Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club      

   "On or by the Sea, the Friendly Place to be"
Since 1981

Sailing Programs

Discover the joy of sailing with our diverse range of programs, designed for all ages and skill levels!

At SNSYC, we are passionate about sharing our love for the water and helping you develop a lifelong passion for sailing. Whether you're taking your first steps on a dinghy, refining your racing skills, or looking for accessible sailing opportunities, we have a program for you.

Not sure which program is best for you? Scroll down to read through our available programs!

Sailing Program Registration

*All registration is done online through the link above. Programs and dates will be available through the link*

OPTI BASIC

Our CANSail accredited introduction to sailing an Optimist Dinghy. Designed for fun and building confidence, children will learn the FUNdamentals of sailing, including balance, steering, and making the boat move using the sail, often with two sailors per boat. This course incorporates lots of games and activities, making it perfect for new sailors and those with limited sailing experience.

Pricing: $450 

Sessions: Monday-Friday from 9:00am - 4:00pm for 1 week

Ideal For: Children typically aged aged 7-10, under 110 lbs, with little to no prior sailing experience.

OPTI ADVANCED

CANSail accredited course for advanced Optimist sailing. Children learn to sail by themselves! Young sailors become more independent as they continue to develop basic sailing skills, while more advanced skills are introduced, further building on the FUNdamentals of sailing. Fun activities and games help to solidify new skills!

Pricing: $450

Sessions: Monday-Friday from 9:00am - 4:00pm for 1 week

Ideal For: Children who have completed CANSail 1. For children aged 7-10, under 110 lbs.

CANSail BASIC

An introductory course for new sailors or those with limited sailing experience. Taught in the 420 dinghy. The course focuses on safety, balance, steering, sail trim, and seamanship. Beginner sailors will learn the FUNdamentals of sailing and how to work as a team with two sailors per boat. Activities and games are a big part of learning physical literacy for sailors!

Pricing: $750 

Sessions: Monday-Friday from 9:00am - 4:00pm for 2 weeks

Ideal For: Children aged over 10 years, with little to no prior sailing experience.

CANSail ADVANCED

Sailors build on existing FUNdamental skills, working towards skill proficiency in a variety of conditions and situations. Sailors are introduced to concepts such as reading the wind and waves, advanced boat handling, beginner racing skills and rules, and sportsmanship through on water games and activities. Taught in the 420 dinghy.

Pricing: $750 

Sessions: Monday-Friday from 9:00am - 4:00pm for 2 weeks

Ideal For: Children who have completed CANSail 1, aged over 10 years, with little to no prior sailing experience.

FUNSail

Supervised open-sailing sessions for those who already know how to sail and rig a dinghy. These are non-instructional sessions to practice, enjoy the water, and connect with other sailors in a relaxed environment. 

Pricing: 

·       $20 per person for non-members

·       $10 per person for Senior, Social and Intermediate members. 

·       Junior Members are free

·       Attendees of camp programs can attend the funs sails at no cost during the camps they are registered for.

Sessions: Tuesday & Thursday from 5:00 pm - 7:30pm. Starting from July 1 - August 28, 2025

Ideal For: Sailors with existing sailing knowledge looking for casual, and more sailing time.

RACE TEAM

For competitive sailors, our year-round program offers advanced coaching, tactical training, and opportunities to compete in local and regional regattas. Looking to get your CANSail 5 and CANSail 6? Race Team is the place to be!

Pricing: $225 per month

Sessions: Twice a week, year round.

Ideal for: Those with a minimum of CANSail 2 committed to competitive sailing, looking to enter the world of competitive racing and elevate their skills. 

For more information, visit our Race Team page!

PRIVATE LESSONS

Accelerate your learning and target specific skills with Private Lessons at SNSYC. Our personalized sessions are perfect for those seeking focused, one-on-one (or small group) instruction to rapidly improve their sailing proficiency. Whether you want to master a challenging maneuver, prepare for a specific certification, or simply gain confidence, our experienced instructors will tailor each session to your unique goals.

Pricing: $75 per hour per boat, with a minimum booking of 3 hours. *Lessons may be individual, or you are welcome to split the cost and bring a friend to share the experience*

Booking: To arrange your private lessons and discuss your specific needs, please contact our Sailing School Manager directly.

Ideal For: Individuals seeking customized, accelerated learning.

ADULT LEARN-TO-SAIL

An introductory course for new sailors or those with limited sailing experience. The course focuses on safety, balance, steering, sail trim, and seamanship. Beginner sailors will learn the FUNdamentals of sailing and how to work as a team with two sailors per boat.

Pricing: $350

Sessions: Mondays & Wednesdays from 5:30pm - 8:30pm. Running from August 11-27, 2025

Ideal For: Sailors ages 16 and older, or 13 with a parent/guardian in the class. Little to no sailing experience required.

KEELBOAT LESSONS

Discover the world of larger boats with our Keelboat Lessons! Perfect for those looking to expand their sailing horizons, whether you're a complete beginner, a dinghy sailor ready to 'upgrade,' or a crew member aspiring to become a confident skipper. Using the Capri, our own 'easy to handle' keelboat, these instructional and familiarization courses will cover essential topics such as getting the boat ready, leaving the dock, effective boat handling, understanding points of sail, plotting a course, anchoring, on-board safety, how to return to the dock, and how to maintain composure in various situations.

Ideal For: Sailors interested in transitioning to larger boats, gaining experience on keelboats, or developing leadership skills. 

Pricing: $75 per hour, with a minimum booking of 3 hours. *Lessons may be individual, or you are welcome to split the cost and bring up to 3 friends to share the experience*

Booking: To arrange your keelboat lessons and discuss your specific needs, please contact our Sailing School Manager directly.

ABLE SAILING

Our inclusive Able Sail program with partnership from Able Sail Victoria, offers individuals with disabilities the opportunity to experience the joy and freedom of sailing. Our specialized boats and trained volunteers ensure a safe, accessible, and empowering experience on the water.

Pricing: $30

Sessions: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30pm - 6:00pm and 6:15pm - 7:45pm

Ideal For: Individuals of all ages with disabilities seeking accessible sailing instruction and opportunities.

Registration for Able Sailing can be found at Able Sailing Registration

More information about Able Sailing can be found at Able Sail Victoria

Regsitration Information

Ready to set sail? Register below

Sailing School Registration

Financial Assistance is available for families who need it. Please contact us for details.

Cancellation Policy:

A full program refund will be issued 3 weeks prior to the start of an SNSYC program. A pro-rated refund, less $50, will be issued to those who must cease attendance after a course has commenced due to unanticipated illness (upon receipt of certification by a doctor) or other extenuating circumstances such as family emergency, as deemed satisfactory to the SNSYC Executive. SNSYC reserves the right to cancel a program for any reason without prior notice. In this case, full refund is given. SNSYC will not be responsible for refunds on airline flights, hotel reservations, or other incidental fees incurred in conjunction with the program.


  • All courses are subject to a minimum enrolment. If placed on a waitlist, interest in enrolment is assumed. Should a vacancy arise, automatic enrolment in the course will take place and the cancellation and enrolment policy takes into effect.
  • The Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club carries a portfolio of general liability insurance policies but does not cover students for personal injury.


Participant Waiver: SNSYC Participant Waiver.pdf  *Must be signed and returned by all participants prior to going on the water*


For more info contact Brooke Jangula, Sailing School Manager sailingschool@snsyc.ca

Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club is non-profit organization.
PO Box 2521, Sidney, BC V8L 4B9

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