Sailing Membership at the Lower Mainland Yacht Co-op
You don’t need to own a boat or even know how to sail to become a member of one of the Lower Mainland’s best kept secrets. All you need is an interest in sailing.
Everyone starts as a Social Member on our waitlist. No commitment, no volunteer hours.- 50 yearsOne of BC’s longest-running sailing co-ops
- 4 harboursPoint Roberts, Horseshoe Bay, Pender Harbour & Lund
- 480 hoursof peak-season berth time, plus unlimited off-season
- Crew → SkipperStructured training & mentors
We’re looking for active participants, not just customers
We are seeking the next generation of active, responsible members to help carry LMYC into its next 50 years.
LMYC is ideal for
- Former boat owners who want to stay active on the water without the overhead of ownership
- Sailing school graduates building real experience after certification
- Recreational sailors progressing toward skippering and multi-day cruising
- People who value community, responsibility, learning, and shared success
An honest word
If you’re looking for “rent and forget,” LMYC is not the right fit.
If you want a hands-on sailing community where you can grow as a sailor, you belong here.
Sail BC and Washington waters without owning a boat
50-Year Legacy
One of BC’s longest-running sailing co-ops, with a stable fleet, experienced mentors, and a sustainable financial model.
BC & Washington Locations
Boats at Point Roberts and Horseshoe Bay, with summer access to Pender Harbour and Lund.
Affordable Sailing
Unlimited off-season access and 480 berth-hours in peak season.
Skill Progression
Progress from crew to approved Skipper. Cruise Skippers can book multi-day trips.
Members describe LMYC as a place where friendships form, confidence grows, and time on the water becomes a meaningful part of life.
Your path from waitlist to Cruise Skipper
Join as a Social Member to start getting to know the Co-op and officially start your time on the wait list. While you wait, you’ll be invited to our social events, general meetings, and possibly a few races!
- Apply as a Social MemberJoin the waitlist for $40/year.
- Advance to Full MemberWhen an opening becomes available ($500 initiation + annual fee).
- Complete TrainingClassroom + on-water instruction, usually three to four months depending on your experience and aptitude.
- Achieve Day SkipperPass the practical test and earn day sailing privileges.
- Advance to Cruise SkipperAdditional training and experience unlock full cruising privileges.
- Specialized QualificationsLarge boat checkout and Desolation Sound certification.
Tip: we encourage Social Members to start their theory training (PCOC, Basic Cruising, Simply Sailing 2–3 day courses) while on the wait list, so they’re ready for hands-on training when they become Full Members.
Simple, co-op membership pricing
Shared effort keeps costs reasonable and standards high.
Social Member
Also known as Waitlist Member. For those awaiting a Full Member opening.
- Attend all General Meetings, the AGM, and social events
- Sail as a guest when invited by Full Members
- Build seniority on the waitlist
- Included on the email distribution list
- No volunteer hour requirements
Full Member
For active sailors ready to crew, skipper, and contribute.
- Booking access to all club boats
- Voting rights & ability to hold office
- In-person and online training programs
- Progress through Day and Cruise Skipper levels
- 20 volunteer hours / year (10+ on fleet maintenance)
Associate Member
For Full Members taking a temporary sabbatical.
- Priority return – first in line for Full Membership
- Maintain your standing
- Welcome at all member meetings and social functions
When Full Membership openings become available, Associate Members have first priority, followed by Social Members in waitlist order.
What each membership includes
| Privilege | Full | AssociateAssoc. | Social |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attend General Meetings & AGM | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Email distribution list | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Attend social events (formal & informal) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Full website access | ✓ | – | – |
| Voting privileges | ✓ | – | – |
| Be elected to office | ✓ | – | – |
| Complete 20 hours volunteer position | ✓ | – | – |
| Hold appointed position | ✓ | – | – |
| Attend formal instructional sessions | ✓ | – | – |
| Prerequisites – PCOC, ROC-M, Nav course | ✓ | – | – |
| Booking privileges | ✓ | – | – |
| Sail a boat (Full Member as Skipper) | ✓ | Guest | Guest |
| Attend scheduled maintenance days | ✓ | Optional | Optional |
| Attend club racing | ✓ | Guest | Guest |
| Attend club cruises | ✓ | Guest | Guest |
| Waiting list priority | – | 1st | 2nd |
From guest crew to Cruise Skipper
Social MemberWaitlist Member · $40/year
A prospective member on the waiting list for full membership who maintains a connection with, learns about the club, and may be invited to sail while awaiting an opening. Those on our waiting list are referred to as ‘Social Members’ and are entitled to attend all member meetings and social functions.
