san francisco yacht club

Smooth Sailing: The 5 Best Yacht Clubs in San Fran

San Francisco is known for its beautiful coastline and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. It's no wonder that the city is home to some of the best yacht clubs in the country.

These clubs offer a variety of amenities and services to their members, from sailing lessons to social events to fine dining.

Yacht clubs in San Francisco range from traditional and exclusive to more laid-back and welcoming. Each club has its own unique atmosphere and caters to different interests and lifestyles.

Some clubs focus more on racing and competition, while others prioritize leisurely cruises and social gatherings.

In addition to the sailing opportunities, yacht clubs in San Francisco offer spectacular views of the city skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Many of these clubs are located in prime waterfront locations, providing members with easy access to the bay and all the exciting activities it has to offer.

Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a beginner looking to learn, there's a yacht club in San Francisco that's perfect for you.

Joining a club is a great way to meet new people, enjoy the beauty of the bay, and take part in a timeless tradition that has been a part of San Francisco's culture for centuries.

1. St. Francis Yacht Club

The St. Francis Yacht Club is a stunning venue for yachting events, with amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The club has sailing lessons for kids and hosts many water sports events throughout the year.

The staff and members are open, friendly, and helpful to all visitors.

The restaurant serves excellent food with a great wine list, and the workout facility on-site is fantastic. The club is a San Francisco institution that is well worth a visit.

2. Golden Gate Yacht Club

Golden Gate Yacht Club is a fantastic destination for yacht enthusiasts. The club boasts a stunning view of the San Francisco Bay, including Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.

The staff is professional, helpful, and friendly, making the experience enjoyable for all.

The food and drink are of high quality and are served with great service.

The club hosted the America's Cup on the Bay, making it a must-visit location for sailing enthusiasts. The club is also a great venue for private events and parties.

3. Treasure Island Yacht Club

Treasure Island Yacht Club is a top-notch club that offers a great location for yacht enthusiasts to dock and explore.

The club's Port Captain, Bill, is a pleasure to work with and makes planning cruise ins a breeze.

The club's annual New Year's cruise is a must-attend event, complete with delicious clam chowder.

If you're looking for a great yacht club to visit, be sure to stop by Treasure Island Yacht Club.

4. Mariposa Hunters Point Yacht Club

Mariposa Hunters Point Yacht Club is a local gem that offers a laid-back atmosphere with reasonable prices. The club has a bar, kitchen, stage, and outdoor patio with a great view of the bay.

They offer sailing classes for kids and host numerous events and parties. It's a members-only club, but guests of members are welcome.

The club is located within walking distance of AT&T Park and the Chase Center. It's a great place for private parties and a good spot to tie up for a few hours.

If you're looking for a fun and friendly yacht club, Mariposa Hunters Point Yacht Club is definitely worth checking out.

5. South Beach Yacht Club

South Beach Yacht Club is a must-visit for boaters in the area. The club boasts well-appointed facilities and a lively atmosphere that is sure to impress guests.

With stunning views of the Bay Bridge from the expansive second-level deck, the club is an ideal spot to spend the day or evening.

While the food may be a bit bland, it is nicely prepared, and the friendly members make up for any shortcomings.

If you're lucky enough to get an invite, a visit to South Beach Yacht Club is definitely worth your time.

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• Yacht Clubs

San Francisco Yacht Club

98 Beach Road

Belvedere , CA 94920

(415) 435-9133

From the Commodore:

On behalf of The San Francisco Yacht Club, we are proud to become a Founding Member of the National Sailing Hall of Fame.

As a Founding Member, The San Francisco Yacht Club and its members support the efforts to preserve America’s sailing legacy and to honor those who have made outstanding contributions to American Sailing.

Our members look forward to visiting this landmark for sailing enthusiasts.

Good sailing,

Robert Heller, Commodore

Founded in 1869, The San Francisco Yacht Club is the oldest club on the Pacific Coast. The original anchorage and clubhouse were located in San Francisco near Mission Rock, but inadequate depth of water and increasing industrial growth in the area resulted in a move to Sausalito. Waterfront property was purchased and a new clubhouse erected, but it was subsequently destroyed by fire in 1897.

The rebuilt building is still standing and now houses a restaurant currently called Trident. Increasing ferry traffic and congestion contributed to a decision to move again in 1926. One group, headed by Commodore Clifford Smith, felt that Belvedere Cove would be an ideal location. Another group felt that the Club should move back to San Francisco and lease land from the City on the Marina.

After considerable discussion the Belvedere site was finally selected. Those who opposed the move resigned and formed the St. Francis Yacht Club. A small clubhouse on the Belvedere site was completed in 1934 and is still part of the present building.

