacht club members save an extra 5%, sailing, sup, games and kayaking.

Who should take this course: Children who just want to have fun and explore our local waters and beaches.

Course description: 1 week This program is open to children 7 years and up. Students will get the chance to try SUP and kayaking in the calm waters around Fisherman's cove, and get up close to the wide range of nature. With sailing, they will seek adventure on one of our 22-foot keelboats. This camp allows you to dip your toes into a few of the programs we have to offer, without being restricted to a curriculum, and has been the highlight of many kids' summer. This year we will also be doing some other fun activities. Tie Dying shirts on Thursdays (bring a white t-shirt) , a hike to Whyte Lake on Fridays, trips to the local park, and many other creative activities to keep the kids entertained.

Who should take this course: Children who are new to sailing or have never been on the water and that are between the ages of 7 and 8. Children who are only 6 may be excepted if they have previous sailing (with their parents) or are very familiar with being on and in the water.

Course description: 1 week Children are introduced to sailing in an environment that focuses on fun and safety. Small and stable Optimist dinghies are used for this course with 2 students per boat. Topics include boating safety, steering and pulling in the sail, and how to balance, sit and move in an Optimist dinghy. Participants will have the chance to explore the water as they paddle and sail around in our protected marina and harbour. Additional activities may include arts and crafts, games and beach play.

Opti CANSail 1

Ages 8 - 11.

Who should take this course: Children who are new to sailing or have never been on the water and are between the ages of 8 and 11 or weigh less than 45kg. If you have a confident athletic 7 year old child who has taken summer camps before they will fit into this class just fine. Also children who have already taken the Opti Intro course and are comfortable being on the water now.

Course description: 2 weeks Opti CANSail 1 is taught in an Optimist sailboat and is based on the CANSail 1 syllabus. This course creates a more confident atmosphere for the introductory sailor with one to two students per boat. By the end of the course, students will comfortably be able to sail around on the water in almost all directions relative to the wind while also developing the skills to sail solo. CANSail 1 material.

Opti CANSail 2

(pre-requisite cansail 1).

Who should take this course: Children that have Opti CANSail 1, and received their CANSail 1 certificate, or come from a family of sailors and have significant sailing experience.

Course description: 2 weeks Sailors will learn more advanced skills including to sail on all points of sail with increased independence. By the end of the course, they are able to sail comfortably in light to medium winds by themselves. CANSail 2 material.

Opti CANsail 3

(pre-requisite cansail 2).

Who should take this course: Sailors that have completed Opti CANSail 2. This is when we start to learn how to go fast. If your sailor is over 45kgs (100lbs) we suggest moving to the LTS Basic course path, unless they are interested in joining our race team and doing regattas in an Opti. This is something they can do right up till they are turning 16 or weigh more than 50-55kgs.

Course description: 2 weeks Sailors are introduced to the exciting realm of sailboat racing. Topics include starting, tactics, strategy, and advanced boat handling skills that will enable students to be competitive at the local sailing level. The Commodore's Cup regatta at the end of the summer is a fantastic event to complete this requirement. CANSail 3 material.

Opti CANsail 4

Who should take this course: Sailors that have completed Opti CANSail 3, but are still less than 40kgs. This is when we start to learn how to go fast. If your sailor is over 40kgs (100lbs) we suggest moving to the LTS CANSail 3 course path, unless they are interested in joining our race team and doing regattas in an Opti. This is something they can do right up till they are turning 16 or weigh more than 50-55kgs.

Course description: 2 weeks Sailors focus on building skills for sailboat racing. Topics include starting, tactics, strategy, and advanced boat handling skills that will enable students to be competitive at the local sailing level. Sailors are required to compete in a weekend regatta to complete the level. The Commodore's Cup regatta at the end of the summer is a fantastic event to complete this requirement. CANSail 4 material.

These courses usually take 2 - 3 weeks per CANSail level to complete depending on the amount of experience the sailor has and whether or not they have done extra sailing with friends, family, or part of a race team.

Learn To Sail CANSail 1

Who should take this course: Children 11 years of age or older that are new to sailing or are transitioning from the Opti CANSail 2+ program are advised to take this course. Or perhaps they have taken LTS CANSail 1 before but have yet to receive their CANSail 1 certificates. They should weigh at least 45kgs as the course is taught in bigger boats with more sail area.

Course description: 2 weeks This course allows new sailors or those with limited sailing experience to learn the fundamentals of sailing in double-handed (two-person) Flying Junior dinghies. Boat handling, safety and sail trim are a few of the many components taught in a socially rewarding environment. Sailors will refine their basic skills as both skipper and crew. Students begin to understand how to make boats sail quickly and efficiently. CANSail 1 material.

