Sailing Membership at Lower Mainland Yacht Co-op (LMYC)
Is LMYC the Right Fit for You?
You don’t need to own a boat or even know how to sail in order to become a member of one of the Lower Mainland’s best kept secrets – the Lower Mainland Yacht Co-op (LMYC). All you need is an interest in sailing.
We are seeking the next generation of active, responsible members to help carry LMYC into its next 50 years. We’re looking for active participants, not just customers. LMYC is ideal for:
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.
Why Join LMYC?
 |
 |
 |
 |
50-Year Legacy |
Locations |
Affordable Sailing |
Skill Progression |
|
50 years of experience: LMYC is one of BC’s longest-running sailing co-ops, with a stable fleet, experienced mentors, and a sustainable financial model. |
Sailing Locations in BC & Washington Waters: Boats at Point Roberts, Horseshoe Bay, with summer access to Pender Harbour and Lund. |
Affordable Access to Sailing: Unlimited off-season access and 320 berth-hours in peak season (about one full week per member). |
Sailing Skill Development: 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.
The Co-op Commitment
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!
Membership Tiers & Pricing
|
Full Member |
Social Member (waiting list) |
Associate Member |
|
|
|
Comparison of Privileges
Join as a Social member to start getting to know the Co-op and officially start your time on the wait list. While you are waiting, you will be invited to join our social events, general meetings, and possibly a few races! We encourage Social members to start their theory training so that they are ready for the hands-on training when they become Full members.
Also known as: Waitlist Member
Definition: 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 pay $40 per year. They 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 Operating (PCOC), Basic Cruising, and Simply Sailing 2-3 day engagements while on the wait list.
Definition: 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 – as outlined in Skipper Qualification Levels below.
Key Features:
- Initial cost: $1,600 ($500 initiation fee + $1,100 annual fee)
- 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 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.
Definition: 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
Definition: 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
Progression Path Summary
- Apply as Social Member → Join waitlist ($40.00/year)
- Advance to Full Member → When opening available ($1,600 initial)
- Complete Training → Classroom + on-water instruction. Our training usually takes three to four months, depending on your experience and aptitude.
- Achieve Day Skipper → Pass practical test, day sailing privileges
- Advance to Cruise Skipper → Additional training/experience, full cruising privileges
- Specialized Qualifications → Large boat checkout, Desolation Sound certification
| FULL | ASSOCIATE | 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 Schedule Maintenance Days | ✓ | Optional | Optional |
| Attend Club Racing | ✓ | Guest | Guest |
| Attend Club Cruises | ✓ | Guest | Guest |
| Waiting List Priority | – | 1st | 2nd |
For more information, please contact us, and our Membership Officer will be happy to answer questions and guide you through the process. If you are ready to apply, please fill in the Social Member application form (expression of interest) on the first tab.
Your registration will be approved by the administrator following review and certification.
Join our crew!
The beautiful thing about a co-op is that we are all on the Crew! Everyone contributes, everyone sails, everyone smiles!