Planning for the present 190 berth harbor was begun in 1933 and completed in 1957 when funds were available. The San Francisco Yacht Club, with its tranquil setting in Belvedere Cove and its superb harbor, is widely recognized as the premier yachting facility on the West Coast. It operates a year round facility including the harbor, a dry sail area, a full service restaurant and bar. The Club’s exterior and interior were completely remodeled in 2007.

The Club has a very active junior sailing program and all members, whether they own boats or not, are committed to the Corinthian traditions of yachting.

A Point in Time…

July 25, 1909 In Class C of The San Francisco Yacht Club’s race yesterday, the good old schooner  Chispa  , piloted by Captain Charley Chittenden, carried off the trophy a beautiful silver cup, donated by Commodore Hanify.

The  Chispa  is a sample of yacht construction in the early days and the fact that after thirty five years of active work in these waters she is able to beat the boats of modern build speaks well for the old craft. She was built by Captain Turner at the Benicia yards for Staff Commodore I. Gutte, who owned and sailed her continuously up to the time of his death recently. The  Chispa  has seldom been out of commission, but was kept on the go summer and winter alike.

Cap Chittenden who is probably better known than any other yachtsmen on the Bay and who piloted the  Chispa  in yesterday’s race, has sailed up and down this coast for forty five years and knows every tide eddy in the bay and almost every wind streak. Many will congratulate the old captain as thousands have sailed on his yachts  Sapho  ,  White Wings  and  Lively  during the time that he sailed these different yachts in early days and be it said to his credit, always without an accident.

Instead of going back, as is the case with most yachts, the  Chispa  may be said to have gone ahead in the matter of sailing, particularly this season, as she has of late had considerable alterations made. Her “sticks” which for years had a rake of six feet, have been straightened out and the double head sails have been replaced by a single jib and these two items have contributed largely to her improved sailing qualities.

After the race Commodore Hanify went aboard the  Chispa  and congratulated the old “Cap” and the crew, complimenting them on the way they handled their boat. Commodore Hanify’s schooner Martha was a keen rival of the  Chispa  in yesterday’s race and considering that the Martha is practically a new boat, with all the latest ideas in yacht building, the victory of the  Chispa  stands out the more prominently and Captain Chittenden and his crew are greatly elated over their victory, especially as most yachtsmen have never given the  Chispa  a look-in in the line of racing. She was always considered a good, comfortable cruising yacht, but the amateur tars will now begin to sit up and take notice when she appears in future races.

Click here for an updated historical timeline.

Quick Links

Getting Here

The Sailing Museum & Hall of Fame

365 Thames Street

Newport, RI 02840

401.324.5761

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• Presidio Yacht Club

History of the Presidio Yacht Club

The Presidio Yacht Club has a rich and distinguished history in the San Francisco Bay area. The Club's origins belong with the establishment of Fort Baker by the US Army in 1850. Originally named the Lime Point Military Reservation (after Lime Point on the north side of the Golden Gate), the Fort operated as a satellite station of Presidio of San Francisco. Its primary missions were mine laying and hosting strategic battery sites - one of which is still accessible by hiking. Following the War, the batteries and anti-submarine operations lost their tactical value but the marina remained. Servicemen began berthing their private boats in the then empty slips. And with such a large influx of military personnel and watercraft in one of the San Francisco Bay's most beautiful locations, it was only natural that the servicemen created a formal organization.

Thus Presidio Yacht Club was founded on May 11th, 1959. Initially, it was only open to military personnel and their dependents, but that restriction only lasted as long as the Army operations in Fort Baker. Following the end of the Cold War, the US Army closed Fort Baker in 1994 and consolidated the Fort's operations in Dublin, CA. Travis Air Force Base (located in Fairfield, CA) then assumed management of the marina and the Presidio Yacht Club continued to operate. The Presidio Yacht Club is over sixty years old.

Currently, Presidio Yacht Club is a community of boating enthusiasts and servicemen, including both American and foreign members. It continues its operations in the same boathouse it originally started in. Although its membership is open to the public, the Club retains its strong military heritage. It is closely associated with the Travis Marina, which is operated by the 60th Force Support Squadron at Travis Air Force Base. The Club continues its tradition of camaraderie by having all-volunteer work days every second Saturday of the month, followed by dinner. Active duty personnel enjoy dedicated support and discounted services.

The Porthole

The Porthole is Presidio Yacht Club's quarterly newsletter, featuring news, upcoming events, announcements, and updates from our cruising members.