Learn To Sail CANSail 2

Who should take this course: Children 11 years of age or older that are new to sailing or are transitioning from the Opti CANSail 3+ program are advised to take this course. Or perhaps they have taken LTS CANSail 2 before but have yet to receive their CANSail 2 certificates. They should weigh at least 45kgs as the course is taught in bigger boats with more sail area.

Course description: 2 weeks This course allows new sailors or those with limited sailing experience to learn the fundamentals of sailing in double-handed (two-person) Flying Junior dinghies. Boat handling, safety and sail trim are a few of the many components taught in a socially rewarding environment. Sailors will refine their basic skills as both skipper and crew. Students begin to understand how to make boats sail quickly and efficiently. CANSail 2 material.

LTS CANSail 3

(Pre-requisite CANSail 2 or Opti CANSail 3)

Who should take this course: Children 11 years of age or older that have received their CANSail 2 certificate and are ready to explore more advanced skills. Sailors should weigh at least 45kgs as the course is taught in bigger boats with more sail area.

Course description: 2 weeks This course emphasizes boat speed and maneuver efficiency while introducing students to an environment that emphasizes technical accuracy. Advanced sailing skills, sail tuning, tactics and mental skills are integrated into the fun and development-based curriculum. Coaches help sailors achieve performance and personal goals in a team atmosphere. Additionally they are required to compete in a weekend regatta to complete the level. CANSail 3 material. This is a racing-focused course designed for sailors to experience the fun of training and racing.

LTS CANSail 4

(Pre-requisite CANSail 3 or Opti CANSail 4)

Who should take this course: Children 11 years of age or older that have received their CANSail 3 certificate and are ready to explore more advanced skills. Sailors should weigh at least 45kgs as the course is taught in bigger boats with more sail area.

Course description: 2 weeks This course emphasizes boat speed and maneuver efficiency while introducing students to an environment that emphasizes technical accuracy. Advanced sailing skills, sail tuning, tactics and mental skills are integrated into the fun and development-based curriculum. Coaches help sailors achieve performance and personal goals in a team atmosphere. Additionally they are required to compete in a weekend regatta to complete the level. CANSail 4 material. CANSail 4 is required for those sailors wishing to become Learn to Sail Instructors.

LTS CANSail 5

(Pre-requisite CANSail 4)

Who should take this course: Sailors that have received their CANSail 4 certificate and are ready to race.

Course description: If you would like to take CANSail Level 5 during the summer as a Learn to Sail Program you can register here. To complete Level 5 you must take part in a Provincial Level regatta like our Pumpkin Bowl.

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Our Programs

Summer Camps 2024 – Register Now

Tiderider adventure camps.

TideRider Adventures offer experiential summer camps for kids, aged 8 to 13, that incorporate fun, education, self-awareness, skill development, and meaningful connections to nature.

Programs are based at Hollyburn Sailing Club at Ambleside Beach in West Vancouver and Royal Vancouver Yacht Club in Vancouver.

Your child will:

• Learn to stand-up paddle (SUP) or improve paddling skills
• Explore and learn about the ecology of the shoreline and ocean
• Learn about how climate change and pollutants are affecting ocean health. Learning sessions will include hands-on experiments, games and discussions.
• Learn how young people around the world are taking action to protect our oceans and be inspired to take action.
• Have lots of time to play on the water and at the beach each day
• Make a reusable household items to replace single-use plastic ones
• Develop communication and leadership skills and a love for our ocean – become an Ocean Ambassador!

Scroll inside the box below to register for Jericho Beach and Ambleside Beach programs.

Leadership Program for Young Women Aged 13-15

Our planet needs passionate, skilled leaders – OCEAN AMBASSADORS

Are you someone who is passionate about making a difference? Someone that could be a great leader in our community and beyond? Are you passionate about the Ocean?

This summer, Ocean Ambassadors is offering a 5-day experiential summer camp for young women, aged 13-15 that incorporates building leadership and communication skills, ocean health education, self-awareness, creativity, and meaningful connections to nature.

Participants will:

• Spend the week on the ocean and the beach, interacting with nature and nurturing their creativity.
• Learn the power of communication and develop communication skills.
• Discover how connecting with nature improves mental health and resilience.
• Join in movement workshops, learning to become aware of their bodies and the space around them resulting in effective communication and leadership techniques through thoughtful and supportive movements.
• Dive into how the health of our ocean is being affected by pollutants and other factors and think creatively about solutions.
• Learn from a variety of experts including an aquaculture researcher, and a zero-waste innovator.
• Stand-up paddle each day.
• Paddle to Twin Island near Deep Cove and camp for 2 nights

New Sea to Sky Camps

Partnership between Mt. Seymour and Ocean Ambassadors

If you child loves the mountains and the ocean, this camp is for them! Sea to Sky camp is for eco-conscious kids aged 8-13. Campers will split their time between ocean exploration and mountain top adventures. On the ocean they will explore the shoreline and tidal ecosystems on paddleboards and at Mt Seymour campers will participate in our Junior Ecologist program. They will get to know the mountain ecosystem through exploration and play.

