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Wing Foiling Lessons and Programs on Alta Lake by Whistler Sailing Association Youth Wing Foiling Summer Camps Learn to Wing Foil on Alta Lake this Summer! Join us for an unforgettable week of wing foiling on Alta Lake! Our 5-day Youth Wing Foiling Camps are designed to introduce young adventurers to one of the fastest-growing and most exciting water sports. Wing foiling combines the best elements of windsurfing, kiteboarding, and surfing. Riders use a lightweight, inflatable wing to catch the wind while balancing on a hydrofoil board that glides above the water. It's a thrilling, dynamic experience that builds balance, coordination, and confidence on the water. Throughout the week, young sailors will learn the fundamentals of wing control, board handling, safety, and riding techniques, progressing from land-based practice to getting up on foil. Book now Equipment Wing A handheld, inflatable wing that generates lift from the wind. The rider holds onto the wing with their hands. Hydrofoil The hydrofoil lifts the board out of the water as it gains speed, reducing drag and allowing for a smoother ride. A board without a hydrofoil using a daggerboard and fins is initially used for learning. Board Inflatable Learn to Foil (LTF) board with daggerboard. The hydrofoil is attached later once wing handling and basic manoeuvres are achieved. Safety Riders often wear a wetsuit, helmet, and life jacket for protection and buoyancy. Coming to Alta Lake this summer. Book now

Whistler Sailing is a local non-profit association formed by a group of passionate sailors. We are a fully accredited sailing school offering learn to sail programs and kids and youth summer camps to our community. Welcome to Whistler Sailing Book your 2024 program Help secure sailing’s place in Whistler’s future Learn more Featured from the clubhouse Club Race Series Every Wednesday evening Kids & Youth Summer Camps Sailing & Wing Foiling With your help, we raised $9,500! Thank you! Club Calendar About Whistler Sailing The Whistler Sailing Association is a nonprofit organization composed of recreational dinghy sailing enthusiasts. WSA is a fully accredited sailing school which teaches the Sail Canada curriculum. Learn More What we do Kids & Youth Camps Private Lessons Memberships Boat Charters Wing Foiling Whether you are just starting your sailing journey or a seasoned sailor, Whistler Sailing is here to help you meet your goals. The Latest News 🌱A grassroots transformation: turning plans into community action Whistler Sailing’s newest green space at the north end of the site is a shining example of community spirit. 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Help secure sailing’s place in Whistler’s future Help ensure sailing’s vibrant role on Alta Lake is included in future parks and trails planning. 6 likes. Post not marked as liked 6 🚀A New Partnership on the Water Join us as Whistler Sailing partners with Whistler Watersports to launch the Learn to Fly Package! 2 likes. Post not marked as liked 2 Subscribe Our Initiatives Whistler Sailing is currently involved in numerous projects. Learn more about our initiatives and ways to get involved. Our Projects Our Sponsors Thank you for your continued support. Meet our Sponsors

Discover the rich history of Whistler Sailing and learn about our members and staff that make it all happen. About Whistler Sailing Sailing with heart, driven by purpose. Founded in 2008, Whistler Sailing is a local nonprofit sailing association formed by a group of dinghy sailors looking to bring the sport of sailing to the community of Whistler. Operating on Alta Lake, WSA is home to a regular thermal that routinely meet the shores every day. The fresh water provides a perfect location for beginner sailors, and the mountainous terrain creates shifts that can keep any advanced sailor on their toes. Through the passion of dedicated volunteers and an incredible team of people, the association has grown into a fully operational sailing school offering summer sailing programs for kids and youth, and adult programming including learn to sail and race nights. Land Acknowledgement Whistler Sailing Association operates on the shared, unceded territory of the Lil’wat People and the Squamish People. Learn more Meet the people that make it happen. Behind every sail, there’s a story. Meet our team R. Aribau "Sailing association in Whistler perfect for learning or enjoying Alta Lake by sailboat, laser or optimist. They organize summer courses for children, weekly races for adults on Wednesday afternoons and an annual regatta with a lot of participation. 