junior sailing

The Royal Vancouver Yacht Club offers courses for ages 5 and up, and for all abilities. We teach all levels of Sail Canada's CANSail program.

RVYC Junior Training Program

Learn about our 2024 Junior Training Program courses in our 2024 JTP Brochure here!
RVYC membership not required for any Summer Training Program, everyone is welcome!

Registration is now open! Register here. 

Full Brochure


  • Registration
    • The 2024 JTP Program Brochure is now available and registration is open - click here! 

      Registration is online only and is open to members and non-members! If you are a returning registrant or parent, please use the same email address as before in order to keep your registration history. Important for tax receipting!

      RVYC offers a Hot Lunch Program for all registered sailors. Please be advised that the kitchen is unable to accommodate food allergies with "Lunch" and we recommend students with allergies to bring their own pre-packed food.

      Students are required to bring their own Transport Canada approved PFD (Life Jacket), and suitable closed-toed shoes that can get wet (aqua sock type shoes are recommended). Please also bring sunscreen, sunglasses, snack, a refillable water bottle, a hat, and a change of clothes. Students will very likely get wet, so we recommend non cotton sports wear for sailing, long sleeve tech tops have been a very popular clothing choice. Wetsuits are not required, but some participants prefer to wear them.

      Helmets designed for water-sports are recommended but not mandatory. They are highly recommended for students new to sailing (Wet Feet, Opti Fun, and Junior Mariners).

      All classes meet at 9 AM on the lawn in front on the Star & Dragon patio on the first morning of their respective session.
      REGISTRATION LINK
      BROCHURE (25 MB PDF)



  • 2024 Course Schedule
    • 2024 Course Schedule


      2024 Registration will be open for RVYC members and for members of the public.

      Wet Feet

      Wet Feet is a program designed to introduce kids to boats and water safety in a fun and safe environment. Age-specific activities introduce participants to topics including life-jacket safety and how to balance, sit and move in sailing dinghies. Your child will learn how to act safely around boats as well as have fun with beach play, science experiments, and more! Weekly activities include sailing Capris, Elliotts, and occasionally Optimists with experienced and certified instructors; in addition to: arts and crafts, beach play, theme days such as pirate day, and more! Course curriculum is designed by our Youth Learning Facilitators: each with extensive experience in education, working with young children.

      (NEW & IMPROVED FORMAT: two weeks in length with full-day instruction!)

      (Ages 5-7) No Prerequisite

      Early-Bird Registration Fee 
      Session 1 & 3:
      Member: $690 / Non-Member: $730 
      Session 2 & 4:
      Member: $775 / Non-Member: $815 

      Regular Fee 
      Session 1 & 3:
      Member: $730 / Non-Member: $770 
      Session 2 & 4:
      Member: $815 / Non-Member: $855 

      Hot Lunch Add-on:

      Session 1 & 3 - $135
      Session 2 & 4 - $150
      Hot Lunch Prices are the same before and after April 1st.

      Course Name Dates Time
      Wet Feet: Session 1 Jul 2 - Jul 12
      0900 - 1530
      Wet Feet: Session 2 Jul 15 - Jul 26
      0900 - 1530
      Wet Feet: Session 3 Jul 29 - Aug 9 0900 - 1530
      Wet Feet: Session 4 Aug 12 - Aug 23 0900 - 1530


      Optimist Fun

      No Prerequisite required, but it is recommended to complete Wet Feet prior to enrollment.The Opti Fun class is a fun focused, all-encompassing sailing class for children 7-11 years of age. In Opti Fun, sailors learn to skipper their own boats. This class is designed for both first-time seafarers as well as 'sea hardened' Wet Feet alumni. This class is for kids who are serious about having fun at the yacht club! The Opti Fun curriculum covers the introduction of the Optimist: boat parts, knots, and on-the-water sailing skills with a heavy focus on the fundamentals of upwind and downwind sailing. The goal of this class is to teach kids how to safely operate and learn to love their Opti. Class times: 0900-1530 hrs.