This camp is available for 3 weeks only:  Hours 9:00-4:00 p.m.

July 15 th – 19 th       July 22 nd – 26 th   August 12 th – 16 th

• Will spend 3 fun filled days up on Mt Seymour and 2 days with Ocean Ambassadors Canada exploring our coastal waters at Whey-ah-Wichen / Cates Park.
• Will spend 3 days exploring our coastal waters at Whey-ah-Wichen / Cates Park with Ocean Ambassadors Canada and 2 days on Mr. Seymour mountain’s beautiful ecosystems.

Registration Opens March 20th, 2024

Refund Policy: A full refund, minus a $25 admin fee, will be given until June 1st for July programs and July 1st for August programs.

Question or concerns? Please contact Sari at 236-516-3348 or [email protected]

What people are saying about Ocean Camps:

“This was the best day ever! The paddleboarding and jumping in was the best. I’m going to tell my family we should use less single-use plastics.”

Josie Grade 7 Student

The sign of a truly impactful learning experience is when students continue to discuss, and take action afterwards. In the past three months since our visit with Ocean Ambassadors, our learners have created prototypes in the Maker lab to share their ideas about how to decrease the presence of micro plastics and connected their learning about evolution and endangerment to ocean ecosystems. The Ocean Ambassador’s well-balanced approach was hands-on, and offered a unique experience of connecting a sense of place through paddling. They demonstrated why we need to care, showed us first-hand how plastics are polluting our waterways and provided concrete ways to share our knowledge with others. This was a field trip that enabled students to engage in the world and feel empowered to share in the action of making a difference.

Charity Cantlie Grades 6/7 Teacher

“Our students have become ambassadors and are leading workshops for the younger kids at our school. The kids loved the paddle boarding! We had eight classes go through the program and each class had a very different and amazing experience. The Ocean Ambassadors crew were positive, engaging and made the kids feel very important. The kids wanted to learn – they knew that this was important.”

Alison Dixon and Rachel Grudman Kerrisdale Elementary

“The Ocean Ambassadors program provided an enriching, fun, placed-based educational experience for our grade seven class. The staff engaged our students while educating them about different stewardship practices. The students loved paddle boarding, despite the fact that it was a torrential downpour, they learned that it doesn’t have to be summer for us to play in the ocean! This is a field trip we will do again in the future.”

Amanda Botteselle and Amy Wright Highlands Elementary

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Junior Club

EHYC Junior Membership Application

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Eagle Harbour Yacht Club (EHYC) began its Junior Club in 1992. Over the past twenty years, young sailors have enjoyed the many benefits of membership, while continuing to improve their sailing skills.

The Junior Club provides a fun and friendly environment for young sailors of ten years or older who are looking for more than the regular summer lessons. Many students of EHYC’s summer sailing program have joined as Junior Members of the club in order to keep sailing throughout the year.

A Junior Executive is elected each year , and works together with an adult Junior Coordinator and the Sailing Director to organize club events.  Racing at regattas takes place through the North Shore Sailing Team.  EHYC’s Junior Club is focused on social functions and recreational sailing.

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP:

Access to the club sailing dinghies between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. for members having completed CANSail 2 or higher. This does not include Sailing School hours in the summer when all boats are in use.

Opportunity to gain racing experience in local regattas.

Weekend spring and fall sailing supervised sailing sessions provided by experienced EHYC coaches.

Storage for dinghies owned by members of 16 years of age or older.

Opportunity to try sailing on Senior Members yachts for Wednesday night races.

A membership number that may be converted to Intermediate status at the age of 19.

Junior Club sailing and social activities

ACTIVITIES:

As Eagle Harbour’s Junior Club expands, so do the number of things it is able to do. This year the Junior Club hopes to do many fun and different activities:

Overnight sailing and camping trips to Bowen Island, and regatta excursions to Vancouver Island and the Interior

Social events such as Wing Ding Open House BBQs, pizza nights, Bowen Island Trip, movie nights and fundraisers such as the Boat Wash and 50/50 draws.

Spring training sessions beginning May and June and in September, every Saturday from noon to 4:00 PM.  Details are distributed to members by email.

SCHEDULE OF JUNIOR FEES:

Note: GST of 5% will be added to the Junior member rates.

APPLICATION:

Download our EHYC Junior Membership Application HERE .

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