marina yacht club peninsula san francisco

Best Marinas in San Francisco

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

San Francisco has some of the best marinas in the country, located right in the heart of the historic fisherman's wharf.

In this article, we'll cover five of the best marinas and yacht clubs in San Francisco. We'll go over the amenities they offer, their locations, and we'll give you an overview of what it costs to dock there. We'll also cover the atmosphere of each marina based on the experience of locals and members.

The best marinas in San Francisco are the St. Francis Yacht Club, the San Francisco Marina Yacht Harbor, the Treasure Isle Marina, the San Francisco Yacht Club, and the South Beach Harbor Marina. All of these marinas have a spectacular view of local monuments like the Golden Gate Bridge.

We spoke with local guides, yacht club members, and avid San Francisco sailors to provide the most accurate information possible. We also contacted each marina to confirm the availability of amenities such as WiFi and utilities.

Table of contents

Marinas in the San Francisco Area

San Francisco is home to more than a dozen marinas, and the surrounding area has many more. Here is a list of some of the highest-rated marinas in San Francisco and the immediate area around the city.

What Makes San Francisco a Great Place to Sail?

San Francisco Bay is one of the best sailing locations in the world. The large body of water is protected from the harsh winds of the Pacific Ocean, yet the wind almost always blows enough to sail.

Also, San Francisco Bay is large enough to sail for days and wide enough to keep clear from commercial traffic. If you're based out of San Francisco, there are numerous bayside destinations within a day's sailing distance to visit.

The weather in Northern California is famously mild, and sailing hazards such as hurricanes are non-existent. Thunderstorms are also extremely rare, which means you're not likely to get caught in a sudden downpour. However, local sailors say that the wind tends to pick up in the afternoon, and you're likely to encounter whitecaps in most parts of the bay.

San Francisco Sailing Culture San Francisco has an extremely strong local sailing culture that's comparable to Cape Cod (but a little rougher around the edges). Sailboats are almost a guaranteed sight on the bay, and the water is practically overrun with sailing craft during the summer.

San Francisco is a four-season sailing destination, so it's no wonder that so many people own sailboats in the region. San Francisco marinas hold regular regattas and other events such as boat auctions and cookouts. They run sailing youth camps during the summer, and many provide sailing lessons. San Francisco is a great destination if you want to immerse yourself in sailing culture.

San Francisco Sailing Infrastructure

San Francisco was once a hub of boat and shipbuilding. Though the shipyards no longer operate, there's still a huge amount of boat maintenance and repair infrastructure in the region.

This includes facilities such as boatyards, fiberglass repair shops, marine supply stores, and sailmakers. Virtually anything you need for your sailboat is stocked locally, and there's a vast amount of local expertise on sailing and boat repair.

Qualities of the Best San Francisco Marinas

So, what are the qualities of the best sailing marinas ? There are a few important factors to consider when choosing a place in the city to moor your sailboat.

The fruit and most obvious thing to consider is location. Most of San Francisco borders the water, so it's tough to find a bad location for a marina. That said, there are still a few rough industrial areas that are technically within city limits, so it's essential to vet the surrounding neighborhood to avoid ending up in a rough part of town.

For example, this is especially important if you don't want to end up moored under a freeway or next to an ore barge.

The second factor to consider is the overall condition of the marina and its facilities. Is it well-kept, or is it filled with rotted docks and rusty nails? Also, how do the facilities look? A marina with fresh paint, safe docks, and nice buildings is a sign that it's run by a professional staff.

Also, don't forget to take a look at the boats there too. The best San Francisco marinas are free from filthy derelict boats, which means it's occupied by thoughtful people who act responsibly and treat their boats with respect.

Other things to expect at the best local marinas include utility hookups for electricity and water, fuel docks, pumping stations for sewage, and (ideally) a large boat crane for hauling-out. If you live aboard, high-speed Internet is a must. The best marinas in San Francisco usually offer WiFi and other connectivity, usually free of charge.

Are San Francisco Marinas Expensive?

Yes, San Francisco marinas are very costly. A combination of prime location and limited slip availability make it very expensive to dock your boat in the city. For lower costs, consider mooring somewhere down the Peninsula, in the East Bay, or somewhere in the Sacramento River Delta.

Both of these locations are either on the bay itself or connected to it via navigable waterways, so you'll still be able to sail to San Francisco with ease.

We interviewed local sailboat owners and compiled reviews to find the best yacht clubs and marinas in the City of San Francisco. Here's what we found and the perks of the top five San Francisco sailboat mooring locations.

1. St. Francis Yacht Club

The St. Francis Yacht Club is one of the world's most prestigious sailing clubs. It was founded in 1927 by local yacht owners as an outgrowth of the Historic San Francisco Yacht Club, which we'll go over later in the article. The St. Francis Yacht Club is well known in the area for its sailboat racing regattas, which are held from March until November.

One of the most famous regattas hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club is the Rolex Big Boat Series. This regatta includes hundreds of boats of all sizes, and usually takes place in the middle of September.

St. Francis Yacht Club also offers a little-known perk that's a favorite of its members. The club has its own private island in the delta, which is about 60 miles upriver from the club's San Francisco Bay location. Members can take a trip to the island and enjoy 40 acres of luxurious accommodations far from the bustling city.

The docks at St. Francis Yacht Club are open to members and visitors, though reservations are required to secure a spot. Local experts say that St. Francis is one of the busier sailing spots in the city, so it's best to plan ahead and make a reservation as far out as possible.

St. Francis Yacht Club is located at 700 Marina Boulevard in San Francisco. The club is situated between the northern edge of Fisherman's Wharf and Chrissy Field, which is a prime location with views of the city, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

St. Francis Yacht Club is prestigious and oriented towards those with a deep appreciation for the sport of sailing. It's also a great place to hang out with like-minded sailing enthusiasts. It's also family-friendly, despite being known primarily as a classy social club for boat owners.

