To sign out and use any of our equipment, you need to be certified on that specific equipment, through either:
- mentoring (except for Sailing - Intermediate (Laser) and Windsurfing - Beginner)
- proficiency exam, if you have significant prior experience on that equipment
While members don't have to renew certifications each season, they must be mindful of their experience and recency when resuming an activity, and are welcome to join a refresher or full course if they are not at an adequate level when resuming use of a piece of equipment when they start a new season on the water.
Without certification, a member is not allowed to sign out any equipment, but they can crew on any two-handed equipment, at the skipper's discretion and judgement based on their skill level and the conditions at that time.
With over 80 boats, kayaks and boards, you're sure to find the right watercraft to match your needs!
Our club has 35 sailboats across 9 types, from single-handed Lasers to thrilling and fast F18 catamarans. Whether you are new to sailing or a seasoned racer, our fleet offers the right boats for you to enjoy the wind and water, or challenge your skills. | Kayaking can be relaxing on a no-wind day, or a workout. Paddling is a fantastic way to explore the shoreline of Vancouver and beyond, be it for a few hours or an overnight trip. Our club has 16 kayaks - singles, doubles, fiberglass, plastic - you're sure to find one that suits your needs. | Aiming to end up *in* the water more often? Want more hands-on control of your sail? Looking to challenge your balance? Windsurf it is for you then. Our club has 31 boards, from 225L stable beginner boards to 80L high-wind ones. and 19 rigged sails, plus 30 high-wind sails that you can take on a trip. More on windsurfers | No wind? Need a core workout? Take a SUP for a spin. We have 5 of them. Enjoy a relaxing paddle on calm waters or have fun catching a wave on a breezy day. More on stand-up paddleboards |
Taken from section 5 of the UBC Sailing Club Rules and Policies:
Vessel |
Skipper Required Certification |
Minimum Crew Required (besides Skipper) |
Maximum Crew Allowed (besides Skipper)1 |
Crew Minimum Certification Recommended1 |
Fleet Grounded Wind Speed, in knots |
RS Quest3,4 |
Beginner, |
1 |
4 |
Beginner |
> 25 |
Laser |
Intermediate |
0 |
0 |
n/a |
> 25 |
Vanguard |
Intermediate |
1 |
1 |
Beginner |
> 22 |
RS5005 |
Advanced I5 |
1 |
1 |
Intermediate |
> 20 |
RS8004 |
Advanced III |
1 |
1 |
Advanced II |
>20 |
Hobie 16 |
Cat I |
1 |
3 |
None |
>25 |
Nacra F18 |
Cat II |
1 |
3 |
Cat I |
>30 |
Nacra F18 Infusion |
Cat III |
1 |
3 |
Cat I |
>30 |
Kayak (single) |
Kayak I |
n/a |
0 |
n/a |
> 18 |
Kayak (double) |
Kayak I |
1 |
1 |
None |
> 18 |
SUP |
SUP |
0 |
0 |
None |
> 15 |
Windsurf L1 |
Windsurf L1 |
0 |
0 |
n/a |
> 20 |
Windsurf L2 |
Windsurf L2 |
0 |
0 |
n/a |
> 35 |
Windsurf HW |
Windsurf HW |
0 |
0 |
n/a |
> 60 |
Motorized Inflatables |
Instructor |
0 |
3 |
None |
> 30 |
1 - Skippers are expected to have 20+ hours of sailing experience on the vessel in various wind and wave conditions before taking crew that does not meet the recommendation
2 - As reported in Environment Canada’s Strait of Georgia - south of Nanaimo reported wind speed
3 - The skipper must learn how to properly rig the boat through Mentorship or Lessons if certification was obtained on other fleets such as the FJ
4 - A1 or C1 certification required to use trapeze and A2 or C2 certification required to use a spinnaker
5 -Advanced II certification required to use a spinnaker