100% recommend." Contact Us Address 5678 Alta Lake Road Whistler, BC V8E 0C3 Contact 604-229-2291 info@whistlersailing.com Opening Hours Mon - Fri 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Saturday 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm Sunday 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Discover the rich legacy of sailing on Alta Lake-from early 1900s adventures at Rainbow Lodge to the vibrant community spirit of the Whistler Sailing Association today. Explore a century of wind-powered passion, local traditions, and bold innovation on Whistler’s iconic waters. History of sailing on Alta Lake Origins: A century of wind and water Before Whistler became a ski mecca, Alta Lake was the heart of summer adventure. In 1914, Myrtle and Alex Philip purchased 10 acres on the lake’s west side and founded Rainbow Lodge. Boating, fishing, and hiking were the core attractions—and yes, even back then, sailing was in the mix. You can see Alex Philip sailing in a 1935 video , gliding through waters right where Whistler Sailing Association stands today. Why Alta Lake? The southerly thermal winds and breathtaking mountain backdrop make Alta Lake an ideal venue for wind-powered sports. It offers consistent afternoon breezes and safe, freshwater conditions -perfect for beginners and pros alike. The Alta Lake Sailing Club (1966) On May 1, 1966, the Alta Lake Sailing Club (ALSC) was formed, bringing together enthusiasts to enjoy the lake's prevailing southerly winds. Operating out of Cypress Lodge, the club hosted events like the Jelly Fish Races and the annual "Regretta," a playful nod to the end-of-summer blues. The club's charter emphasized camaraderie over competition - a spirit that WSA continues to uphold today. Alta Lake Sailing Club Charter "Let it be known to all that on the first day of May, 1966 the Alta Lake Sailing Club was formed to bring together all those who would enjoy the prevailing southerly on Nature’s Jewel in the shadows of the great giants. Only a happy heart may sail in our Ranks—This being the foremost requirement. Competition shall be second to friendship brought about by a common bond. Club commodore will be elected each September and will appoint able assistants and plan the activities of the following season. A master log of all activities shall be maintained and be passed on to his or her successor." Learn More about Whistler's History The Windsurfing Wave: 1975–1990s Windsurfing caught fire in Whistler in the late 1970s, turning Alta Lake into a summer hotspot for board enthusiasts. The first windsurf board was introduced to the lake by Mark Dufus in 1975, and from there, it was full sail ahead. By 1981, the sport was booming. Two local businesses, Whistler Windsurfing and Blackcombe Sports, offered rentals, lessons, and even club memberships through the Blackcombe Boardsailing Club. The lake buzzed with activity - from weekly races in the Whistler Windsurfing Summer Series to major events like the BC Windsurfing Championships. Whistler’s shores saw more than just local competitors. Jinny Ladner and Andrew Stoner, both community mainstays, earned spots at the 1981 Windsurf World Championships in Okinawa. The Whistler Fall Festival’s “Great Waters Race” even featured windsurfing as one leg of a team relay-though sometimes the wind didn’t show up and paddles had to. Though windsurfing waned in the late 1990s, it left a lasting legacy of adventure and innovation on Alta Lake - one that’s now being reborn with wing foiling. The rise of Whistler Sailing Association (2008–Present) In 2008, a passionate group of locals formed the Whistler Sailing Association (WSA) to revive the community’s connection to the lake through sailing. Nestled at Cypress Lodge, now shared with The Point Artist-Run Centre, WSA has become a certified sailing school offering programs for all levels and ages. Key Milestones 2008: Whistler Sailing Association founded as a nonprofit 2007-2010: Mobile Optimist Sailing School comes to Whistler 2011: Establishing of Sailing School in its current form. 2011: Hosted the first Tasar Class Regional Regatta 2012: Hosted the BC Optimist Championships 2013: First Annual BC Circuit Regatta 2013: WSA acquires Fleet of Pirates 2015: New dock system built 2017: Over 1000 participants come through the door 2020: Sailing is somewhat Covid proof - summer camps still take place 2023: WSA Race Team Created 2024: Introduced wing foiling lessons Be Part of the Legacy Whether you want to learn to tack, foil, or race like a local legend, Whistler Sailing Association welcomes you aboard. Come sail with us -and ride the wind like those who’ve loved this lake for over a century. Looking Ahead The future at Whistler Sailing Association is powered by wind, community, and bold ideas. As we continue expanding our programs - like wing foiling, youth leadership, and inclusive adaptive sailing - we’re not just teaching skills; we’re shaping the next generation of lake stewards and water lovers. Our vision includes growing our fleet, enhancing our lakeside facilities, and deepening our role as a hub for outdoor education in Whistler. Whether you’re six or sixty, a first-time sailor or a seasoned racer, WSA is charting a course where everyone has a place on the water.

