San Francisco Yacht Club
Founded in 1869, the San Francisco Yacht Club is the oldest yacht club on the West Coast and the first yacht club west of the Mississippi. Today, more than 150 years and several newer locations later, SFYC is nestled on the shore of Belvedere Cove and remains rooted in its deep maritime history. The San Francisco Yacht Club is one of the leading yacht clubs in North America. Known for its sublime setting, superb harbor and community of members dedicated to life on the water, The SFYC operates year-round. The Club’s facilities include docks, a dry-sail area, a Clubhouse, Regatta Center and Cove House, completed in 2020.
The SFYC Auxiliary, comprised of female members, is proud of its 68 years of service to the San Francisco Yacht Club. Founded in 1953, this group provides social opportunities for members and their families, and facilitates fundraising activities to benefit youth sailing and other projects.
Stories from San Francisco Yacht Club
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.
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 harbor began 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 has a very active junior sailing program and all members, whether they own boats or not, are committed to the Corinthian traditions of yachting.
Robert Heller
Commodore