Calgary Yacht Club Opens the Door to Sailing for More Families This Summer
A national funding announcement is translating into something pretty tangible here at home: more kids in Calgary will get the chance to try sailing this summer, including some at no cost.
The Calgary Yacht Club has been selected as one of 24 programs across Canada to receive support through Sail Canada’s 2026 Sailing for All initiative. The program is backed by Sport Canada and is focused on making sailing more accessible to people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate.
For local families, that means expanded access to the Yacht Club’s summer sailing camps, along with a limited number of fully funded spots.
While sailing can sometimes feel like one of those “not for us” activities, programs like this are designed to change that. The funding specifically supports initiatives that remove barriers for groups, including newcomers to Canada, low-income families, individuals with disabilities, and others who are underrepresented in sport.
At the Calgary Yacht Club, the focus is on getting kids out on the water in a way that’s approachable and hands-on. Their summer camps introduce participants to small sailboats, basic sailing skills, and water safety, while building confidence and independence along the way. For many kids, it’s their first time trying something completely new, and that’s kind of the point.
There’s also a practical side for parents. Sailing camps run as full-day programs, giving kids a structured, outdoor experience that goes beyond the usual mix of crafts and gym games. It’s active, skill-based, and, for a lot of families, a refreshing change from more traditional summer options.
Thanks to this new funding, some families will be able to access that experience for free.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for a fully funded week of sailing camp by contacting manager@cyc.ab.ca.
Nationally, the Sailing for All initiative has already introduced thousands of participants to the sport over the past two years, with programs now running in multiple provinces. The goal is to make sailing feel less exclusive and more like something any Canadian can try, regardless of background or experience.
For Chestermere and the area, it’s a small but meaningful shift. More access, fewer barriers, and a chance for a few more kids to spend part of their summer doing something they might not have considered otherwise.
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