Discover the perfect conditions for sailing at 5678 Alta Lake Road, Whistler, BC, Canada. Explore detailed wind and weather conditions for an ideal lake experience for both sailing and wing foiling. Wind Conditions The Whistler Sailing Weather Station is located on our dock and provides real time wind readings on Alta Lake. Current Conditions Gauges Donate to the Weather Station Wind Speed Trends Wind Direction Trends Weather Station complete data Temperature Gradient First Alta Lake Wing Slalom July 5th, 2025 | Alta Lake Learn more & Registration Learn to Wing Foil Learn more WSA webcam: Refresh your browser for the latest image. ** If you visit the page frequently it will show an old image. The anonemoter is on our main dock 12ft above water. From our experience adding 3 to 4 knots to the wx station reading will provide a good estimate of the wind speed in the center of the lake. The prevailing wind on Alta Lake during the summer is a southerly. It is thermal wind driven primarly by the temperature differential between Whistler and Pemberton. If you use this station, please consider donating to keep it online! Donate Now

Join us for our sailing school and camp fundraising initiatives! Show your support and thank our generous donors. Thank you for your support! With your generous support, we raised $9,500 to help keep our programs running strong. The sale of the laser sailboat bumped us to 95%! Your bids, your heart, and your belief in the future of sailing in Whistler made this possible. Every dollar truly made a difference. A huge thank you to everyone who took part - from bidders and donors to volunteers and sponsors - for helping us keep the wind in our sails. Check Results You Helped Us Chart the Course 💙 This spring, the Whistler Sailing Association launched a fundraising campaign focused on the heart of our sailing programs - and thanks to your incredible support, we’re thrilled to announce that we raised $8,400. With your help, we’re now better equipped to: Cover essential program expenses, ensuring we can continue offering high-quality, accessible sailing instruction for youth and families. Support our growing race team as they represent Whistler at regional regattas, building skills, confidence, and camaraderie. Invest in a dedicated trailer to safely transport boats and gear, expanding our capacity for travel, training, and events. Your generosity is helping us maintain and enhance the sailing experience for young sailors in our community. Thank you for being part of this journey! Fundrasier Sponsors Thank you to our generous donors! Thank you for your generosity and contribution to our cause. Together, we can build a better future for Whistler Sailing.

Join us at Whistler Sailing’s Wing Slalom! Experience thrilling wing foiling races on Alta Lake, followed by a fun après gathering to connect with the local wing foiling community. All are welcome - come join the action! First Alta Lake Wing Slalom July 5th, 2025 | Alta Lake Join us for the First Annual WSA Wing Slalom, followed by a relaxed WSA Après & Open House - a casual get-together for the wing community. Come hang out, swap stories, connect with fellow riders, and learn more about what’s happening in the wing foiling community at Whistler Sailing this season. Register Now Event Details All participants must register. There will be a safety boat on the water. Competitors briefing: Boat Ramp, 12:15pm. Start time: 1:00pm (wind permitting). Course: Downwind zig zag from the boat ramp to Rainbow Park. Post event social: Whistler Sailing, 5678 Alta Lake Road, 2:30-4pm. Event fee: Free. Winning prize: Bragging rights. Register to participate. Course Diagram Questions? info@whistlersailing.com See you then!

