Learn to Sail with the KYC Member Sailing Fleet

Learn to sail with members of the Kelowna Yacht Club Sail Fleet! The Introductory course is a fun and affordable opportunity to learn sailing theory, terminology, and important safety information. With the additional option of getting on-water experience sailing on a wide variety of sailboats.

This is a volunteer run program put on by members of the Sail Fleet. The sessions offered will allow you to learn at your own pace and not feel the pressure of theory exams. No certification will be given through the course.

You can sign up for just the classroom theory lessons only or opt to add 4 on-water sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Q: Does this give a certification?
A: No. This course does not give a certification; it is designed to help you start building experience and get you connected with some of the sailing community here at KYC. Alternative programs will become available in the spring for beginners – intermediate level sailors running throughout the late spring/summer season.

Q: What if I miss a class?
A: We do not have any make-up classes planned; however, the instructors are really great with summarizing previous lessons and helping you feel as though you are caught up with important information.

Q: What is the weather is not very good?
A: Rain or shine, you’ll be going out on the water. If there is a lack of wind during the on-water sessions, the sessions will still proceed as the lesson can be catered to cover plenty of hands-on experience topics. If it is not safe to be on the water (due to lightning or a storm), all participants will be contacted and informed of an alternative date/time or offered a refund for the session.

ROCM – Radio Operator Certificate with DSC

Maritime Radio course teaches emergency radio procedures and everyday operating techniques. Learn all about the uses of marine radios, choice of frequencies, operation, phonetic alphabet, procedural words and phrases, as well as Digital Selective Calling and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (DSC/GMDSS). All boaters will want to take advantage of the many features and capabilities of their marine radio.

Course includes two classroom sessions, 9:00 am-1:00 pm, including the exam.

SVOP and SDV-BS · Small Vessel Operator Proficiency and Small Domestic Vessel Basic Safety

SVOP:

It covers minimum training for owners and operators of commercial vessels: Workboats and passenger vessels up to 5 GT, and fishing vessels of up to 15 GT, engaged on a Near Coastal class 2 or a sheltered waters voyage.

This 4-Day Online-Based course will cover theory on:

· Collision Regulations and Watchkeeping
· Buoyage and Navigation
· Chartwork, Magnetic Compass, GPS, Radar
· Vessel Stability
· Vessel Types and Construction Terminology
· Mechanics and Propulsion Systems
· Docking, Landing, and Maneuvering Theory
· Marine Weather and Forecasting
· Knot Tying, Splicing, and Seamanship Skills
· Departure Preparations, Checklists, and Safety

Hands-on Practical Portions:

· Knot tying & Seamanship
· Chartwork & Plotting
· Assignments Must be submitted within 10 days of course completion

SVDBS:

Training requirement for masters and crew on small non-pleasure (commercial) vessels. In this intense 1-Day online course we will talk about the different kinds of emergencies we may face while working on the water, and what we have to do to keep our crew, passengers, and ourselves safe.

This ticket applies to Owners, Operators and Crew, on: Commercial Vessels of 24 meters or less, engaged on a sheltered water voyage only; Commercial Vessels of 18 meters or less engaged on a voyage in domestic waters; and, Commercial Fishing vessels of 24 meters or less engaged on a voyage in domestic waters.

We will cover theory on:

· Types of Emergencies
· Emergency Response, such as Man Overboard, Flooding, Medical, and more
· Life Rafts, Survival Suits, and other Lifesaving Appliances
· Marine Fire Fighting
· Hypothermia and Cold-Water Immersion
· Distress Signals, GMDSS, VHF Radio, EPIRBs, and SARTs
· The Coast Guard and Other Rescue Resources

Adult Introduction to Sailing 

Learn to sail on a 27-foot Keelboat! Enjoy a lesson spent out on the water, learning valuable skills and experiencing the joys of sailing. No previous sailing experience is necessary, and you can learn at any age. Instructors will tailor the lesson to your skill level and abilities. Taught by a certified captain, each session has a maximum of four participants, and it is recommended to schedule two or more lessons to advance your sailing skills.

Successful completion of 4 sessions will mean a Sail Canada “Start Keelboating” Certification.

Basic Cruising Standard | Sailing Certification 

Have you always wanted to become a competent crew or skipper? The Basic Cruising course is for you! We offer two options for students depending on your comfort level and strengths.