      (2 week course)
      CANSail levels 1 and 2 (Optimist)
      (Ages 7-11) No Prerequisite required, but we do recommend successful completion of Wet Feet prior to enrollment.

      Early-Bird Registration Fee 
      Session 1 & 3:
      Member: $690 / Non-Member: $730 
      Session 2 & 4:
      Member: $775 / Non-Member: $815 

      Regular Fee 
      Session 1 & 3:
      Member: $730 / Non-Member: $770 
      Session 2 & 4:
      Member: $815 / Non-Member: $855 

      Hot Lunch Add-on:
      Session 1 & 3 - $135
      Session 2 & 4 - $150
      Hot Lunch Prices are the same before and after April 1st.

      Course Name Dates Time
      Opti Fun: Session 1 Jul 2 - Jul 12
      0900 - 1530
      Opti Fun: Session 2 Jul 15 - Jul 26 0900 - 1530
      Opti Fun; Session 3 Jul 29 - Aug 9
      0900 - 1530
      Opti Fun: Session 4 Aug 12 - Aug 23 0900 - 1530


      Lime Green

      Prerequisite: Successful Opti Fun (CANSail 1/2 in an Opti) Sailors aged 7+ who have gained foundational sailing experience and who are ready for the race course.
      The Lime Green option is available to children between 7-12 years of age who have satisfactorily completed the Opti Fun class but are not quite ready to enter the Opti Green class. Please think of this class as a bridge between Opti Fun and Opti Green. Like Opti Green, this will be a skill-building class, teaching kids how to safely manoeuvre their boat in basic race-course situations. However, sailors will not be forced straight into competition. Once the coach feels that a sailor is ready to join the Opti Green class, they can elect to move up to Opti Green; however, a sailor may not move back and forth between Lime Green & Opti Green. If coming from the Opti Fun class, sailors must satisfy the Lime Green graduate criteria to be eligible to enroll in the Opti Green class. Class times: 0900-1530 hrs.

      (2 week course)
      CANSail levels 3 and 4 (Optimist)
      (Ages 7-12) Prerequisite: All participants must have their CANSail 2 level or above.

      Early-Bird Registration Fee 
      Session 1 & 3:
      Member: $690 / Non-Member: $730 
      Session 2 & 4:
      Member: $775 / Non-Member: $815 

      Regular Fee 
      Session 1 & 3:
      Member: $730 / Non-Member: $770 
      Session 2 & 4:
      Member: $815 / Non-Member: $855 

      Hot Lunch Add-on:
      Session 1 & 3 - $135
      Session 2 & 4 - $150
      Hot Lunch Prices are the same before and after April 1st.

      Course Name Dates Time
      Lime Green: Session 1 Jul 2 - Jul 12 0900 - 1530
      Lime Green: Session 2 Jul 15 - Jul 26
      0900 - 1530
      Lime Green: Session 3 Jul 29 - Aug 9
      0900 - 1530
      Lime Green: Session 4 Aug 12 - Aug 23
      0900 - 1530


      JTP Opti Green Fleet

      Prerequisite:  For sailors aged 9 -14 who have completed the Lime Green course and achieved their CANSail 3 and 4 levels.
      The Optimist Green Fleet Team is designed for sailors aged 9 -14 who have successfully completed the Lime Green program and are ready to transition to a more intermediate race setting. Before joining the Green Fleet, sailors should feel comfortable on their boat, be proficient in sailing around a simple race course, and have basic boat handling skills along with a foundational understanding of racing. During this four-week course, sailors will delve into more intermediate racing concepts, including favoured ends of the line, right of way, wind shifts, strategy, tactics, rigging and tuning, and boat handling. Instruction will be delivered in a simple and easily understandable manner. Additionally, sailors will engage in field and beach games, participate in fun practice regattas, and become part of a close-knit group of new friends.
      Participation in the JTP Green Fleet qualifies sailors for an invitation to continue onto the Fall Race Team. Moreover, all sailors completing the course are encouraged to attend the end-of-summer Commodore’s Cup Regatta. 