Discover the perfect sailing program for your kids & youth at our Whistler location. Summer Whistler camps available for all ages. From Optimist to Laser, we offer a range of exciting summer sailing camp options for ages 5 - 13. Kids & Youth Programs From learn to sail programs to performance racing curriculums, there is something for everyone. Book Your Sailing Program Now Important Information New to sailing camp? Please review the below information prior to making your booking. Program descriptions can be found below Camps run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Review the cancellation policy Prepare for your sailing program View our Master Calendar for Kids & Youth Courses to help you plan your 2025 season! Optimist Ideal for kids under 115lbs or 53Kg and shorter than 5'6 or 168cm. Pirate Ideal for youth over 115lbs or 53Kg and taller than 5'6 or 168cm. Laser High-performance dinghy that is more physically demanding. Participants should weigh a minimum 120lbs or 55kg and be in good physical condition. Which boat is right for you? Sailing Camp Options Camps are offered as week long camps or 2DS Club. Week Long Sailing Camps Summer Long 2 Days of Sailing per Week (2DS Club) 5 day camps running Monday to Friday all summer. Ideal for kids who are interested in progressing in the sport of sailing. Ideal for local kids who take part in summer long 2-day per week bike camps. Learn the basics of sailing from our team of certified instructors. Age 5-7yrs WetFeet Mon/Wed 2DS-5-weeks (July) 10 sessions total Mon/Wed 2DS-4 weeks (August) 8 sessions total Mon/Wed 2DS-9 weeks (July+August)18 sessions total Age 8-12yrs Optimist 1 Tues/Thurs 2DS-5-weeks ( July) 10 sessions total Tues/Thurs 2DS-4 weeks (August) 8 sessions total Tues/Thurs 2DS-9 weeks (July+ August) 18 sessions total Optimist Sailing Camps Wetfeet Learn to sail for ages 5-7 Wetfeet Checklist The Wetfeet program is aimed at young children who want to learn about sailing and water safety. The goal of this program is to get children comfortable around boats and on the water and prepare them for the Optimist 1 program. Although participants will learn basic sailing skills, participants are not expected to be able to sail on their own at the completion of this course. They will usually sail accompanied by an instructor or volunteer. The curriculum includes exploring Alta Lake and its surrounding parks. On any given day, half of the day will be focused on water activities, and the other half will involve water games, Opti-tow adventures with focus on learning steering and balance, excursions in one of our inflatable safety boats and arts and crafts with a marine focus on boat parts and water safety. Opti 1 Learn to sail for ages 8-12 CANSail 1 Checklist The Optimist 1 course is designed for beginner sailors that have never sailed before. Certified Sail Canada instructors will teach participants basic sailing skills in a fun and safe environment. The course covers water safety, rigging, knots, seamanship and basic sailing maneuvers. Participants practice teamwork and leadership skills as they learn to skipper and crew the boat.Participants may obtain Sail Canada certification (CANSail 1) if all skills are demonstrated during the course and the CANSail 1 checklist is completed. Please note it may take longer then one week to complete the checklist.Ratio: 6 participants to 1 instructor. Opti 2 Intermediate sailing for ages 8-12 Prerequisite: Optimist 1 CANSail 2 Checklist This Optimist 2 program is a more advanced course fo r those who have completed the Optimist 1 curriculum. The emphasis is on developing boat handling skills, independence and safety. Once completed, students should be able to sail their own boat with confidence. Participants may obtain CANSail 2 certification if all skills are demonstrated during the course.Ratio: 6 participants to 1 instructor. Opti 3 Intermediate sailing for ages 8-13 Prerequisite: Optimist 2 CANSail 3 Checklist The Optimist 3 program is a more advanced course for those who have completed the Optimist 2 curriculum. The emphasis is on more advanced skills with focus on sailing faster and more efficiently. The rules of the water, safety and basic racing skills and strategies are part of this course. This course will follow the CANSail 3 curriculum.Participants may obtain CANSail 3 certification if all skills are demonstrated during the course. This course has more content than CANSail 1 and 2 courses and will generally require 2 weeks to complete the curriculum. Opti 4 Advanced learn to race sailing for ages 8-13 Prerequisite: Optimist 3 CANSail 4 Checklist The emphasis of the Optimist 4 program is on developing racing skills while sailing faster and more efficiently. Racing rules, tactics & strategies are part of this course. Participants may obtain CANSail 4 certification if all skills are demonstrated during the course. This course has more