Basic Cruising – Competent Crew
Students who have limited sailing experience will learn the ins and outs of cruising without the pressure of taking total control of the boat. You will move through the course at a pace you are comfortable with and learn how to be an asset on any sailboat! The Sail Canada Basic Crew Standard will be awarded to our Competent Crew students upon successful completion of this course.

Basic Cruising – Day Skipper
Students who have prior sailing experience and are looking to take control of the boat will be working on crew and skipper skills during the course. You will take on more responsibility with the goal of being confident and competent to handle the boat after the course on your own with a small crew. The Sail Canada Basic Cruising Standard will be awarded upon successful completion of the course to students who are comfortable taking full responsibility for the vessel.

The Sail Canada Basic Crew Standard

Basic Cruising Standard

Age: 15 +
Price: $895
2026 Dates: 

Adult Dinghy Sailing

Looking to try out some small boat sailing? Enjoy an evening on the lake sailing dinghies!

Each session will be accompanied by a Certified Instructor who can offer tips and tricks, as well as help you progress your sailing skills. Each session has a maximum of 5 participants, and each participant will be given a choice between an ILCA Laser (single-handed), RS Zest (single- or double-handed), or the RS Quest (double-handed).

Boat Handling Lessons

Ready to navigate the waters with confidence? Our boat handling lessons are designed to empower you with the skills you need to navigate any waterway with ease. Whether you’re a seasoned captain or a beginner setting sail for the first time, our experienced instructors are here to guide you.

During the lessons, you’ll learn essential techniques for maneuvering your boat with precision and ease. From docking to navigating tight spaces and handling emergencies, our instructors will cover all the fundamentals you need to know to feel comfortable behind the helm.

Whether you’re piloting a powerboat, sailboat, or yacht, our instructors have the expertise to help you reach your goals and become a more confident and capable captain. With hands-on instruction and personalized feedback, you’ll quickly gain the skills and confidence you need to handle any situation on the water.

Basic Powerboating Clinic

More details coming soon!

Inquire Today!

Boat Tie-Up Consultation Sessions

Our Boat Tie-Up Service ensures your boat is docked securely with ease. Our expert team can assist you with tying up your boat and can provide snubbers, lines, and fenders if needed.

If you’d like to be present, we can meet you at your slip for personalized assistance, or we can handle everything for you.

Spill Response Training

Dear marine operators, do you know what to do in case of a spill? Do you have a plan in place to respond to a sunken vessel at your dock, or an overflowing fuel tank? What spill response materials should you have on hand, and are staff trained to deploy them? What PPE should you wear when responding to a spill?

The Kelowna Yacht Club is hosting a Spill Response Training instructed by Waterways Environmental , which will provide attendees with the knowledge required to successfully deal with small spills in a marina environment.

Instructor Rick Grindrod has 30 years of experience in environmental compliance auditing, hazardous materials spill response, spill response training, and the Incident Command System with management of emergency situations—including environmental spills—by organizing personnel, resources, and communication across multiple agencies. These years of experience in response tactics help equip students with the tools and knowledge they need to safeguard our waterways.

This one-day course will offer in-class training in the morning involving planning, response, and safety techniques, and then an afternoon on the docks working on different scenarios such as deploying containment and absorbent booms in the water. A personal flotation device (i.e. a life jacket) is required for all training on the docks. Sign up today to reserve your spot!

Surf with a PRO | Ladies Surf Days 

Join us on the water for Ladies Surf Days! Spend the morning catching waves with expert instructor Lily Anderson, a professional wake surfer with an impressive track record in the world of water sports. Lily’s passion for surfing began at a young age, and her journey includes numerous victories, including winning the World Wake Surfing Championship. With her expertise and enthusiasm, Lily is dedicated to helping you advance your surfing skills and share in the stoke of riding the waves.

Don’t miss this opportunity to embrace the surf lifestyle, connect with fellow surfers, and create unforgettable memories.

Surf with a PRO | Adult Surfing  

Join us on the water for a day of surfing! Spend the morning catching waves with expert instructor Lily Anderson, a professional wake surfer with an impressive track record in the world of water sports. Lily’s passion for surfing began at a young age, and her journey includes numerous victories, including winning the World Wake Surfing Championship. With her expertise and enthusiasm, Lily is dedicated to helping you advance your surfing skills and share in the stoke of riding the waves.

Don’t miss this opportunity to embrace the surf lifestyle, connect with fellow surfers, and create unforgettable memories.