- Yacht Clubs
St. Francis Yacht Club
700 Marina Blvd
San Francisco , CA 94123
(415) 563-6363
Becoming St. Francis
St. Francis Yacht Club was founded in 1927 by a group of 21 San Francisco yachtsmen with a vision of a club in the City. It was an offshoot of the San Francisco Yacht Club, which was founded in 1856 and had its facility in Sausalito, across the Bay. That facility burned to the ground in the mid-twenties and a fierce debate raged after the fire between those who lived in Marin County and those who lived in San Francisco. The city-dwellers wanted to relocate to San Francisco—not surprising given that this was before the Golden Gate Bridge, so SF members had to travel by water to their club. Members from Marin found a suitable location in Belvedere against the wishes of their SF membership and pulled some fast and furious moves to secure the right number of votes to make it happen. This so offended the SF members that they chose to leave San Francisco Yacht Club and form their own club: the St. Francis Yacht Club.
Today, there is great camaraderie between the two clubs and many members belong to both.
For the club’s full history, click here .
St. Francis Yacht Club Honors Hall of Famers
The St. Francis Yacht Club honored their Hall of Famers at a dinner on October 28, 2014 with 200 people attending.
Those honored included National Sailing Hall of Famers Tom Blackaller, Paul Cayard, Stan Honey and John Kostecki, plus America’s Cup Hall of Famers Lucy and Fritz Jewett. Another Hall of Famer, National Sailing Hall of Fame President Gary Jobson, was the Master of Ceremonies.
Here are some photos of the event, courtesy of photographer Igor Capibaribe, and a short video tribute that was played during the dinner.
L-R: St. Francis YC Commodore Bruce Munro, John Kostecki, Stan Honey, Lisa Blackaller, Lucy Jewitt, Paul Cayard, Gary Jobson, St. Francis YC Commodore George Dort
Video: Tribute to the St. Francis Yacht Club Hall of Famers (4:15) :
Quick Links
Getting Here
The Sailing Museum & Hall of Fame
365 Thames Street
Newport, RI 02840
401.324.5761
A Parade Of Festive Illuminated Boats Will Set Sail On The SF Bay This Holiday Season
St. Francis Yacht Club's annual Lighted Boat Parade will take to the San Francisco Bay on December 15, 2023.
San Francisco’s annual Lighted Boat Parade returns this Friday, December 15th, at 6 pm. This beloved holiday event hosted by the St. Francis Yacht Club dates back to 1994 and is a welcome sight along the waterfront every year.
A procession of about 2 dozen illuminated boats will set sail from Pier 39 around 6 pm and cruise along the waterfront to Crissy Field. Once they reach Crissy Field, the lighted boats will turn around and sail back to Pier 39. The lighted boat parade is a beloved tradition and great for enjoying holiday lights in a uniquely coastal way. The procession goes leisurely, taking about 2-3 hours. You can bring a picnic and watch the glowing boats for the evening. Just don’t forget some layers and a blanket to keep you warm.
The best viewing is along Pier 39, the parking lot east of St. Francis Yacht Club, the Marina Green, Crissy Field, and Aquatic Park. If you have a boat, then be sure to grab a front-row seat right on the water. The St. Francis Yacht Club is members-only, so the public has no viewing opportunities inside the yacht house.
If you miss the procession on the SF Bay, consider catching the San Mateo Holiday Lighted Boat Parade on Saturday, December 16, at 5 pm. The best viewing is along the berm in front of the Coyote Point Yacht Club. You can also check out Winter Fest in Sausalito, which hosts a boat parade on December 9 starting at 6 pm .\
About the St. Francis Yacht Club
The St. Francis Yacht Club began in 1927 as an offshoot of the San Francisco Yacht Club, which dates back to 1869 . In the 1920s, a debate emerged between its members about relocating the club to San Francisco from its original location in Sausalito. After all, this was pre-Golden Gate Bridge, and it was a long commute across the Bay.
The Marin County club members resisted the move, and the club eventually split into two groups : The San Francisco members started the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco, and the Marin County members relocated the San Francisco Yacht Club to Belvedere. These days, the two clubs have a great relationship, and many members belong to both.
The St. Francis Yacht Club hosts the Rolex Big Boat Series every year, which is known as a premier regatta on the West Coast. The event happens every September, bringing hundreds of sailors to San Francisco.
By Jamie Ferrell and Dana Flynn
TYPE IN YOUR SEARCH AND PRESS ENTER
Leading Yacht Clubs • Working Together • Sharing Experiences
St. Francis Yacht Club Announces Action-Packed 2024 Regatta Season
St. Francis Yacht Club
January 18, 2024
Mark your calendars and make your plans to compete at one of the top sailing venues in the world in 2024. 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.
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.
Make your plans to compete at St. Francis Yacht Club this upcoming regatta season.