content than CANSail 1 and 2 courses and will generally require 2 weeks to complete the curriculum. Opti 5 Advanced racing program for ages 8 - 13 Prerequisite: Optimist 4 CANSail 5 Checklist This is the most advanced course we offer for those who have completed Optimist 4. The emphasis is on advanced boat handling, racing skills, tactics and strategies. This course follows the CANSail 5 curriculum.Participants may obtain CANSail 5 certification if all skills are demonstrated during the course. This course has more content than CANSail 1 and 2 courses and will generally require 2-3 weeks to complete the curriculum. Pirate Sailboat Programs Pirate Basic Learn to sail sailing ages 13-18 CANSail 1 Checklist This Pirate Basic course is designed for teens that have never sailed before. The focus on is on learning basic sailing skills in a fun and safe environment. The course covers water safety, rigging, knots, seamanship and basic sailing maneuvers. Learning how to skipper and crew the boat builds teamwork and leadership skills. The Pirate dinghy is the boat used for the 13-18-year-olds and is usually sailed by 2 individuals for this course.Participants may obtain Sail Canada certification (CANSail 1) if all skills are demonstrated during the course. Pirate Intermediate Intermediate sailing for ages 13-18 Prerequisite: Pirate Basic CANSail 2 Checklist This Pirate Intermediate program is a more advanced course for those who have completed the Pirate Basic curriculum. The emphasis is on developing boat handling skills, independence and safety. Once completed, students should be able to sail with confidence with increased independence. Participants may obtain CANSail 2 certification if all skills are demonstrated during the course. Pirate Performance Advanced sailing and basic racing skills for ages 13-18 Prerequisite: Pirate Intermediate CANSail 3 Checklist This Pirate Performance program is a course for those who have completed the Pirate Advanced curriculum and who like to sail a double-handed boat. The emphasis is on basic racing skills with focus on sailing faster and more efficiently. The use of a Spinnaker may be introduced. Participants may obtain CANSail 3 certification if all skills are demonstrated during the course. Laser Sailing Camps Laser Performance Laser Sailing for ages 13-18 Pre-Requisite: CanSail 3 (Optimist 3 or Pirate Performance course) The Laser Sailboat is a high-performance dinghy sailed all over the world. The Laser can be used we 3 different sail sizes. The Laser 4.7 now called ILCA 4, The Laser Radial or ILCA 6 is used as the women’s Olympic class and the Laser Standard or ILCA 7 is used as the men’s Olympic class. The Laser sailboat is more demanding physically. The primary focus of this clinic will be mostly boat handling. Tacks, gybes, mark roundings, hiking, etc. You must be capable of sailing a dinghy on your own for this course. Some basic racing strategies and concepts will be also covered. For the best experience the participants should weight a minimum 120lbs or 55kg to sail a Laser and be in good physical condition. Book your sailing program now Book Now Was this page helpful? 👍 👎 Thanks for the feedback! Submit feedback

Discover the perfect membership for you at our Sailing School in Whistler, BC. From season pass club memberships to Race memberships, find your ideal fit today! Members As a non-profit organization, every person who uses Whistler Sailing must have an active membership. Buy Your Membership Which membership is right for me? Basic Membership Access to WSA programs and facilities. Think of this like your membership to Costco! Racing Membership Includes Basic membership and access to Wednesday Night Racing, including race entry and use of a club boat. Seasons Pass Includes Basic and Racing membership, and the ability to take a Pirate Sailboat within operating hours. Note: a mandatory sailing orientation is required for all new Seasons Pass members. Hobie Wave access Optional "add-on" for Seasons Pass members, which includes access to the Hobie Wave fleet during operating hours. Boat Storage Boat Storage is available on a first come first served basis for sailing dinghies under 16 feet in length. Due to the limited space on site and the width of our boat ramp we do not offer any storage for multihulls. Wing Foil Locker Wing Foil gear lockers are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Each locker measures 182cm in height, 44cm in depth, and 80cm in width. Membership Rules Members must be checked out on proper and safe handling of the boat. They are also given a tour of the facilities and taken through club procedures for booking the boats, reporting issues, launching and returning boats. Members must be 19 years of age or older. Members shall accept full responsibility for the safety of all guests while using WSA boats. Members are only allowed to sail with guests or friends during