The fit and finish of the clubhouse, docks, and the boats that occupy them is extremely high, and it's about as good as it gets in the Pacific region.

2. San Francisco Marina Yacht Harbor

On the other end of the atmosphere spectrum, the San Francisco Marina Yacht Harbor is a well-kept and convenient place to moor your sailboat. The harbor itself is in an excellent location, and it's a great central spot to begin a sailing trip.

The origins of the San Francisco Marina Yacht Harbor date back to before the 1906 earthquake when fishing and utility boats moored in the area. The marina has since been completely revamped, and now the facilities are comparable to any modern sailboat and powerboat marina.

The San Francisco Marina Yacht Harbor is known locally as a great place to tie up during the day. It has lots of amenities, including standard utility hookups and a free pump-out station for sewage.

The marina features its own small park, which is a popular local hang out spot. The marina can accommodate vessels from less than 20 feet to about 90 feet overall, which means virtually all private boats can utilize the docks.

The San Francisco Marina Yacht Harbor isn't a private yacht club. The marina is operated by the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, which does a very good job at keeping the waterfront safe, accessible, and tidy.

Berthing is affordable, ranging between $10.30 and $18.32 per foot in 2021. The guest dock is also affordable, with prices ranging from $2.00 to $4.00 per foot per night. The guest dock has a 30-day stay limit, and seasonal rates are also available. All things considered, staying aboard and mooring at this marina can be significantly cheaper than staying at a hotel in the same part of the city.

Due to the popularity of this marina, there's almost always a waitlist to acquire your own slip. Some individuals get priority, which is granted by the Parks Department. If you don't want to wait, you can arrange a slip transfer with someone who has one, or you can purchase a local boat that's already in a slip at the marina. However, this is costly, and you have to be on the waitlist to accept the rights to the slip.

The San Francisco Marina Yacht Harbor has some of the best real estate in the city, and it's essentially the perfect spot to moor your boat if you're lucky enough to get a slip there. In the meantime, it's also one of the most affordable spots to tie up in the Fisherman's Wharf area.

3. Treasure Isle Marina

Treasure Isle Marina is located on the former U.S. Navy base in the center of San Francisco Bay. Treasure Island itself is a short ride from downtown San Francisco via the Bay Bridge, and the harbor is the perfect central location to begin a sailing day trip.

Treasure Island is somewhat of a local secret. It's free from the noise and traffic of the city despite being within sight of downtown. The Island itself is grassy and pleasant, and there's a clean and quiet beach within walking distance of the Treasure Isle Marina docks.

The marina is home to the Treasure Island Yacht Club, though not all boaters who dock there are members. Even non-members at the Treasure Isle Marina have access to excellent amenities. These include all standard utility hookups, showers, restrooms, and a nice little cafe.

The marina stated that it plans to add additional amenities. The plans include laundry facilities, a fuel dock, in-house boat repair services, and dry storage facilities. Treasure Island Marina (also known as Treasure Island Yacht Harbor) is an Almar marina, which means it's managed by a company that also operates several other marinas around California.

Treasure Island Yacht Harbor has an anchoring cove, which is a safe and convenient spot to drop anchor. The location is a popular day sailing destination, especially during events like regattas or Fleet Week. The marina itself has pretty much everything you need at the guest docks, and it's a great place to rent a slip long-term.

Rates at Treasure Island Yacht Harbor are competitive, and it's easier to get a slip there than in the heart of the city.

4. San Francisco Yacht Club

San Francisco Yacht Club seems like an obvious choice, but it's not actually located in San Francisco. This historic and highly-respected establishment is located in Tiburon, which is just north of San Francisco over the Golden Gate Bridge.

This yacht club features modern amenities and a beautiful historic clubhouse with an excellent view of San Francisco Bay and the surrounding area. The San Francisco Yacht club is the oldest yacht club in the region. It was founded in 1869 and relocated to its current location in Tiburon in 1926. The current configuration was completed in 1957, and the entire premises were remodeled between 2007 and 2016.

In terms of atmosphere, the San Francisco Yacht Club is comparable to the St. Francis Yacht Club. But due to its location, many people find that events are easier to get to. Tiburon is a quiet community with minimal traffic, so members of the San Francisco Yacht Club are often more likely to show up to the clubhouse regularly for drinks or dinner.

The San Francisco Yacht Club is a bayside compound with multiple buildings. These include the main clubhouse, the Cove House, and the big lawn. The club hosts events such as Super Bowl Sunday on the lawn, which is always a hit with members.

The San Francisco Yacht Club hosts youth sailing lessons and race teams, which are popular with local families. Sailing is a surprisingly normal activity for people who live in Tiburon, thanks in part to the influence of the San Francisco Yacht Club. The club also hosts high school sailing teams and events.

The docks and facilities at the San Francisco Yacht Club are top-of-the-line, and members have access to utilities. The club has 185 slips for vessels between 24 and 52 feet in length. There is usually a waiting list to join the club and get a slip, so it's best to do it as soon as possible.

Guest boats are welcome at the guest dock, though only if they're members of reciprocal yacht clubs. The San Francisco Yacht Club is a stickler about the rules (and rightfully so), and it's definitely not a 'shirts and shoes off' kind of place. If you plan on visiting the San Francisco Yacht Club, make sure you review the rules and get your paperwork in order before arriving.

5. South Beach Harbor Marina

South Beach Harbor Marina is one of the largest marinas in San Francisco. It lies adjacent to AT&T Park, which is home to the San Francisco Giants baseball team. The marina is a popular gathering point for sports fans who sail into the channel during games to fish out foul balls.

In terms of size, the South Beach Harbor Marina dwarfs others in the area. This marina has 700 slips and a massive 640-foot guest dock. South Beach Harbor Marina is a public facility that's owned and operated by the Port of San Francisco. It's affordable and known for being a friendly and laid-back environment.