VIEW THE 2024 REGATTA SCHEDULE
St. Francis Yacht Club
Stories from the St. Francis Yacht Club
St. Francis Yacht Club 700 Marina Boulevard San Francisco, CA 94123-1044 (415) 563-6363
Website: www.stfyc.org
ST. FRANCIS YACHT CLUB BECOMES NSHOF FOUNDING MEMBER
St. Francis Yacht Club Honors Hall of Famers
The St. Francis Yacht Club honored their Hall of Famers at a dinner on October 28, 2014 with 200 people attending.
Those honored included National Sailing Hall of Famers Tom Blackaller, Paul Cayard, Stan Honey and John Kostecki, plus America’s Cup Hall of Famers Lucy and Fritz Jewett. Another Hall of Famer, National Sailing Hall of Fame President Gary Jobson, was the Master of Ceremonies.
Here are some photos of the event, courtesy of photographer Igor Capibaribe, and a short video tribute that was played during the dinner.
L-R: St. Francis YC Commodore Bruce Munro, John Kostecki, Stan Honey, Lisa Blackaller, Lucy Jewitt, Paul Cayard, Gary Jobson, St. Francis YC Commodore George Dort
Video: Tribute to the St. Francis Yacht Club Hall of Famers (4:15) :
BACK TO YACHT CLUB STORIES PAGE
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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Accolades & Associations. 700 Marina Boulevard. 415-563-6363. 415-563-8670. St Francis Yacht Club.
The St. Francis Yacht Club is a private sailing club located in San Francisco. History [ edit ] Founded in 1927, the Saint Francis Yacht Club (StFYC) was formed when some of the members of the San Francisco Yacht Club decided to move their clubhouse from Sausalito to Belvedere, California to escape the rapidly growing commercial activity of ...
Specialties: St. Francis Yacht Club is a private club known throughout the US and the world as one of the premier yacht clubs. Our clubhouse provides a boating and social venue for our members and their guests. It features large deep-water guest docks, outstanding dining and incredible vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. The Club's annual calendar includes a variety of ...
The St. Francis Yacht Club is one of the most esteemed yacht clubs in the world, steeped in tradition but known for innovation. Our members are sailors, racers, cruisers and stewards of the sea. With a clubhouse on the shores of San Francisco Bay and a private island in the Sacramento Delta, our members enjoy on-water activity and camaraderie ...
St. Francis Yacht Club, San Francisco, CA. 6,657 likes · 189 talking about this. Our mission is to serve as the inspirational center of boating... St. Francis Yacht Club, San Francisco, CA. 6,657 likes · 189 talking about this. Our mission is to serve as the inspirational center of boating activities regionally and a leader of yachting...
Learn about the founding, history and achievements of the St. Francis Yacht Club, located on the shore of San Francisco Bay. See photos and videos of the club's Hall of Famers and other activities.
St. Francis Yacht Club On the Marina. San Francisco, CA 94123: Phone: 415.563.6363 Fax 415.563.6670 [email protected]
The oldest yacht club on the West Coast, founded in 1869, offers a sublime setting, superb harbor and community of members dedicated to life on the water. Learn more about the Club's history, facilities, regattas, youth sailing, dining, auxiliary and membership.
The St. Francis Yacht Club began in 1927 as an offshoot of the San Francisco Yacht Club, which dates back to 1869. In the 1920s, a debate emerged between its members about relocating the club to San Francisco from its original location in Sausalito. After all, this was pre-Golden Gate Bridge, and it was a long commute across the Bay.
Specialties: St. Francis Yacht Club is a private club known throughout the US and the world as one of the premier yacht clubs. Our clubhouse provides a boating and social venue for our members and their guests. It features large deep-water guest docks, outstanding dining and incredible vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. The Club's annual calendar includes a variety of ...
St. Francis Yacht Club - Racing, San Francisco, California. 3,234 likes · 48 talking about this · 1,707 were here. Located on San Francisco Bay, near the Golden Gate Bridge, StFYC is considered one...
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.
St. Francis Yacht Club. 700 Marina Boulevard. San Francisco, CA 94123-1044. (415) 563-6363. Website: www.stfyc.org. Founded in 1927, the StFYC is in a prime location on the shore of San Francisco Bay, adjacent to the Golden Gate Bridge and National Recreation Area with dramatic views of the Golden Gate, Alcatraz and the Marin Headlands.
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 ...
Specialties: St. Francis Yacht Club is a private club known throughout the US and the world as one of the premier yacht clubs. Our clubhouse provides a boating and social venue for our members and their guests. It features large deep-water guest docks, outstanding dining and incredible vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. The Club's annual calendar includes a variety of ...
Founded in 1927, St. Francis Yacht Club is widely regarded as one of the top racing venues in the country. In addition to enjoying a worldwide reputation for on-water and in-club excellence ...
The Club Clubhouse Harbor Cove House Member Login. Dining. HOURS OF OPERATION Monday — closed Tuesday — closed Wednesday Dinner 5:30 - 9:00pm Bar open 4:30pm - 11:00pm ... The San Francisco Yacht Club 98 Beach Road Belvedere, CA 94920, United States Tel: +1 415-435-9133
Please note that what you see via the Docks Camera is not always an accurate representation of dock availability. Prior to your visit, please arrange dock space with our dockmaster at [email protected] or 415-813-9741.