club events, such as Wednesday night races or Supervised Sail sessions. Office staff must be present when guests are visiting with members. Guests must pay appropriate fees to participate and sign a waiver. Family membership includes immediate family only (parents and kids). Relatives (including Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, etc) are subject to paying the appropriate fees. Docking at any other docks/beaches on Alta Lake other than WSA docks is not permitted with club boats. Members are not to use the facilities outside of club operating hours. WSA reserves the right to adjust these hours based on operational needs. All users of WSA facilities and equipment must sign a waiver. Membership Rules Member Agreement To accept responsibility for any injury, loss of equipment or damage to the boat during his/her use. To volunteer a minimum of 8 hours to assist in either boat maintenance, club administration or events. To report any loss or damage by phone or email within 2 hours after boat-use. To follow WSA procedures for boat preparation, launching, docking, sailing and return of the boat & equipment. To abide by the WSA and Coast Guard safety regulations (wear a life jacket, take paddle, bailer, bow-painter.) To make a reservation for boat use through the correct channel. To accept all responsibility for injuries or death caused to others, damage or loss of equipment caused by the member to others or others’ boats, equipment or property. To follow club operating hours. To abide by WSA safety protocols when using WSA facilities or equipment. Members Orientation Season Pass Members Skill Assessment and Orientation You must book a skill assessment/orientation sail with us for the Seasons Pass membership. These sessions are an assessment of your skills. You will also be given an orientation of the club facilities and procedures. These sessions are 60 minutes long, please come prepared to sail. The cost for these sessions is $60 and is non-refundable. To schedule your orientation, contact our coaching team at info@whistlersailing.com or by phone at 604-229-2291. In your email please write in the subject line Sailing Assessment Required. Please give us a brief overview of your sailing experience and skills. Upon successful completion of the Sailing Assessment session, you will be permitted to take the club Pirate sailboats out on your own. If your skills are not at the standard, the $60 checkout fee can be applied to an adult course or private lesson offered by WSA. All skippers can expect to be tested on the following; boat rigging and de-rigging boat launching docking boat retrieval 30 min of sailing club policies and rules storage procedures responsibilities of the Seasons Pass members liability and responsibility Volunteering for members The Whistler Sailing Association is a community, as such we ask you to volunteer throughout the year to keep membership fees down and to continue providing high quality facilities and a family friendly environment. All members are encouraged to volunteer to assist with the maintenance of the equipment, events and activities. Each year we would like to see you volunteer approximately 8 hours. Volunteer opportunities include attending and helping with the annual boat launch, RMOW pitch in day, annual BC Circuit Regatta, Boat haul out and other events. Thank you in advance for your help and support. Was this page helpful? 👍 👎 Thanks for the feedback! Submit feedback

Learn how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. Read our Privacy Policy for full details on data practices, third-party services, and user rights. Privacy Policy This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and protect the personal and non-personal information of visitors and users who access our website and services. 1. Information We Collect Non-Personal Information We may use software tools to measure and collect session information, such as: Page response times Length of visits to certain pages Page interaction details Navigation patterns (how users browse away from a page) IP addresses (used for location targeting) Personal Information When you conduct a transaction through our third-party booking platform (Checkfront), we may collect personal information such as: Your name Email address IP address This information is collected solely for the purposes described in this policy. 