      (4 week course)
      CANSail levels 4 and 5 (Optimist)
      (Ages 9-14) Prerequisites: Successful completion of Lime Green and/or CANSail 3/4 level.

      Early-Bird Registration Fee 
      Both Sessions:
      Member: $1510 / Non-Member: $1560 

      Regular Fee 
      Both Sessions:
      Member: $1550 / Non-Member: $1600 

      Hot Lunch Add-on:
      Both Sessions - $370
      Hot Lunch Prices are the same before and after April 1st.

      Course Name Dates Time
      JTP Green Fleet: Session 1 Jul 2 - Jul 26 0900 - 1530
      JTP Green Fleet: Ssssion 2 Jul 29 - Aug 23 0900 - 1530


      Introduction to Olympic Sailing Pathways

      Requirements: Ages 12-17 and completion of the CANSail 4 level or equivalent experience. 
      This unique experience introduces three mainstream sailing and water-sport classes: ILCA 4, 29ers, and Windsurfing. These boat and board classes are an ideal gateway into graduating into sailing Olympic level boats. Immerse yourself in each class, offering a rare opportunity for sailors to explore all three disciplines before making a definitive choice. The ILCA 4 segment focuses on race strategy, boat manoeuvres, tuning and rigging, providing a foundation for those who have outgrown Optimists. Transition to the 29er dinghy for a meticulous exploration of boat setup, rig tuning, handling, tactics, and a comprehensive understanding of the Racing Rules of Sailing. Each Friday, sailors will have the opportunity to step out of dinghy sailing and experience Windsurfing. The program is designed to make windsurfing, ILCA, and 29er sailing enjoyable and accessible, serving as the ideal gateway for those interested in the challenge of high-performance racing. All sailors completing the course are encouraged to attend the end-of-summer Commodore’s Cup Regatta. Class times: 0900-1530 hrs.

      **Please note this is a double-handed sailing course; participants will be sailing with another registrant in close proximity.

      (2 week course)
      CANSail levels 5 and 6 (ILCA 4, 29er, and Windsurfing)
      (Ages 12+) No Prerequisites necessary.

      Early-Bird Registration Fee 
      Session 1 & 3:
      Member: $690 / Non-Member: $730 
      Session 2 & 4:
      Member: $775 / Non-Member: $815 

      Regular Fee 
      Session 1 & 3:
      Member: $730 / Non-Member: $770 
      Session 2 & 4:
      Member: $815 / Non-Member: $855 

      Hot Lunch Add-on:
      Session 1 & 3 - $135
      Session 2 & 4 - $150
      Hot Lunch Prices are the same before and after April 1st.

      Course Name Dates Time
      Introduction to Olympic Class Pathways: Session 1 Jul 2 - Jul 12 0900 - 1530
      Introduction to Olympic Class Pathways: Session 2 Jul 15 - Jul 26 0900 - 1530
      Introduction to Olympic Class Pathways: Session 3 Jul 29 - Aug 9 0900 - 1530
      Introduction to Olympic Class Pathways: Session 4 Aug 12 - Aug 23 0900 - 1530


      Intro to Windsurfing

      Prerequisite: No previous experience necessary for students (aged 13+).
      Embark on the Intro to Windsurfing journey! We start with an exploration of wind theory, foundational equipment knowledge, steering techniques, tacking, weather forecasting, knot tying, launching and storage procedures, self-rescue techniques, safety regulations, and right of way rules. Based on the collective skill advancement of the class, participants may have the opportunity to delve into more advanced manoeuvres, such as boom tacks and power gybes, with a particular focus on upwind sailing. This course is designed to make windsurfing enjoyable and accessible. Completing it not only builds confidence in solo windsurfing, but could also open the door to joining RVYC’s IQ Foiling Race Team! Class times: 0900 hrs to 1530 hrs.