This isn't an 'anything goes' marina by any means, but it's a lot closer to that on the atmosphere spectrum than the San Francisco Yacht Club. The environment of the South Beach Harbor Marina is comparable to the San Francisco Marina Yacht Harbor. Cost is comparable as well, which means that the South Beach Harbor Marina is one of the more affordable options in the city.

Demand for slips at South Beach Harbor Marina is high. If you want to get a slip, you'll have to take a number and hang out on the waiting list for a while.

The process works somewhat differently than the San Francisco Marina Yacht Harbor, as these marinas are run by two different city government agencies. To get on the waitlist, you'll need to contact the Port of San Francisco and fill out an application.

Overall, the South Beach Harbor Marina is a great place to keep your boat if you enjoy sailing from a central location in the city. It's a huge marina with all utilities you'd expect, making it a convenient choice as well.

Costs aren't comparatively outrageous, and most of the members are just regular people who like boats and sailing with friends and family. It's a fun place to get together with friends, work on your boat, and begin sailing trips.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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• Neighborhoods /Streets
• Marina Boulevard

View Larger Map

Now: Even the most jaded inner neighborhood residents can't deny the beauty of this place where green lawns meet the waters of the bay. Joggers and kites and city visitors drawn to the Golden Gate Bridge are always here. The Wave Organ, at the tip of the Yacht Club peninsula, is a unique functional art installment.

Then: The Palace of Fine Arts was originally built (on landfill, over a lagoon) for the Panama-Pacific Exhibition (World's Fair), held in San Francisco in 1915. It has has housed the interactive science museum, The Exploratorium, in its exhibition hall since 1969. The rest of the structures built for the Exhibition were demolished and Marina streets (north of North Point Street) and homes were built during the 1920s.

How To Get There: The Muni 22- Fillmore line ends directly at Marina Green, and 30-line pulls around in front of the Marina Safeway (although the 30 can be a long and crowded bus ride). There are free unmetered parking lots at the Marina Green, as well as Crissy Field, just to the west along Marina Boulevard.

Marina Green, at Marina Boulevard

Yacht Harbor at the Marina

Marina Yacht Harbor, west toward Golden Gate Bridge

Crossing Lyon Street at Richardson Avenue

Palace of Fine Arts, from Richardson Avenue near Lyon Street

Sign at the entrance to the Palace of Fine Arts and Exploratorium from Lyon Street

Palace of Fine Arts Sign

Lake and Path at Palace of Fine Arts

Walking Path at Palace of Fine Arts

Palace of Fine Arts, at Baker Street and Marina Boulevard

Statues at Palace of Fine Arts

Palace of Fine Arts

Grounds of the Palace of Fine Arts

Inside the Palace of Fine Arts

Wedding parties taking photos at the Palace of Fine Arts

Wedding parties at the Palace of Fine Arts

Lake at the Palace of Fine Arts

Lake and trees, looking south, at the Palace of Fine Arts

Houses at the north side of the Palace of Fine Arts

Sign at entrance to the Exploratorium

Inside the Exploratorium

Crossing Marina Boulevard, from the Palace of Fine Arts

30-Stockton buses at the terminal point of Broderick and Beach Streets

Broderick Street at North Point Street

Promenade beach, in the Marina

City view behind the Yacht Club

Wave Organ, at the east end of the Golden Gate Yacht Club peninsula

Bench at the Wave Organ

Looking south toward the city, from the Wave Organ

Crissy Field in the Marina

Path at Crissy Field

From the lawn at Crissy Field

Crissy Field, east of the Golden Gate Bridge

Promenade shore, north of the Palace of Fine Arts

Fishing pier off the promenade at Crissy Field

The Warming Hut - books, gifts, sandwiches, pastries

Promenade leading to Fort Point and the base of the bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge, from the waterfront promenade approaching Fort Point

Looking back toward Crissy Field from the promenade near Fort Point

Sign near the entrance the Fort Point, along the promenade

One of several cannons on display in Fort Point

Corridor inside the Fort Point structure

Spiral staircase inside Fort Point

Light tower at the top of Fort Point

Bases for gun turrets at the top of Fort Point

Looking up at the bottom of the Golden Gate Bridge, from Fort Point

Looking straight across the span of the Golden Gate Bridge from underneath

Column at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge, from Fort Point

Sidelong view of Golden Gate Bridge from Fort Point

Path leading up to the Golden Gate bridge from the waterfront promenade between Crissy Field and Fort Point

Looking back toward the fishing pier from the path to the Golden Gate Bridge

Tunnel on the walking path to Golden Gate Bridge

Steps leading up from the tunnel on the wallking path

Top of the path to the Golden Gate Bridge

Pedestrian entrance to the Golden Gate Bridge

View of promenade and shoreline with city view, from the Golden Gate Bridge

Suspension cables on the Golden Gate Bridge and city view

The Golden Gate Bridge is painted continuously

Sign near the emergency callbox on the Golden Gate Bridge

The south tower of the Golden Gate Bridge

Plaque at the base of the south tower

Entrance to the service elevator at the south tower

Sign on the doorway of the south tower

Looking up at the south tower of the Golden Gate Bridge

Looking south toward Fort Point and San Francisco, from the Golden Gate Bridge

Looking straight down from the edge of the railing on the Golden Gate Bridge

The shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge, cast across the bay

Looking north across the Golden Gate Bridge

Bike path under the Golden Gate Bridge

Walkway and bike path under the Golden Gate Bridge

Gift Center at the Golden Gate Bridge

Statue of Joseph Strauss, chief engineer during construction of the Golden Gate Bridge

Parking lot at the Golden Gate Bridge

28-line Muni Bus at the Golden Gate Bridge parking lot

• Marina Boulevard info on other sites
• The Marina District on Wikipedia
• Fort Mason Center

Comment about the Marina here:

• Neighborhoods/Streets
• Alamo Square
• Ashbury/Corona Heights
• Bayshore Boulevard
• Bayview/Hunters Point
• Bernal Heights/Cortland Avenue
• Castro/Castro Street
• Castro/18th Street
• Castro/Market Street
• Chinatown/Grant Avenue
• Civic Center/Larkin Street
• Cole Valley/Cole Street
• Cow Hollow/Union Street
• Crocker Amazon
• Diamond Heights
• Divisadero Street
• Dogpatch/3rd Street
• Duboce Triangle
• Embarcadero
• Excelsior/Mission Street
• Fillmore Street
• Financial District/Downtown
• Fisherman's Wharf/Jefferson Street
• Glen Park/Diamond Street
• Golden Gate Heights/Forest Hill
• Golden Gate Park (Overview)
• Golden Gate Park Botanical Garden
• Golden Gate Park (East)
• Golden Gate Park (Middle)
• Golden Gate Park (West)
• Golden Gate Park (History)
• Haight Ashbury/Haight Street (Upper)
• Haight Ashbury/Haight Street (Lower)
• Hayes Valley/Hayes Street
• Ingleside/Ocean Avenue
• Jackson Square
• Japantown/Post Street
• Lake Merced
• Laurel Heights/Sacramento Street
• Marina/Chestnut Street
• Market Street (Upper)/Church Street
• Market Street (Central)
• Market Street (Lower)
• Miraloma Park
• Mission/16th Street
• Mission/Valencia Street
• Mission Dolores/18th Street
• Mission Street (North)
• Mission Street (South)
• Mission/24th Street
• Noe Valley/24th Street
• Noe Valley/Church Street
• North Beach/Columbus Avenue
• Ocean Beach
• Pacific Heights
• Parkside/Taraval Street
• Polk Street (North)
• Polk Street (South)
• Portola/San Bruno Avenue
• Potrero Hill
• Richmond/Balboa Street
• Richmond/Clement Street
• Richmond/Geary Boulevard
• Russian Hill/Hyde Street
• SOMA (South Of Market)/Yerba Buena
• SOMA (South Of Market)/2nd Street
• SOMA (South Of Market)/South Beach
• Sunset/Irving Street
• Sunset/Judah Street
• Sunset/Noriega Street
• Telegraph Hill/Coit Tower
• Twin Peaks/Upper Market
• Union Square/Theater District
• USF/Panhandle
• Van Ness Avenue/Cathedral Hill
• West Portal/West Portal Avenue

Coordinates

Latitude 37 degrees, 48 minutes North Longitude 122 degrees, 24 minutes West

View Live Dock Cam

Dock Master 415-820-3727 [email protected] VHF: 69 Port Captain Christian Lewis [email protected] All Cruise-Ins to StFYC are organized through the Port Captain

StFYC welcomes members, guests, and members of reciprocal yacht clubs to enjoy the Club’s facilities through a relaxing stay on our docks. If you are looking for a quick getaway, a cruise-in from a reciprocal club, a long weekend excursion, or a celebratory dinner at the city clubhouse, StFYC’s docks are your ideal destination.

We operate five docks with roughly 850 feet of available space. We can accommodate boats up to 125 feet LOA. St. Francis Yacht Club is renowned for its active sailing schedule so it is imperative to contact the Docks to secure a reservation before arriving. Please note that without reservations, we cannot guarantee availability.

Dredging Report

Dredging of the West Harbor Marina Basin entrance was completed in late April 2023. SF Marina soundings were provided by SF Recreation & Parks Department as of September 4, 2023. StFYC makes no representation to the accuracy of these soundings.

Visiting & Docking

Visiting the club, the st. francis yacht club is open for members, guests of members and reciprocal club members..

Located on the shores of San Francisco Bay, StFYC boasts incredible panoramic views that span from the Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz Island. Guests should note that the Club is open all days of the week, but observes quiet days on Mondays and Tuesdays, when dining services are not offered and bar service is limited.

Members: One night of each calendar month shall be free; unused nights may not carry into other months. Free daily dockage is subject to availability. Long-term docking rate may be extended to Members by StFYC management. For additional days, see the rates below. A member is limited to 30 days of tie-ups a year. The days between December 1 and February 28 do not count against the 30-day limit, subject to availability. Additionally, boats shall be removed from the dock one day prior to major club functions including but not limited to: Opening Day, Stag Cruise, Fleet Week, Decorated Boat Parade, Member's Christmas Party and New Year's Eve.

Reciprocal Members : A Reciprocal Member is a member of good standing of a reciprocal yacht club. Reciprocal Members are limited to 10 days of tie-ups during a calendar year. The Yards and Docks Committee, acting through its Chairman, is authorized in appropriate cases to make exceptions to the 10-day rule. All vessel lengths are charged $2.00 per foot per day. St. Francis Yacht Club is not a marina; dockage is not extended to the public.

Power Charge (same for Members and Reciprocal Members)

During the following dates, the Guest Docks will be heavily used by regatta participants. Docking may be unavailable or severely limited.

The St. Francis Yacht Club Guest Docks are located at the far west end of the SF Small Craft Harbor Marina. As you approach the entrance to the harbor please pass the wave attenuator to the south. Please note if your draft is greater than 8 feet you will need to plan your arrival in accordance with the tides. Once past the harbor entrance the Guest Docks will be on your starboard side. The Dockmaster’s office monitors VHF 69; please contact us once you have passed the harbor for docking instructions.

• All yachts visiting StFYC must identify themselves by flying their yacht club burgee.
• After you have secured your boat, present your current yacht club affiliation card to the StFYC Front Desk to receive a StFYC guest card. Then, give your guest card number to the Dockmaster.
• The Guest Docks are for temporary use with a maximum of 30 days allowed per calendar year for members; 10 days for non-members.
• Guests are not permitted to operate generators or perform boat maintenance while on StFYC’s docks, unless specific permission has been granted.
• Please tie up as far in the slips as possible to allow room for other arriving boats.
• Your stay on our docks is governed by the direction of the Waterfront Director and Port Captain, which must be followed at all times. Financial penalties apply for incorrectly following instructions from the Waterfront Director.
• Boats will be given warning and shall move from the docks one day prior to major club functions and regattas. Failure to do so may result in a fine.
• Docking plans must be adhered to at all times unless otherwise permitted.