Key features
- Annual fee: $40.00
- Can attend all General Meetings, AGM, and social events (formal & informal)
- Included on email distribution list
- No voting privileges or ability to be elected to office
- Cannot book or skipper boats independently
- May sail as a guest when invited by Full Members
- Has second priority for advancement to Full Membership (after Associate Members)
- No volunteer hour requirements
Path forward
When full membership openings become available, Social Members can transition to Full Membership (after Associate Members, who have first priority). Social members are strongly encouraged to complete external sail training courses such as their Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), Basic Cruising, and Simply Sailing 2–3 day engagements while on the wait list.
Full Member (FM)Voting member · $500 initiation + $1,295/year
A voting member of the cooperative with access to boats dependent on their skipper status, training, and club operations. Upon becoming a Full Member, skipper status certifications must be demonstrated in two tiers – Day Skipper, then Cruise Skipper.
Key features
- All privileges: voting, boat booking, attending formal instruction
- Must complete and log 20 hours of volunteer work annually (minimum 10 hours on boat maintenance)
- Access to all club boats, in-person and online training programs
- Full website access and ability to hold appointed positions
- Can progress through skipper qualification levels (Day and Cruise)
- 480 berth-hours allocation during High Season
- Can book up to 3 weeks in advance (earlier than Alumni Day Sailors)
Requirements
Must obtain required certifications and complete training to achieve skipper status, as granted by the LMYC Lead Trainer.
Note: Associate Members (Full Members who step aside for now) take precedence over Social Members, pay $60 per year, and are also welcome at all member meetings and social functions.
FM Day SkipperSkipper single-day, daylight sails in local waters
A Full Member qualified to independently skipper boats for single-day, daylight sailing adventures in local waters. The vessel must return to its home berth each evening.
Qualifications required
- Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)
- Restricted Radio Operator Certificate (Maritime) – ROC-M
- Completion of LMYC classroom, exam, and on-water training
- Successful completion of practical sailing test with Training Officer
- Basic sailing course (CYA Basic Cruising, ISPA Day Skipper, or CPS Basic Boating recommended)
Privileges
- Can book and skipper boats for day sailing in Semiahmoo Bay, Howe Sound, Blaine, or Pender Harbour
- Can pre-book boats during High Season for day sailing
- May use designated day sailing boats or smaller vessels
- Can invite other LMYC members and guests to join when space available
- Should primarily use smaller boats for day sailing (not Baca Lele and Benesse unless using 24-hour rule)
Limitations
- Cannot cruise overnight except for specific training purposes
- Cannot access Desolation Sound cruising program
FM Cruise SkipperPlan and skipper multi-day cruises
A Full Member with advanced qualifications to independently plan and execute multi-day cruising adventures, including access to premium destinations.
Additional qualifications beyond Day Skipper
- Demonstrated advanced navigational skills
- Experience with multi-day cruise planning and boat handling
- Navigation course completion
- Approval from the Lead Training Officer for extended cruising
- For Desolation Sound: must demonstrate specific qualifications to DS Director
- For large boats: must complete “Large Boat Maneuvering and Docking” checkout for Baca Lele and Benesse
Privileges – all Day Skipper privileges, plus:
- Can book boats for multi-day cruises throughout the season
- Access to the Desolation Sound cruising program (subject to lottery system)
- Can book larger boats (Baca Lele and Benesse) with appropriate checkout
- Can participate as skipper in Club Cruises to the Gulf and San Juan Islands
- No berth hour restrictions outside High Season (subject to year-round booking rules)
Special programs
- Desolation Sound Cruising: must apply through DS Director, subject to lottery system with preference given to first-time DS sailors
- Large Boat Qualification: additional checkout required for Baca Lele and Benesse
Sweat equity & shared responsibility
LMYC thrives because members contribute. Shared effort keeps costs reasonable and standards high.