      (four-day course)
      (Ages 13-17) Prerequisites: None 

      Early-Bird Registration Fee 
      Week 1 & 6:
      Member: $305 / Non-Member: $325
      All weeks excluding 1 & 6:
      Member: $370 / Non-Member: $390

      Regular Fee 
      Week 1 & 6: Member: $325 / Non-Member: $345
      All weeks excluding 1 & 6: 
      Member: $410 / Non-Member $430

      Hot Lunch Add-on:
      Week 1 & 6 - $45
      All weeks excluding 1 & 6 - $60
      Hot Lunch Prices are the same before and after April 1st.

      Course Name  Dates Times  
       Intro to Windsurfing: Week 1  Jul 2 – Jul 4  0900 - 1530  
       Intro to Windsurfing: Week 2  Jul 8 - Jul 11 0900 - 1530  
       Intro to Windsurfing: Week 3  Jul 15 - Jul 18 0900 - 1530  
       Intro to Windsurfing: Week 4  Jul 22 - Jul 25 0900 - 1530  
       Intro to Windsurfing: Week 5  Jul 29 - Aug 1 0900 - 1530  
       Intro to Windsurfing: Week 6  Aug 6 - Aug 8 0900 - 1530  
       Intro to Windsurfing: Week 7  Aug 12 - Aug 15 0900 - 1530  
       Intro to Windsurfing: Week 8  Aug 19 - Aug 22 0900 - 1530  


      Junior Mariners

      Pre-requisites: None for sailors aged 10+ 
      The Junior Mariner Program is RVYC’s seamanship class open to children from 10-17 years of age with some previous sailing experience recommended, but not required. This course is geared toward junior sailors who are interested in the lifestyle of a mariner beyond racing. Course curriculum will include BC Sailing’s CANSail 1 and 2 course content, with the opportunity of achieving one or both levels during the duration of the camp. Additionally, sailors will participate in destination sailing, navigation & orienteering, stand up paddleboarding, knot tying, learning STEM-based concepts and more. 

      (2 week course)
      CANSail 1 & 2
      (Ages 10+) Prerequisites: None

      Early-Bird Registration Fee 
      Session 1 & 3:
      Member: $690 / Non-Member: $730 
      Session 2 & 4:
      Member: $775 / Non-Member: $815 

      Regular Fee 
      Session 1 & 3:
      Member: $730 / Non-Member: $770 
      Session 2 & 4:
      Member: $815 / Non-Member: $855 

      Hot Lunch Add-on:
      Session 1 & 3 - $135
      Session 2 & 4 - $150
      Hot Lunch Prices are the same before and after April 1st.

      Course Name Dates Time
      Junior Mariners: Session 1 Jul 2 - Jul 12 0900 - 1530
      Junior Mariners: Session 2 Jul 15 - Jul 26 0900 - 1530
      Junior Mariners: Session 3 Jul 29 - Aug 9
      0900 - 1530
      Junior Mariners: Session 4
      Aug 12 - Aug 23 0900 - 1530

       PLEASE NOTE: All classes are GST applicable 
  • Commodore's Cup
    • d

      Known as "Vancouver's Saltiest School" when it was founded in 1956, the Junior Training Program has introduced thousands of youth to sailing and the sea. The docks are lined with juniors in this 1966 view.


      The 2024 Commodore's Cup Regatta and Training Camp

      August 2024

      Since 1986, junior racers from various clubs around Greater Vancouver have gathered on English Bay for three great days of racing. This regatta is designed to introduce sailors to the competitive side of the sport. It is open only to sailors who have taken part in a Learn to Sail program during the summer.

      Training Camp: Monday, August 26 and Tuesday, August 27  --  0900-1600 hrs
      Regatta Days: Wednesday, August 28 through Friday, August 30  --  1000-1700 hrs 
      Prizegiving Banquet: Friday, August 30 beginning at 1730 hrs. 

      Registration Opens Wednesday, July 31, 2024.


The Royal Vancouver Yacht Club is situated on unceded, traditional and ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam),
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) and səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples.

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