StFYC welcomes all reciprocal members to enjoy our Club’s facilities. To view a list of reciprocal clubs, click HERE . Special rates apply; please contact our Dockmaster at [email protected] to arrange your stay with us.

Each year, St. Francis Yacht Club welcomes several Bay Area yacht clubs to enjoy a “Cruise-In” to our docks. During a typical cruise-in, visiting yachts dock together on our guest docks and enjoy a meal in the clubhouse. All cruise-ins are organized by our Port Captain Christian Lewis, who can be reached at [email protected] .

GROUP DINING

It is a requirement that all cruise-ins participate in at least one lunch or dinner at the clubhouse. All dining charges, including beverages, must also be paid by one check at the mealtime. Additional fees may apply. Please contact StFYC’s Food & Beverage Director John Frederick at [email protected] or 415-655-1165 to arrange your dining experience and menu options.

A deposit of $500.00 is required to secure your cruise-in. This deposit will be applied to guest dock charges, which are $1.00, per foot, per boat, per night. Should you cancel the cruise-in, the deposit is non-refundable. However, the Club will reimburse the difference in actual guest dock charges. Should StFYC need to cancel your cruise-in, your deposit will be refunded in full. Should the guest dock fees exceed $500.00, the difference must be paid by one check prior to departure.

DOCKING RATES

Member Rate is $1.00 per foot per night, but Members get 2 nights at no charge. Reciprocal Rate is $2.00 per foot per night, with no free nights. Power Fee for both Members and non- Members is:

• 30amp – single plug – included with the slip fee
• 30amp – double plug - $20.00 per day
• 50amp – single plug - $20.00 per day
• 50amp – double plug - $40.00 per day
• 100amp – single plug - $40.00 per day

Please note, each guest is required to have a guest card for all charges. Guests cards must be arranged prior to arrival.

CRUISE-IN REQUEST FORM

Please complete this form prior to your arrival at StFYC.

Dry storage space is exclusively intended for storage of actively used yachts that are owned and in use by members of StFYC. The yacht must be a campaigning boat, maintained and used quarterly. Priority will be given to yachts that are actively raced under the St. Francis burgee.

Each space shall be occupied by the assigned yacht on its own trailer. Both yacht and trailer shall be currently licensed and marked with the name of its owner/member. Unregistered boats parked on club property unassigned to a space by the Dockmaster are subject to a fine of $12 per day.

DRY STORAGE RULES

DRY STORAGE WAITLIST

The Club's official address is 700 Marina Boulevard, San Francisco, California, 94123. However, it is often recognized by GPS at 99 Yacht Road, San Francisco, CA 94123.

To visit as a guest, you must be accompanied by a member* in good standing who arranges a Guest Card for your visit. All guests must register at the Front Desk immediately upon entering the Club to receive their Guest Card, granting you access to the Club and the ability to make purchases.

White guest cards entitle guests to privileges at the Club with the understanding that they will pay for anything purchased at the Club on their own credit card. Guests with a white guest card are subject to a 15% guest fee for all purchases made at the Club as well as a 20% service fee on all Food & Beverage purchases.

Blue guest cards allow guests to charge items to the account of their hosting member.

Members, to set up a Guest Card, contact the Front Desk at 415-563-6363 or [email protected] .

*Regular, Non-Resident, Regular Non-Resident, Special Associate and Honorary Members can arrange guest cards.

The St. Francis Yacht Club has reciprocal relationships with yacht clubs on our reciprocal list.  We welcome their members to visit our clubhouse located in San Francisco, California

Letter of Introduction

If you wish to visit as a reciprocal member, please have your primary yacht club send a letter of introduction on your behalf to [email protected] , confirming you are a member in good standing. Once on the premises, check in with the Front Desk to set up a guest card linked to your own personal credit card; be sure to settle your account before you depart. 

50-Mile Limitation

The Club employs a 50-Mile Guest Privilege Limitation Statute, which limits guest privileges only to reciprocal members whose yacht club or residence is located outside of a 50-mile radius from the San Francisco Clubhouse or Tinsley Island. Reciprocal members whose yacht club or place of residence falls within 50 miles of the City Clubhouse or Tinsley Island may be granted reciprocal privileges only if they arrive via boat and register at the City Clubhouse docks.

Any guest visiting the Club for the purpose of attending a private party is welcome to enjoy the room(s) or area where the private event is being held. However, non-member attendees of private parties may not purchase items or dine at the Club unless a sponsoring member has set up a guest card in advance for the purpose.

We also ask that guests of private event adhere to our dress code and electronics policy.

Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices

Electronic devices such as smart phones, laptops and tablets are strictly prohibited within the Clubhouse. All devices must be on silent when entering the Clubhouse and kept in a pocket or purse. No devices may be left out on tables or bars. Electronic devices may be used in the patios surrounding the Clubhouse, the Junior Room, the Exercise Room (with headphones) and the Library (to read). Devices are also permitted while in business meetings so long as it is confined to that room. Cell phones may be used as a camera.

Dress Code in the Grill Room and Trophy Lounge

Casual attire. Shorts, t-shirts and denim are allowed. Flip flops are allowed before 1800 hours.

Dress Code in the Main Dining Room

Jackets are required for gentlemen and comparable dress for ladies.

Dress Code in the Clippership Lounge

No shorts, t-shirts, or sports wear. No flip-flops. Denim is allowed.

Notes on the Dress Code

• Members are responsible for informing their guests about the Club's dress code and for encouraging their compliance.
• Dress becomes more formal later in the day. After 6:00pm, gentlemen are strongly encouraged to wear jackets.
• Never permitted anywhere in the Clubhouse except en route to and in the locker rooms are: tank tops, cut-offs, wetsuits, foul weather gear, dirty work clothing, bathing suits or wet clothing. Shorts are not permitted in the Main Dining Room or Clippserhip.
• Gentlemen are not permitted to wear hats in the Clubhouse.

