Sailing is a beautiful sport—it gets deep into your soul. There is a unique magic in an activity that can accommodate a seven-year-old finding their footing in a tiny Opti dinghy, or an 80-year-old veteran helming a keelboat.1
1A keelboat has a weighted keel, often made of lead, at its bottom to keep it upright, resist capsizing, and track through the water without sideslipping. For many keelboats, approximately half of the boat’s total weight is in the keel.
The sight of white and colourful sails on the harbour is a local tradition that long predates the establishment of the Comox Bay Sailing Association (CBSA). But ever since its establishment in 1965, the CBSA has been a fixture of the local waterfront, operating from its post near the public boat ramp in the Comox Municipal Marina. Today, the club boasts 200 members and a youth racing team that consistently holds its own against larger clubs in Vancouver and Victoria. And it’s entering a significant new era of growth.
From Keelboats to Youth Sailing
Around 2010, the Comox Bay Sailing Association began pivoting away from its dedicated keelboat racing roots to focus more on youth sailing. Since then, to support young racers as well as older members, the club has steadily worked toward acquiring vessels. It now owns a very healthy fleet of Optimists, Lasers, 420s, and coach boats.
“Comox now boasts the largest VX-One fleet on the West Coast”
The VX-One Story
In 2025, the CBSA acquired five VX-Ones. If you see something low, sleek, and fast passing the pier, it’s probably one of these 19-foot high-performance racing skiffs.
Relatively new to the world sailing scene, they can reach speeds over 20 knots, but are also remarkably stable, making them an excellent training and learning platform.
Comox now boasts the largest VX-One fleet on the West Coast. Members can put in volunteer hours as “sweat equity” in exchange for time on these elite boats.
VX-Ones were recently recognized as an international class by World Sailing, which means there will be VX-One World Championships starting in 2027. There’s already a North American West Coast VX-One racing circuit, and in 2026, Comox will host two of its five regattas.
Along with new competitive energy and a surge in contributions and community support, the club is improving its facilities and its offerings. The most visible change is the literal ground (or water) beneath its feet.
“It’s a space for technical workshops, casual mixers, and the kind of ‘dock talk’ that builds local connections”
A New Floating Sailing Centre
Visitors to the east end of the Comox Municipal Marina area will soon see the centrepiece of this change: a brand-new Floating Sailing Centre. This isn’t just a shed on a dock; it’s a permanent operations hub. By moving the fleet from the congested public boat ramp to its own dedicated space, the club is creating a true home for the sailing community—a place with a seamless transition from land to sea.
A New Women’s Sailing Program
Another exciting change is a new women’s sailing program that aims to cover the full spectrum of the sport—from foundational skill building and social sails to competitive racing. This supportive and encouraging environment will include women-only clinics and female race crews (including a VX-One team!), with a focus on building technical confidence and creating a space where women can lead, learn from one another, and claim their place on Comox Bay.
At its heart, the CBSA is about the social fabric of the Valley. The new sailing centre will facilitate more than just drills; it’s a space for technical workshops, casual mixers, and the kind of “dock talk” that builds local connections.
Out on the Bay
The club’s renewed energy was palpable at a weekend clinic in November 2025. Under the watchful eyes of regional VX-One experts, 25 sailors got acquainted with the speedy new skiffs. While Saturday offered a gentle introduction in almost becalmed conditions, Sunday saw the breeze build steadily throughout the day, reaching 15 to 20 knots by the final afternoon sessions. The sight of the fleet flying past the pier, hulls lifting and spray flying, left a buzz of excitement that has carried the club through the winter months.
Get Involved
CBSA offers many opportunities to get involved. Members can sign up for courses at the CANSail certified school, jump on a keelboat crew as a novice, use the Lasers and 420 dinghies for recreational or competitive sailing, or take out one of the club’s eight kayaks for a quiet paddle.
The message from the docks is simple: stop watching from the pier. If you dream of recreational or competitive sailing, joining a Women on the Water session, or chartering a boat to explore the South Pacific, the starting line is right here in the Comox Bay.
For more information, contact
andrewwalther@comoxbaysailingassociation.ca.