Officers & Council Members

Scott Pasternak

[email protected]

Stephen Golden

Vice Commodore

[email protected]

Travis Bellicchi

Rear Commodore

[email protected]

• Council Members
• Edwin Crouse - President
• Catherine Larsen - Secretary
• Shannon Elms - Treasurer
• James Earhart
• Martin Aurelio
• Warren Novak
• Jonathon Larson
• Patricia Ferrin Loucks
• Committee Chairs
• Treasurer - Anya Bandt
• Race Committee - Jennifer Hinkel
• Sailing Master - Steve Mahaley
• Ship's Store - Ed Crouse
• Fleet Captains - Jonathon Larson
• Port Captain - Miguel Amaro
• Membership - Paul Conroy [email protected]
• PICYA Delegates - Manny Mier, Hazel Caldwell
• Newsletter Editor - Jason Funk
• Webmaster - Jason Funk
• Social Media - Jing Aurelio
• Staff Commodores
• Louis Canotas
• James Pennington
• Jennifer Hinkel
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For a more detailed weather forecast, click here .

If you are using Google Maps to navigate, you can just type in "Presidio Yacht Club" and it will direct you to the correct building. Otherwise, you can type in 600 Sommerville Rd Sausalito, CA 94965 into most GPS units and that will lead you to the correct location. If you are coming by boat, the guest pier is next to the crane platform.

For anything related to the Presidio Yacht Club, including dinners, cruise outs, or racing, please contact

• 1001 Bridgeway #713
• Sausalito, CA 94965
• (415) 677-7917
• [email protected]

For anything related to the Marina, live music, band bookings, or event space inquiries, please contact

• Travis Marina
• (415) 332-2319
• [email protected]

We're located in Horseshoe Cove, Fort Baker, Sausalito, on the second floor of the Travis Sailing Center. Look for the wooden stairs on the far side of the building. Guest docks are available.

Mariposa Hunters Point Yacht Club (Est. 1932)

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Directions & hours.

Located at 405 Terry A. Francois Blvd. on the beautiful San Francisco Bay just south of AT&T Park and north of the new Warrior Stadium. One block from SF MUNI Mission Rock station.

General membership meetings are held at 5:30 PM on the second or third Saturday of every month (except  January).

Address: 405 Terry A. Francois Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94158

Closing time is at the discretion of the bartender, who is the Officer of the

Day, and depending on the number of people still present.

• Mon, 04:00 pm – Closing
• Tue,  04:00 pm – Closing
• Wed, 04:00 pm – Closing
• Thu,  04:00 pm – Closing
• Fri,    04:00 pm – Closing
• Sat,   02:00 pm – Closing 
• Sun,  02:00 pm – Closing

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Mariposa Hunters Point Yacht Club

405 Terry A. Francois Street

San Francisco, CA 94158 

[email protected]  

(415) 495-9344

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Published on December 21st, 2023 | by Assoc Editor

St. Francis Yacht Club’s 2024 Season

Published on December 21st, 2023 by Assoc Editor -->

San Francisco, CA (December 21, 2023) – St. Francis Yacht Club has released a 2024 regatta schedule that’s comprehensive in its inclusion of various types of sailing; from board sports and dinghies, to keelboats and classic yachts, to team and match racing. Local, national and international sailors will have a plethora of opportunities to test their skills on the challenging waters of San Francisco Bay.

“Our mission is to be a leader in yachting and inviting the most talented sailors in the world to our shores and to our club is our highest calling. We’re looking forward to another stellar season of racing on San Francisco Bay,” said Chris Perkins, incoming Commodore of St. Francis Yacht Club.

While sailors of various disciplines will have multiple opportunities to challenge each other in weekly series and seasonal regattas, St. Francis Yacht Club will also host several high-profile events, such as the US Sailing Wingfoiling Championship (August 2-4), the International Knarr Championship (August 31-September 7) and the 60th anniversary of their signature Rolex Big Boat Series (September 11-15). The club will also host stops for the US Match Racing Championship (October 4-6), the Women’s World Match Racing Tour (May 1-5) and SailGP (July 13-14).

“With over 100 days of racing on the calendar, we run a very busy racing schedule, and from a race management perspective, we are always looking for ways to improve. In 2024, we’re focusing more on quality versus quantity, by combining some events to deliver a top-level experience from the moment a sailor arrives at St. Francis Yacht Club, through their time on the water and after racing, enjoying the parties and amenities ashore. We want an outstanding experience at all points,” said Felix Weidling, Race Director of St. Francis Yacht Club.

World-class race management includes ensuring all events meet or exceed international standards. “We spend a lot of time in the off-season liaising with officials at US Sailing, the Offshore Racing Congress and other organizing authorities to ensure our race management aligns with top industry standards and that we continue to be a leader in the space,” said Dave MacEwen, incoming Chair of St. Francis Yacht Club’s Executive Race Committee. “We also aim to foster sailors from youth through grand masters in the many disciplines of our sport, which is why we invest in such a diverse and dynamic regatta season.”