Yachting Attire (requested at various Club events)

• For yachtsmen: Navy blue jacket, long-sleeved, button-down shirt, Club tie, blazer crest or lapel pin
• For yachtswomen: Navy blue jacket, long-sleeved, button-down shirt, Club ladies' scarf, blazer crest or lapel pin

Restricted Use Days

Guest privileges will be limited on restricted use days, including Opening Day On The Bay, 4th of July, Memorial Day, Big Boat race days, Fleet Weekend, America's Cup. On restricted use days no guest will be admitted without an accompanying member and the number of guests that may accompany each member is limited to four.

Refusal of Admission

The Board of Directors reserves the right to refuse admission to the San Francisco Clubhouse to any person.

Persons Under Eighteen Years Old

A person under eighteen (18) years old, other than a member, shall be allowed entry to rooms in the Clubhouse only when accompanied by and kept under the close supervision of a responsible adult. The length of time and the places that may be occupied in the Clubhouse by these persons shall be left to the discretion of the House Committee.

No-Smoking Policy

The Clubhouse is a "no-smoking" facility. Smoking is permitted outside on the Race Deck, and in the Breezeway between the Grill Room and the Ward Room.

Pets are not permitted on St. Francis Yacht Club property.

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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

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Travis Bellicchi

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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

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

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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.

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The Corinthian Yacht Club sponsors an active race schedule, a monthly cruise schedule, and an extensive list of social events.  It also offers both fine and casual dining for members and guests. From the MidWinter Regatta season opener in January and February to the April-to-September Friday Night Races, and the YRA Season Closer weekend, the club offers a full compliment of regattas, from intra-club to international competition. Member vessels also include powerboats, paddle boards and kayaks. CYC offers more than 35 social events a year, ranging from on-the-deck clambakes to a formal New Year’s Eve Ball. The dining room is open on weekends, and casual “bistro nights” are during the week. Now in its third century, it is the second-oldest yacht club in Northern California. The Corinthian founded such San Francisco Bay traditions as Opening Day on the Bay, The Blessing of the Fleet, and the Midwinter races. As noted in the CYC Mission Statement, the club is for members who share a passion for yachting, community and camaraderie and an appreciation for a beautiful haven that embodies a spirit of congeniality, graciousness, informality and authenticity.

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Watch CBS News

Boaters balk at proposed rate hikes at San Francisco Marina

By Kenny Choi

March 25, 2024 / 6:33 PM PDT / CBS San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO -- As the sun begins to set with the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance, boats make their way back to their slips. 

"This is San Francisco Harbor.  It's a sailing harbor with some of the best sailing in the world," said Roger Kroeze.

Kroeze has docked his boat in the city for more than 20 years but he's growing tired of paying rising harbor dues, as boaters say they're getting very little in return. 

"This is a publicly run marina.  The services in the marina are the poorest," said Kroeze.

Looming budget deficits have city departments scrambling to address the shortfalls and search for additional revenue. City officials want to hike the berthing fees for boat owners by more than 30%.

Mariners say that's unnecessarily rocking the boat.

"The city doesn't know how to run a yacht harbor yet they're running it and they're charging me more and more," said Kroeze.

The city's Recreation and Park Department recently proposed a set of rate hikes; one that kicks in later this year, and another next July, that will total more than 30% of the fees they're paying now. 

Kroeze pays about $12,000 annually. Other boaters with larger slips pay more than $30,000.

He says the rising fees are frustrating when the basic upkeep of bathrooms, showers, and other harbor necessities, is well below average.

"That's a lot of money with all these rules attached to it, and not having some of the same quality of services that we get at other marinas," said Kroeze.

Recreation and Park Director Phil Ginsburg and Deputy Tamara Aparton both declined on-camera interviews.

The department sent a statement to CBS News Bay Area instead that reads in part, "Rec and Park prioritizes its funding to support recreation programs for children, seniors, and low-income families, as well as parks and playgrounds across the city. Therefore, it's important that the Marina Small Craft Harbor is financially self-sustaining."

"I would love to see a consultant outside of the city that would come in and tell them how to properly run this and manage the harbor to meet budget," said Kroeze.

A recent city analysis concluded a 31.4% increase in berthing rates was necessary for the Marina to break even on operating costs.

Kroeze is one of 600 vessel owners who will be impacted.

"If the rates need to be raised, then give us better services and give us better rules to enjoy the money that we're spending on being in this harbor in a lovely city in a lovely bay that's a sailing bay," said Kroeze.

Boaters say they're getting squeezed. But Kroeze isn't quite ready to give up a picture perfect view of a city he still loves. 

The city's Budget and Finance Committee will hear the proposal for the fee increases in the coming weeks before final approval by the Board of Supervisors.

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When Kenny Choi jumped into the backseat, he never thought he would be introducing his ride share driver to National Public Radio. The hour-long ride to the airport turned into a conversation that included politics, the economic divide, and the cultural differences between the East Coast and the West Coast.

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Treat yourself to an exquisite meal surrounded by panoramic waterside views only a short walk from the marina. Pier 29 is a family-owned restaurant and bar that has been around for three decades and is a highly regarded fixture of the community. Situated in Alameda between the Ballena Bay Yacht Harbor and the San Francisco Bay, this popular spot features two large outdoor patios and a full-service bar. Seafood is the star of the menu here, but guests will also enjoy the freshest selection of steaks, chicken, pasta, lamb, hamburgers, pork chops, sandwiches, and the famous house-made clam chowder.

Welcome to the premier sailing and powerboating school on the San Francisco Bay. Located onsite at the marina, Club Nautique features a world-class fleet as well as luxury yacht charters available for your next excursion. It also serves as Northern California’s Jeanneau dealer, an added perk whether you’re in the market for a new rig, or just want the chance to window shop.

