The Canadian Yachting Association was founded in 1931 and is the national governing body for yachting in Canada. It services and represents 10 provincial associations , 300 yacht clubs, 72 sailing schools, 43 class associations, 80,000 active members, and over one million Canadian boaters across the country. It also oversees selection and management of the Canadian Olympic Sailing Team.

The CYA's head office is in Kingston, Ontario. Its training division is responsible for all training programs offered by the CYA, including dingy, cruising (including coastal navigation), windsurfing, and certification of judges and race officers.

The CYA is a member of the International Sailing Schools Association.