What to Bring and Wear
- Students should wear clothing for the day’s weather. We suggest layers to adjust for changing weather. Wetsuits and drysuits are not required but can add a level of comfort if the individual is susceptible to cold. A wind and water proof layer on the outside will help keep you warm when wet.
- Students must wear close toed shoes such as runners, aqua socks or wet suit booties to protect their feet from potential stubbing or cuts.
- Please bring a change of clothing for when you get wet and a towel. We do have showers to warm up after sailing.
- Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses are also recommended as the sun’s rays are intensified by reflection on the water.
- Gloves are a great idea but are not necessary.
- Bring a water bottle and a lunch if they are here over lunch (or a snack if they are not here over lunch).
- You may use your own Personal Flotation Device. We encourage it actually.
What to expect
- Students will be on the water as much as possible.
- Our staff will endeavour to keep them in or out in appropriate wind.
- We will sail if it rains.
- You will get wet at some point as sailing is a water sport.
- Everyone has to capsize but it is done in a controlled environment the first time.
- Accidental capsizes do happen from time to time. The idea however is NOT to capsize
- We do supply PFD’s for all students.
- DO NOT BRING VALUABLES THAT DO NOT AGREE WITH SALT WATER! Or leave them on shore at least.
When and Where?
- Summer Youth Classes should meet on the deck over the foreshore.
- Adult classes should meet at the Dinghy Shed.
- Parking is in the upper lot.
- Adult classes may unwind AFTER class in the chartroom.
Founded in 1892, the Royal Victoria Yacht Club is the oldest yacht club in Western Canada and teaching people to sail is one of our most treasured traditions. We strive to live up to our reputation by providing instruction in a fun, safe, and positive learning environment. We offer the New Canadian Yachting Association Learn to Sail standards. Our program introduces basic sailing and racing skills, develops existing skills, provides advanced training, and improves confidence, all while you enjoy sailing in beautiful Cadboro Bay. The Instructional Sail Program (ISP) is open to the public and members.
OPTIMIST PROGRAMS (Under 13 Years)
These programs introduce youngsters to sailing in a fun-oriented learning environment. The 7-foot Optimist dinghy provides the stable platform for students to learn basic and advanced skills.
Opti Wet Feet (4-6 Year Olds)
A camp designed for little sailors wanting to familiarize themselves with salt water, sea life, and sailing. A focus on fun and being comfortable on the water. Small class sizes with certified instructors.
Opti Basic (7-11 Year Olds)
This program introduces students to sailing in a fun-oriented environment. With two sailors per boat, children work on the basics of sailing in a confident and enjoyable atmosphere.
Opti Advanced (pre-req: Opti Basic)
Learn how to single-hand a boat and sail by yourself. Young sailors continue to develop basic sailing skills learned in Opti Basic as well as develop more advanced skills into their sailing with more independence.
Opti Race (pre-req: Opti Advanced)
For the experienced Opti sailor, this course is an introduction into racing one of the most popular boats in the world. Learn rules, sportsmanship, and further advanced sailing skills.
Sailing Programs (Over 12 Years)
Basic Sail (12 Years and Older)
The Canadian Yachting Association accredited Basic Sailing course for new sailors or those with limited sailing experience. Sailors will learn the basics of sailing in our Club Flying Junior sailboats covering the three White Sail levels. The course includes safey, crewing, skippering, terminology and knots. Three students to a boat creates teamwork in a fun, safe, and socially rewarding environment.
Advanced Sail (Pre-req: White Sail III)
Advanced Sailing uses Club 420 boats. Bronze Sail IV and V Skills will include the challenge of Spinnaker and Trapeze work, sail theory, advanced boat handling, and basic boat maintenace.
Basic and Advanced Racing (Pre-req: BRONZE V)
Race training camp for Beginner to Advanced Racing Sailor where the athlete can work toward their Silver or Gold sail levels following Bronze V completion. Training will hone sailing skills, teach tactics and strategy, racing basics and regatta preparation.
Learn to Race (pre-req: White Sail III)
Learn to Race is the Canadian Yachting Association introduction to the world of sailboat racing. This course continues to refine skills while introducing the basics of racing (starts, mark rounding, tactics, strategy, rules).
Coaching Pre-Course
Have you finished your Bronze 5, Silver, or Gold Sail? Looking for what to do next? Have you always wanted to be a sailing coach? This new course helps prepare you for your CYA courses that you must take to become a sailing coach. Learn what to teach and how to teach it. Get a head start and practice your sailing, coach boat and presenting skills, in a fun environment. This course is a recommended prerequisite for all CYA Coaching Courses (Fundamental, While Sail Coach - Tech 1, Bronze Sail Coach - Tech 2)
ADULT Sailing Programs (Over 18 Years)
Adult Basic Sailing
Evening classes for Canadian Yachting Association White Sail I, II, and III, covering basic sailnig skills. This is an adult class for the beginner sailor or those with limited experience.
Adult Advanced Sailing
Advanced sailing skills for those who have completed the CYA White Sail Level III. In Bronze Sail IV and V, sailors will refine their sailing skills in heavier winds working on boat handling, sail theory, spinnaker and trapeze, as well as the basics of boat maintenance.
Adult Learn to Cruise
This introductory course introduces the novice or experienced dinghy sailor to the world of keelboat sailing. In our fleet of keel boats students will learn the art of sailing, crew work, docking and seamanship in small keelboats. Come discover the world of cruising while sailing the picturesque Cadboro Bay, Oak Bay, and Chain Islands.
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Instructional Sailing Program