Mike’s Paddle

Only a short walk from the marina, Mike’s serves as the go-to paddleboard shop on the San Francisco Bay for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. Here you can book a lesson with a seasoned expert, get some repair work done, or rent out a few boards or kayaks for an epic day on the water with your crew.

Harbor Mart

If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for household essentials within walking distance of the marina, head to Harbor Mart. This charming vendor is stocked with all the essentials, plus some helpful odds and ends–you’ll find everything from paper towels to wine, beer, and even fish bait. Drop by on the weekends for a delicious tri-tip sandwich and a friendly chat with fellow boaters.

Webster Street

Located a mile from the marina in Almada’s historic West End, this charming avenue is home to a collection of eclectic shops, boutiques, restaurants, and bars. With plenty of outdoor dining and broad sidewalks, Webster Street is the perfect destination for a leisurely shopping day followed by a cold drink and a delicious meal. Don’t miss this revitalized local hot spot next time you’re in town.

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MORE – looking again I see that SEA is listed but it’s mixed in with RICHMOND YACHT CLUB. Scroll Down 16 lines to Sailing Education Adventures (not in bold, blue or set apart). The dates are posted on the website and camps are filling up fast.

Alice – thanks for catching our mistake. Now fixed. Happy sailing.

I don’t see Peninsula Youth Sailing Foundation listed. Based in Redwood City, they have kids and youth sailing and racing programs: pysf.us

How could we miss that? Molly runs a fantastic program in the South Bay and we know hundreds of enthusiastic new and skilled sailors emerge from the program every year. We’ll make sure it’s updated.

Thanks for bringing it to our attention.

Sausalito Yacht Club has a active youth Sailing program which is not listed ?

Once again we thank you for the ‘heads up’ and we’ll make sure to correct our omission.

Here is another camp!

Call of the Sea (Sausalito) Youth Programs https://callofthesea.org/sail-with-us/youth-day-camp/ Youth Summer Camps Where: Bay Model Visitors Center, Sausalito When: June 14th – July 2nd / July 5th – July 23rd / July 26 – August 13th, 2021 Time: M – F 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Activities: Sailing, Exploring, Kayaking, Crafts and building projects Boat: 82′ schooner Seaward Contact: (415) 331-3214, [email protected]

Thank you Sylvia and everyone who’s pointed out what we’ve missed. We’re practically neighbors of Call of the Sea in Sausalito but somehow didn’t have their information. It’s now posted: https://www.latitude38.com/feature/san-francisco-youth-sailing/

More kids sailing is a good thing. Thanks to Call of the Sea and all the programs, instructors and volunteers who make youth sailing happen.

Hiya! Thanks so much for spreading the word about ACSC! Looks like our 2019 schedule/pricing weaseled its way into this page though. Here’s the 2021 info: After School Sailing Club: Ages 7-17. All levels. Eight week sessions in Spring & Fall. Spring Break Camp: Ages 7-12. April 5-9 and 12-16 Three Week Summer Camps: Ages 7-17. All levels. June-August. Staggered starts approximately 9 a.m.-4p.m.. Extended Care available. Full and partial scholarships available. Adult/Family Weekend Dinghy Courses: Ages 7-99. Beginner and Intermediate. Spring, summer, fall. $280 for first in your group; $130 for subsequent guests. Open Sailing Days: Every Saturday. Spring, summer, and fall. $30/boat

I have a MacGregor 26C (center board with water ballast) with trailer, engine, new main, etc. I am interested in donating to any youth sailing programs that might be interested. As with most boats, it can use some work but she will do fine as is. Please reply if your organization might be interested. The original owner used her on the bay for nearly 30 years. She has never been named officially.

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The Marina in San Francisco, California is a 74-acre expanse of grass between Fort Mason and the Presidio . It is adjacent to San Francisco Bay , and this location provides good views of the Golden Gate Bridge , Angel Island , Alcatraz Island , and parts of Marin County. Houses built mostly in the 1920s and 1930s line Marina Boulevard, the southern boundary of the Marina Green. Adjacent to the Marina Green is a marina, home to the St. Francis Yacht Club and the Golden Gate Yacht Club .

Prior to the 1906 earthquake, this area was a tidal marsh. After the earthquake, much of the resulting rubble was dumped here. Later, to provide land for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition , this site and the adjacent neighborhood (now the present day Marina District) was filled in. A nearby remnant of the Exposition is the restored Palace of Fine Arts.

The Marina District is home to the Marina Safeway which continues to operate with only minor exterior modifications 40 years after it's construction. The “Marina” Prototype: A classic piece of architecture named for the first Safeway store so designed, on Marina Boulevard in San Francisco. Hundreds of these remain around the country, including the original. Most have been remodeled and expanded. The Marina Safeway is particularly notable for its singles scene — it is frequently listed as one of the city's best pick-up spots and is affectionately known as the "Single's Safeway" or more recently, "Dateway." This concept was first popularized by the San Francisco author Armistead Maupin in his late 1970's novel "Tales of the City", a film version of which has been broadcast on PBS.

The Exploratorium , a science museum, is a popular tourist destination in the Marina District. Many couples take their wedding photos at this site. The Exploratorium is located at the Palace of Fine Arts and provides an opportunity for patrons to explore the physical sciences in a hands-on fashion. Schools throughout Northern California routinely bring young students on field trips to this museum, as it is well known for its exhibits and creative learning environment.

Activists score victory in move to kill controversial San Francisco harbor project

• Copy link to this article

A grassroots neighborhood movement to stop the construction of a yacht harbor in front of the Marina Green won a victory Monday when the San Francisco Board of Supervisors' Land Use and Transportation Committee approved an ordinance that would block the contentious plan.

Marina District neighbors began organizing their opposition last winter after learning that the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department wanted to spend some of a $160 million settlement with PG&E to finance the harbor extension. The funds were intended to clean up the bay after decades of pollution from a former coal gasification plant.