DINGHIES Small-boat sailors can look forward to Spring Dinghy (May 18-19) and Fall Dinghy (October 26-27) running repeated courses during both events to provide an opportunity to improve on the same playing field as the year progresses. The Elvström/Zellerbach Regatta will be combined with Spring Dinghy to draw a larger pool of competitors in the invited one design classes. The club’s popular Opti Heavy Weather Slalom & Regatta also returns (June 21-23) to test the smallest boats in the big summer winds of San Francisco Bay.

BOARD SPORTS After the success of the inaugural Wingding Regatta in 2023, the event will return in early August of 2024 as the Wingding US Sailing Wingfoiling Championship, the first national wingfoiling event in the United States for this board sport. Foiling enthusiasts will enjoy the weekly Thursday racing series, which began decades ago when windsurfing was the hot new sport, and which now draws a loyal following of foiling kites, wings and windsurfers. For those looking for a full-send experience, Ronstan Bridge to Bridge is scheduled for August 29, when the westerlies are typically strong enough to sail a foilboard from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge faster than a bird flies—will someone make it in under 10 minutes this year?

KEELBOATS Keelboat enthusiasts will be busy this season, beginning with Spring Fest & Stone Cup (April 6-7) and the start of California Race Week’s CA 500 (May 25) and Spinnaker Cup (May 26). IODs, Folkboats and Knarrs can look forward to the Woodies Invitational (June 28-30), and the Knarrs play again August 31-September 7, at the 52nd International Knarr Championship, just ahead of Rolex Big Boat Series, which also hosts a Classic Yachts division.

In past years Phyllis Kleinman Swiftsure Regatta and Aldo Alessio were held the same weekend, to serve as a tuneup to Rolex Big Boat Series. This year, the two events will split, with Swiftsure remaining in the tuneup position (August 17-18) and Aldo Alessio held as an offshore return race for Rolex Big Boat Series competitors (September 21). J/Boat fleets will be busy all year, and the J/105 Women’s Skipper Invitational (May 11) will be run for the third time, encouraging greater helm time for talented female sailors.

The J/105 class will likely be the largest fleet competing at Rolex Big Boat Series (September 11-15), which will celebrate its diamond anniversary with a week of world-class competition and stellar post-race celebrations. Various one design classes, ORC-rated boats, and classic yachts will be invited to compete, with registration opening in early 2024.

MATCH RACING With its fleet of J/22s now expanded to 13 boats, St. Francis Yacht Club remains a prime host for match racing events, including stops of the California Dreamin’ Series (March 16-17) and the Women’s World Match Racing Tour (May 1-5). The US Match Racing Championship also returns to San Francisco Bay (October 4-6).

TEAM RACING A highlight in the 2024 season will be the Cornerstone Cup (August 23-25), a four-way international team racing event between New York Yacht Club, Royal Yacht Squadron, Royal Thames Yacht Club and host St. Francis Yacht Club. Last run in San Francisco in 2015, the event features top-level competition and interclub camaraderie. Team racers can also look forward to an inaugural San Francisco Sailing League Regatta (June 8-9), which will import a popular European format to the West Coast for the first time.

Details: https://www.stfyc.com/racing

Tags: St Francis Yacht Club

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Private Events

With its picturesque location on the San Francisco Bay, The Golden Gate Yacht Club is the ideal venue to celebrate your next event and to create memories to last a lifetime.

Your company event, wedding, birthday party, reception, memorial or festivity of any kind, will be unique and timeless. Our charming space and courteous staff will welcome your guests and provide an atmosphere of warmth and enjoyment. Let us help you create an outstanding experience and a lasting memory.

Please email  [email protected] for inquires

The America’s Cup Room

The America’s Cup Room is situated on the second floor of the Golden Gate Yacht Club, and enjoys spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the sweeping panoramic San Francisco Bay. Our two outdoor decks provide breathtaking views of the San Francisco cityscape, including Salesforce Tower and the Bay Bridge. The room is elegant and welcoming with beautiful Brazilian teak floors, a hand-laid stone fireplace, and floor to ceiling windows looking out onto the Bay. Your guests will enjoy beverages from our full bar while taking in the views of the surrounding San Francisco Marina and Palace of Fine Arts. The space includes a fully equipped, state of the art sound system, with multiple screens for slideshows and presentations. The unique location and luxurious ambiance of our America’s Cup Room will provide the perfect setting for an exquisite experience to remember.

Up to 100 guests can enjoy a seated, dining event and up to 125 guests can enjoy a standing, cocktail style event.

There is free public parking in the large parking lot prior to the Golden Gate Yacht Club, near the stone lighthouse.

Transient slip reservations are available to members of GGYC and members of reciprocal clubs. All persons interested in reserving a GGYC slip should email GGYC Slip Reservations .

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