Full members are required to complete a minimum of 20 volunteer hours per year (at least 10 hours on fleet maintenance). Remaining hours support operations and governance. This commitment keeps the fleet in good condition, strengthens seamanship, and builds the community that members value most.
Members treat the boats as their own—because, in a cooperative, they are!
Frequently asked questions about joining LMYC
What is the Lower Mainland Yacht Co-op (LMYC)?
The Lower Mainland Yacht Co-op (LMYC) is a member-run sailing cooperative in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland and one of BC’s longest-running sailing co-ops, with a 50-year history. Members share a fleet of sailboats based at Point Roberts and Horseshoe Bay, train from crew to Day Skipper and Cruise Skipper, and contribute volunteer hours to keep costs low, so they can sail BC and Washington waters without owning a boat.
Do I need to own a boat or know how to sail to join LMYC?
No. You don’t need to own a boat or know how to sail. All you need is an interest in sailing. Members progress from crew to approved Day Skipper and Cruise Skipper through LMYC training.
How much does LMYC membership cost?
Social (waitlist) membership is $40 per year. Full membership is a $500 initiation fee plus $1,295 per year. Associate membership, for Full Members taking a temporary sabbatical, is $60 per year.
Where are LMYC’s boats, and where can members sail?
LMYC boats are based at Point Roberts and Horseshoe Bay, with summer access to Pender Harbour and Lund. Day Skippers sail single-day trips in local waters such as Semiahmoo Bay, Howe Sound, Blaine and Pender Harbour. Cruise Skippers can book multi-day cruises, skipper club cruises to the Gulf and San Juan Islands, and apply for the Desolation Sound cruising program.
How much sailing time do Full Members get?
Full Members get 480 berth-hours during the peak (High) season plus unlimited off-season access, and can book boats up to three weeks in advance.
How long does LMYC skipper training take?
LMYC training combines classroom and on-water instruction and usually takes three to four months, depending on your experience and aptitude. Social Members are encouraged to start theory courses such as the PCOC, Basic Cruising, or a 2–3 day Simply Sailing course while on the waitlist.
What certifications do I need to skipper an LMYC boat?
Day Skippers need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), a Restricted Radio Operator Certificate (Maritime) (ROC-M), and completion of LMYC’s classroom, exam and on-water training; a course such as CYA Basic Cruising, ISPA Day Skipper or CPS Basic Boating is recommended. Cruise Skippers also need a navigation course, demonstrated advanced navigation and multi-day cruise planning skills, and approval from the Lead Training Officer.
What is the volunteer commitment?
Full Members complete at least 20 volunteer hours per year, with at least 10 of those on fleet maintenance. Social Members have no volunteer hour requirements.
How do I join LMYC?
Apply online as a Social Member for $40 per year; the application takes about five minutes. An LMYC administrator verifies your account and provides Social Member access within 7 days of receiving payment, which officially starts your time on the waitlist. When Full Membership openings become available, Associate Members have first priority, followed by Social Members in waitlist order.
Should I apply as a Social or Full Member?
Most new members start as Social Members, which officially starts your time on the waitlist. If you’re unsure, email membership@lmyc.ca and our Membership Officer will help guide you through the process.
Apply for membership
Takes about 5 minutes. An LMYC Members administrator will verify your account and provide you with Social Member access within 7 days, upon receipt of payment.
What happens next?
An LMYC Members administrator will verify your account and provide you with Social Member access within 7 days, upon receipt of payment for your membership. Your registration will be approved by the administrator following review and certification.
Everyone contributes, everyone sails, everyone smiles!
The beautiful thing about a co-op is that we are all on the Crew! Have a question? Inquire now and our membership team will be in touch soon! ⛵