2. Why We Collect Your Information We collect personal and non-personal information for the following purposes: To provide and operate our services To offer customer support and technical assistance To communicate with users regarding service updates, promotions, and inquiries To generate aggregated statistical data to improve our services To comply with applicable regulations 3. How We Communicate With You We may contact you to: Respond to inquiries or purchase-related issues Send updates about our company or services Collect fees or resolve billing matters Conduct surveys or request feedback Communication methods may include: Email Telephone 4. Data Storage and Security Our website is hosted on the Wix.com platform. Wix.com provides the tools and infrastructure we use to offer our services. Your data may be stored through Wix.com’s data storage systems and databases. All data is securely stored on servers protected by firewalls and managed by Wix. 5. Third-Party Services Our booking system is powered by Checkfront, a third-party service provider. Any data shared during booking transactions is subject to Checkfront’s own privacy and data security policies. We recommend reviewing their privacy policy for more information on how your data is handled by their platform. 6. Your Consent By using our website or submitting personal information through our services, you consent to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy. 7. Updates to This Policy We reserve the right to modify this privacy policy at any time. Changes will take effect immediately upon being posted on our website. If significant changes are made, we will clearly post an update here to keep you informed about: What data we collect How we use it Under what circumstances it may be disclosed We encourage you to review this page regularly. 8. Contact Us If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how your data is used, please contact us at: Whistler Sailing Association, info@whistlersailing.com .

Whistler Sailing is dedicated to becoming Canada's premier carbon-neutral sailing school. Discover our array of initiatives aimed at achieving this goal. Creating a Carbon Neutral Operation At Whistler Sailing, we are deeply concerned about the environment and ecosystem of Alta Lake. With summer demand of the lakes higher than ever, our fragile environment could be at risk. Whistler Sailing is committed to ensuring the sustainability of our lake, and has initiated the Preserving Alta Lake Project. This project is dedicated to making Whistler Sailing the first carbon neutral sailing school in Canada by converting all coach boat gasoline engines to electric motors. Through fundraising, generous grants from the Whistler Blackcomb Environmental Fund and the support of a silent donor who cares deeply about the subject, Whistler Sailing has converted two motors to electric engines. While the technology is still in testing, WSA sees a future of an electrified coach boat fleet. On June 2, 2021, General Manager Francois Hebert and Commodore Patrick McCurdy made a presentation to Council regarding the electrification of Alta Lake. You can review the presentation here . Donate to the Project Preserving Alta Lake Project How the project benefits the natural environment: The replacement of our gasoline engine with electric ones will provide a number of environmental benefits, many of which will be directly tangible by lake users. These benefits can be categorized into three groups, each of which is elaborated on below: Reduced noise pollution, reduced risk of water contamination, and reduced fossil fuel use. Electric outboard motors are significantly quieter than gasoline outboard motors. During the summer months we use all of our coach boats in normal operation, each being used for roughly 5 hours a day. Thus, these gasoline engines represent a significant form of noise pollution on Alta Lake. Though the din of public parks on the lake provide the largest source of noise pollution, once lake users are out of the crowded parks our motors are a significant source of noise pollution. This noise pollution comes in two forms, above water and below water. Above waterline noise pollution detracts from the beauty of the natural environment for park users, boaters, and residents alike. Above waterline noise pollution also represents a possible deterrent for wildlife which could impact riparian interactions. Below water noise pollution has been shown on countless other water bodies to affect fish spawning, feeding, and behaviour. Below waterline noise pollution would be difficult to quantify on Alta lake, requiring significant scientific investigation. This being said, staff and participants at WSA regularly note the large number of fish that use our docks for cover and protection, especially small minnows and smolt. WSA is an ideal use case for electric boats motors for a number of reasons. Firstly, our program structure means that each boat returns to the same dock each evening, ready for charging. Unlike automotive engines Gasoline outboard motors are designed to run at maximum RPM. Due to the 12.5 km/h (7knts) speed limit on Alta Lake, WSA rarely uses our gasoline outboards at their designed RPM. This reduces efficiency and increases engine wear. Alternately, Electric motors are most efficient at lower RPM and run smoothly at all speeds. This, combined with the small size of the lake, means that, excluding