Instead of just using the funds to clean up the pollution, the city proposed putting the money toward a wholesale redesign of the area’s waterfront. Most controversial, the proposal would expand the existing West Harbor in front of the Marina Green, a popular community green space. 

If passed, the ordinance would prohibit the city from moving forward on any project that would extend the West Harbor Marina beyond the existing jetty, home to the Wave Organ , though other versions of the project would still be allowed.

The Recreation and Parks Department has argued that extending the harbor and adding a new breakwater would allow the city to cut down on costly dredging, avoid disturbing polluted sediment in the east harbor and make the marina more financially sustainable.

But Marina District resident Evelyn Graham wasn’t buying it. She described the Marina Green as a gorgeous, peaceful and iconic piece of San Francisco where she walks every day. When she learned about the harbor extension proposal on a Nextdoor post, she joined a small but growing group of neighbors that eventually gathered at the local library in March 2023 to strategize on how to oppose the project.

“Everyone had enthusiasm and different ideas,” Graham said.

Her thought was to contact members of the Board of Supervisors to try to get the project changed.

“When you start at the top, it’s easier to get to the top,” she said.

Meanwhile, the group, which eventually took on the name Keep the Waterfront Open, began plastering the neighborhood with signs reading “No New Harbor.” That’s what first got the attention of fellow activist Erin Roach, another Marina resident who joined up.

Now, Roach brings pocket-size flyers every time she goes to the Marina Green and hands them out to passersby, she said. Those efforts have gathered supporters from across the city who travel to the space for boating, exercise and relaxation. That geographical diversity is the key to the activists’ strength, Roach said.

“If it were just the Marina people [opposing the project], it wouldn’t be persuasive enough,” she said.

The campaign has turned hundreds of people out to community meetings to hear local politicians speak about the issue. 

That includes Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, who said the activists deserve tremendous credit for how much they’ve been able to raise the issue to city leaders.

Safaí authored the ordinance that sailed through committee Monday with a unanimous vote from Supervisors Aaron Peskin, Myrna Melgar and Dean Preston. 

“I think Rec and Parks had a predetermined design and idea, and they’re not interested in going through a robust community engagement and exploration of additional fundraising options, or additional ideas of design,” Safaí said.

Next, the ordinance will head to the full Board of Supervisors for a vote, then, if it passes, it's on to the mayor’s desk.

The Mayor’s Office declined to comment on the ordinance.

The Recreation and Parks Department has warned that the ordinance could have negative impacts on the marina. For one, the project is still in its planning process, according to department spokesperson Tamara Aparton.

“This proposed ordinance would limit that process, closing off consideration of the full breadth of design options and blocking any analysis of their pros and cons,” Aparton said.

As a budget deficit looms over San Francisco and cuts are on the horizon, some observers, Safaí included, have speculated that the harbor extension proposal could be driven primarily by a desire to balance the Marina’s ledger by building pricier boat berths and saving money on dredging.

A recent budget analyst report concluded that if the Marina project moved forward with expanding the harbor in front of the green, the Marina could become profitable, bringing in about $1 million each year.

But if the west harbor stays the same size, the city would have to turn to other options to balance the budget, either by raising boat berthing fees by 15% to 20% over already-planned increases or by charging for parking at the Marina, the report concluded.

It currently costs about $11,700 a year for a 40-foot slip in the West Harbor, the most common size. A 25-foot slip, the cheapest, is $6,000, while the priciest 100-foot slip runs $30,600 annually.

“We remain concerned that if rates are raised so much that they drive people away, that will jeopardize the marina’s ability to operate independently,” Rec and Parks official Sarah Madland said during Monday’s meeting.  

Peskin was unmoved by that argument. Shortly before voting to move the ordinance forward, he said that the department exists to provide the public with parks, not make money.

“The Recreation and Parks Department is, by design, a money loser,” Peskin said.

Noah Baustin can be reached at [email protected]

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2024 “Opening Day On The Bay” Boat Parade & “Blessing of the Fleet” (SF)

Free / learn more.

The annual  Opening Day on the Bay typically shows off over 100 historic workboats, fireboats, towboats, and classic and contemporary craft .

This marks the official start of the San Francisco boating season .

Annual “Opening Day on the Bay” Boat Parade Sunday, April 28, 2024 – Blessing of the fleet – 10:30 am to 12:30 pm (approx) – Boat parade – Noon to 2pm (approx) View from Crissy Field to PIER 39, SF FREE to watch from the shore

OPENING DAY ON THE BAY APRIL 28, 2024

From the blessing of the fleet in Racoon Straits to the parade of decorated boats this is a great day to get out on the Bay.

Come on out and decorate your boat for this traditional event. Before the start of the parade is the Blessing of the Fleet , at 10:30 am in Raccoon Strait, hosted by Corinthian Yacht Club. The parade begins at Noon , led by the San Francisco fireboat St. Francis, so participating in the blessing and parade is possible. The “Blessing Boat” will be anchored in Raccoon Strait, come through from the backside, and then cruise on over to the San Francisco waterfront and join in on the fun.

Dating back to 1917 and organized by the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association, the parade runs just north of Anita Rock off the shore of Crissy Field in the Presidio, follows along the city front to first Fort Mason building east of the Marina Green.

Any vessels can take part (you do not have to be a yacht club member) as long as they register beforehand and have a marine radio. Some boats will be decorated to this year’s theme “Rockin’ on the Bay.” This theme is open to many interpretations of anything associated with music. Some may choose to depict a popular musician, a band, music genres, musical eras, or music from musicals, movies or cartoons. Your boat does not have to be wired for sound to participate. Some boats will fly flags and streamers or just join in the parade not decorated.

All are welcome. If you do not have a boat, join us on the official committee boat to get the most up-close view of the boats.

PARADE STARTS AT NOON

There is a category for everyone and prizes for:

Classic and historic yachts Powerboats decorated to theme Sailboats decorated to theme Power or sail decorated by Juniors Flags & Streamers by Yacht Club Decorated not to theme Non-decorated boats

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.

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