What is a sailing society and how does the WLSA work?
We’re not a sailing co-op or a sailing club; we’re a not-for-profit, member-funded society (S0069528) registered in the Province of British Columbia. In a typical co-op, when you leave the organization you forfeit your initial investment, but with Warm Land Sailing Association, you can sell your share to the next member.
WLSA currently has an executive of eight elected Directors. The Board executive consists of the President, Secretary and Treasurer. There are additional volunteer positions including webmaster, maintenance coordinators for each division and volunteer coordinator. . .
Where are WLSA vessels located?
We have two locations. Our sailing vessels, Kitkatla (31ft Hunter) and Blue Belle (30ft C&C).are located at Genoa Bay Marina and our power cruiser Grand Adventure (36ft Grand Mariner).is located at Maple Bay Marina.
What kind of sailing and cruising do you offer?
We have access to excellent sailing in Cowichan Bay and cruising in the surrounding Gulf Islands. Enjoy day sails, weekend trips, and even week-long trips, throughout the Strait of Georgia.
Members are not permitted to operate WLSA vessels outside of Canadian territorial waters.
How much does it cost to become a member?
There is a one-time cost for membership. Membership fees are used to purchase and refit vessels. Individual memberships can be sold by, or on behalf of, a member leaving the club. The cost for a Sailing Division membership is currently set at $4000 and a Power Division membership is $7000.
What are the costs for the 2025/2026 season?
Monthly fees are used to cover moorage, insurance, plus annual maintenance and repair items. Fees are set by the members at our Annual General Meeting. The current monthly fees are set at $135 for the Sailing Division and $175 for the Power Division. When members book a vessel there is also a daily booking fee. Fees range from $25 to $55 per day depending on the vessel and season.
Do you have any memberships available?
Our Sailing Division has a quota of 20 members. One membership share is available. The Power Division has a quota of 12 members. There are no memberships available. You can contact our Membership Director for details about our wait list
Mike – 250-213-2184 or email:- info@warmlandsailing.ca
Can I apply online?
No, we don’t have an online application. If you would like more details on the benefits and costs of membership in the WLSA, we would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you directly. Part of the initial conversation involves learning a little bit about you and how you envision utilizing your membership in the WLSA. Once you get a good feel for who we are, what we offer, and how we operate, if you decide that the WLSA is a good potential fit, we will provide you with copies of most current WLSA documentation for your review.
We invite you to contact our Membership Director – Mike – 250-213-2184 or email:- info@warmlandsailing.ca
Do you teach sailing?
No, we are not a sailing school. One of the main advantages of joining WLSA, however, is that we have a number of highly experienced sailors and cruisers who are eager to share their skills and knowledge with less experienced members.
While we don’t teach sailing we do provide vessel familiarization to new members, (see FAQ “Do I need to know how to sail?” for more information)
Do I need to know how to sail?
While sailing/cruising experience is not a pre-requisite for membership, we encourage all members to become “club-qualified” skippers. To this end, we will help you become very familiar with operating our boats. Vessels can be reserved for private use by members who meet WLSA requirements for boating/sailing knowledge and experience. (please refer to FAQ “What qualifications do I require…”).
What qualifications do I require to operate a WLSA vessel?
Before taking a boat out on your own, you will need to demonstrate your ability to skipper a boat safely. You will also need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, Canadian Power Squadron Boating 2 and 3 (available online) or equivalent , plus a Radio Operator’s License (Restricted Operator’s Certificate (Maritime)).
How do members book a vessel?
If you’ve ever booked a hotel or an Air B&B you’ll know how to use our online booking system. Members access the booking system through our password protected Members’ Page. Vessels are reserved through a credit payment (please refer to FAQ “What are the costs”) at the time of booking..
Volunteerism and what are my responsibilities as a member?
Member responsibilities are set out in our Sailing Division and Power Division SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).
Like any non-profit organization, volunteerism is the lifeblood of WLSA. Sometimes we require outside expertise but whenever possible our dedicated group of do-it-yourselfers perform the required maintenance and repairs on our vessels.
The WLSA expects that all members contribute their time and skills for the betterment of the association. Your contribution can be in the form of administrative work (e.g. volunteering as a Board member or organizing social/group activities) or vessel cleaning, maintenance and repairs or both. When you join WLSA we ask that you pitch in with a minimum annual “sweat equity of 20 hours for Sailing Division members and 30 hours for Power Division members. Starting June 1, 2026 members not able to meet the minimum volunteer hours (or who elect to opt out) will be required to pay $25 for each hour of shortfall.
Can I bring my pet onboard?
Yes, and no. The WLSA pet policy is decided by a majority vote at an Annual General Meeting. No pets are allowed on sailing division vessels. Dogs are permitted on Grand Adventure subject to conditions. .