price, the current limitations of electric motors are negligible in our operations. Though previous electric motors WSA has acquired have been made by Torqeedo and Ez Motor, WSA would like to change tack and begin using Mercury’s new line of Avator electric outboard motors. Torqeedo is a German company and does not have a significant North American distribution and service network. This has resulted in delays in the implementation of Torqeedo motors in our fleet. This is because Torqeedo motors and batteries are overly complex, with many proprietary parts, and Torqeedo requires the motor and batteries to be sent to their service partners for any diagnostics or repair. Mercury marine, however, is one of the largest producers of boat motors in the world and has a proven track record of performance and reliability. The Mercury Avator line of electric motors comes with standard outboard mounting, steering, and throttle controls which WSA staff are already familiar with and which are easily repairable. Additionally, Mercury has a very thorough and easily accessible dealer and service network, with many service partners across the Sea to Sky and Lower Mainland . These factors lead us to believe that Mercury Avator motors will be the most effective way for WSA to scale our electrification to the whole fleet. 2017 Barge Engine: First Test! WSA acquired its first Torqeedo electric engine in 2017 and installed it on the sailing association's barge as a trial to evaluate its suitability for a coach boat. The trial was successful, demonstrating that the electric engine met the necessary performance standards. This success led to the development of our carbon-neutral plan, which aims to replace all gasoline coach boat engines with electric engines. The advantage or using the barge as a test platform was that we could use more affordable and much heavier lead Acid batteries to get the project off the ground. The heavier batteries do not work in a small inflatable boat. 2020 Bruce Engine Our first attempt at using an electric coach boat encountered some reliability challenges related to the lack of waterproofing of the chargers and weight distribution, ultimately leading to the setup being unsuccessful for a coach boat. However, we repurposed the additional parts and lithium battery to upgrade the barge to a lithium-ion battery system. This upgrade significantly improved the barge's range and longevity. Lithium-ion batteries can withstand over 3,000 charging cycles, providing WSA with a lifespan of 15+ years of operation. Hank layout Hank Layout, waterproof battery box Battery Box Inside in Aluminium, switches and wiring Sturdy waterproof, Battery Box Inside Aluminium casing with switches and wiring out of the elements to avoid any electrical hazards. Motor Brushless motor design, only 45lbs. Charger and control unit Charging Plug Boat can is charged in the water at our dock. Coach Jeff + Lab "LUNA" 2023 Hank EZ Motor WSA purchased an EZ motor for our coach boat, Hank, which operated successfully for 7 out of our 10-week camp season. A manufacturing defect caused an issue, but EZ Motor provided a replacement lower unit free of charge. The motor is back in operation for the 2024 season. The coaches loved its ease of use, maneuverability, quietness, and torque, making Hank one of our most popular coach boats. Hank is a new addition to our fleet, we selected this vessel with electrification in mind. The weight of the battery box and charger requires a slightly larger vessel. Hank is a 3.8m (12.5ft) foldable boat with an aluminum floor, very lightweight for its size, and has a flatter bottom for good handling with minimal wake at the 12km/h speed limit on Alta Lake. It also has a significant weight capacity of 725kg (1598lbs), which is helpful for carrying the battery weight. Check out a short video of Hank in action 2020 The future: Mercury Avator Mercury marine is one of the largest producers of boat motors in the world and has a proven track record of performance and reliability. The Mercury Avator line of electric motors comes with standard outboard mounting, steering, and throttle controls which WSA staff are already familiar with and which are easily repairable. Additionally, Mercury has a very thorough and easily accessible dealer and service network, with many service partners across the Sea to Sky and Lower Mainland . These factors lead us to believe that Mercury Avator motors will be the most effective way for WSA to scale our electrification to the whole fleet. Learn more: Avator line brochure

Stay up to date with upcoming events, races, and programs. Explore the Whistler Sailing Club calendar for schedules, registration dates, and more. Club Calendar Event Title Event Time Event Date Change the event description to include your own content. Adjust the settings to customize the style. June 2025 MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN