How Much Do Yacht Club Memberships Cost? (5 Helpful Examples)
Joining a yacht club is an important milestone in your life. It marks a certain degree of success and allows you to enjoy plenty of luxurious amenities. Setting sail on a yacht is the ultimate way to unwind from a hectic work week while you try to climb the corporate ladder.
Fortunately, there are yacht clubs all over the country that would love to welcome you as a brand-new member. You can enjoy an afternoon on the water with a beautiful yacht in exchange for a small sum of money.
But how much do Yacht Club memberships generally cost?
Prices for Yacht Clubs will vary based on your location, the fleet, and even the amenities that are offered at the marina. The average annual membership price is between $900-$4,000 depending on your level of luxury and needs.
To give you an idea of what you could expect to pay for your yacht club membership, here are some numbers gathered from across the country:
| Yacht Club | Annual Dues |
| Charleston Yacht Club | $900 |
| Florida Yacht Club | $3,288 |
| Atlanta Yacht Club | $900 |
| Chicago Yacht Club | $3,690 |
| California Yacht Club | $3,144 |
Table of Contents
What Does Each Yacht Club Offer?
Each yacht club is going to offer something that sets it apart from the others on this listing. To give you a better idea of where your money is going, here is a brief synopsis of what you can expect at each location.
Related Article: How Much Does Yacht Insurance Cost? (4 Examples)
Charleston Yacht Club
Charleston is a premier cruising destination with plenty of waterways for you to explore. They offer a launch hoist, dry slips, day dockage, free parking, and a long list of events scheduled throughout the year.
You also gain privileges at other yacht clubs around the world. If you don’t own your own yacht, they have plenty of members who often have room on their boats to accommodate a few extra passengers.
Florida Yacht Club
The Florida Yacht Club is a relatively exclusive club that features amazing amenities like fine dining and an array of aquatic activities.
You can play tennis, enjoy a spa treatment or massage, or get in a rousing game of croquet from the shore. They also host events and permit you to extend your privileges to other locations scattered around the Florida coast.
Atlanta Yacht Club
The Atlanta Yacht Club is primarily geared toward sailors who are interested in racing. They have a fleet of more than thirty different boats that are designed to help you further your knowledge of sailing.
If you still have a lot to learn, you can even take classes at this location. Prospective members must be sponsored and co-sponsored by two club members for entrance.
Related Article: 7 Boat Clubs in Florida You Should Know (Before Choosing)
Chicago Yacht Club
Members of the Chicago Yacht Club will find plenty of opportunities to get involved. With more than forty different committees, you can find a circle of friends that have common interests beyond just sailing and racing.
You also receive transient docking at both the Belmont and Monroe harbors, exclusive invites to private events, and reciprocity at more than 900 clubs across the country.
Related Article: Boat Clubs in Boston: 5 Clubs You Should Know
California Yacht Club
The California Yacht Club is home to both national and world championship regattas.
They host plenty of events from scuba club to book club to wine tastings. If you want to find a true community of like-minded sailors, this could be the place for you.
One of the best features is the reciprocity at locations not just across the United States but across the world. You can feel free to travel the world with your yacht and experience some of the same fellowship globally.
Related Article: Boat Clubs In Los Angeles: 7 Clubs You Should Know
What are the Cheapest Yacht Clubs?
The cheapest yacht clubs charge just under $1,000 per year for membership. While this does give you access to different types of experiences, you may be disappointed by the overall amenities.
Some yacht clubs are known for their extravagant country club styles that help you to embrace a particular lifestyle. They include Olympic-sized swimming pools, state-of-the-art tennis courts, and fine dining.
Everything has a beautiful waterfront view. It can feel like you are in the middle of an idyllic paradise without ever even having to leave the shore. If this is what you can gain from the most expensive yacht clubs, you should set your expectations much lower for the cheaper yacht clubs.
The cheaper yacht clubs lack the community aspect of these exclusive options. They feature dry slips and the occasional party, but not much more.
Some of them may have the feel of a county park with some picnic benches, outdoor grills, and a moderately sized swimming pool. Expect a much more casual atmosphere when you choose to go with a cheaper yacht club.
It is even possible that they are simply “paper yacht clubs” that do not even maintain a physical building of their own.
How Much Do the Most Expensive Yacht Clubs Cost to Join?
The most expensive yacht clubs can vary a great deal in price. Most of them will cost between $3,000 and $4,000 per year. However, you can certainly find more exclusive clubs that will cost above and beyond this.
Keep in mind that these more expensive clubs generally are not open to the public. They are offered by invitation only and you must have a member sponsor you to be considered for entrance.
When you are paying for a more expensive yacht club, you should make sure that you are really going to get your money’s worth. These expensive clubs promote a certain type of elegant lifestyle.
Make sure that you are planning to take advantage of all the amenities available from one of these clubs before you sink too much money into the membership fees. The social aspect of these expensive yacht clubs is extremely important.
If you plan to simply rent a boat from time to time, you might be able to go with a cheaper yacht club.
Related Article: How Long Do Sailboats Last?
What Is Generally Included in the Membership Fee for Yacht Clubs?
Have you been wondering why you should join a yacht club? Many potential members want to know what they can expect from their membership fees before they commit to a year-long contract. There are many advantages to signing up for a membership with a well-known yacht club.
Amenities and Activities
First and foremost, you get access to activities and cruises planned by board members. These might be various sailing activities, dinners, get-togethers, tennis matches, or other events that take up a lazy Sunday afternoon.
You also gain access to any amenities that surround the yacht club’s marina. For many programs, this means a fitness center, pool, and tennis courts. Several locations also offer fine dining, meeting rooms, and more.
It is like a private oasis where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the regular world. Time moves slowly when you’re enjoying the amenities here.
Many yacht clubs have programs that introduce children (and adults!) to sailing. Take classes to learn more about improving your technique, sailing safety, and other important aspects of life on the open water.
Access to the Fleet
The main reason why most people join yacht clubs is to be able to rent out boats instead of purchasing their own. Joining a yacht club may give you access to an entire fleet of yachts that can be reserved for a day or weeks at a time. Some yacht clubs allow you to rent boats for up to ten days at a time.
Others do not allow you to rent out ships. They are primarily geared toward individuals who already own a yacht or will own a yacht in the future. Make sure you know the difference in advance.
Are There any Additional Costs Besides the Membership Fees?
Unfortunately, the membership fees are not the only cost associated with joining a yacht club. Most of the clubs in the United States also have a one-time initial fee that tends to cost thousands of dollars. Many will range from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on the location and the exclusivity of the yacht club.
This one-time fee should be the only additional money you pay except for fuel. Most yacht clubs do not cover the cost of the fuel used in the ship during your rental if renting is an option. Be prepared for what this could cost you.
If you cause damage to the ship, you can also expect some out-of-pocket costs. Insurance should cover the damage, but you will likely be asked to cover the cost of the deductible.
Be sure to inquire about how much you may be on the hook for before you sign up for any particular yacht club. Accidents can happen, even to the most experienced sailors. Make sure that you can afford the mishap in advance.
Is a Yacht Club Membership Right for You?
Understanding what the real cost of a yacht club membership is can be the first step toward determining if this is right for you. Many people love the luxuries available through the more expensive yacht clubs, but they may not be able to afford it. Consider what is most important in a club to you before deciding to sign on the dotted line for an annual membership.
Click to share...
Search form
Bay area sailing club membership, modern-sailing-open-house.gif.
Join San Francisco Bay's Friendliest Sailing Club!
- Our Locations
- Our Charter Fleet
- Learn to Sail, Racing Program, and Destination Sailing Vacations
Join a Supportive Sailing Community
- 10 Benefits of Membership
Membership Costs
- Gaining Access to Bareboat Charter
Ready to sign up?
Skip straight to this page to gain instant access to the many benefits of membership:
- Sign Up for Membership Online
Sausalito and Berkeley Sailing Locations
Modern Sailing has locations in Sausalito and Berkeley to offer Bay Area sailors with expanded and diverse opportunities for learning, fun, and friendship on both sides of the Bay. In addition to cruising boat options similar to what's available in Sausalito, Berkeley's fleet of J/Boats provide the means for a robust sportboat, performance, and racing program in the East Bay.
Get inspired! Sailing a wider variety of boats among different scenery, wind and tidal patterns will invigorate your sailing and keep it fresh.
See our addresses and locations on a map.
Charter a Sailboat on San Francisco Bay
Our fleet in Sausalito consists of more than 20 monohulls including Beneteau, Jeanneau, Catalina, J/105, and 2 multihulls, a, Seawind 1160 and Fountaine Pajot Lavezzi 40. Cruising yachts range from 30 to 44 feet in length and can accommodate from 5 to 12 people. Our fleet in Berkeley consists of sporty J/Boat models (J/24, J/80, J/88, J/99, J/105), five cruising monohulls ranging in size from 30' to 42,' and a Lagoon 40 catamaran.
Modern Sailing members gain access to bareboat charter by establishing a Fleet Rating. Newcomers to sailing can begin chartering by completing ASA 103 or above at Modern Sailing. Experienced sailors are not required to possess certifications, but must successfully complete a Fleet Rating Checkout with one of our instructors. Learn More
Never sailed before, but would love to give it a try? Join an Introductory Sail to experience what San Francisco Bay sailing is all about. You can also book a Skippered Sail for a private lesson or to simply enjoy sailing San Francisco Bay with a USCG Captain as your guide.
Learn to Sail, Racing Program, and Destination Sailing Vacations
How far do you want to sail? Whether you want to sail around San Francisco Bay, along the California Coast, or across oceans, we will help you take the helm to reach your goals. Explore our suite of sailing lessons that can take you from beginner to competent open ocean sailor: ASA Courses and Sailing Clinics . Elevate your sailing to exciting new heights when you join our 3-Tiered Racing Program and participate in a variety of casual or elite regattas on San Francisco Bay. Got wanderlust? Take your sailing skills beyond the Golden Gate Bridge and overseas when you join us for a Pacific Coast Expedition or a Global Destinations Sailing Vacation .
We offer more than just a place to charter a sailboat. We’re dedicated to helping you reach your sailing goals and grow your sailing community.
When you join Modern, you become a part of our thriving sailing community. All members are invited to attend Club Sails with other members on the weekends and for special events like the Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade, Fourth of July Fireworks, Giants Games, Full Moon Sails, Opening Day on the Bay, and Fleet Week. We help you meet other sailors working towards the same cruising goals via our members-only community resources : an email distribution list, Facebook Crew List group, and Slack channels. During the summer, members and their guests are invited to our Après Sails for cold beverages and snacks, Saturdays and Sundays 3:30 to 5:00pm.
There are three ways to sign up for a membership:
- Call our office at (415) 331-8250.
- Send us an email.
- Buy online here!
10 Reasons To Become a Modern Sailing Member
Two Locations - Your Modern Sailing club membership gives you membership priviledges at both of our Bay Area locations!
- In beautiful Sausalito at the Marina Plaza Harbor
- In a park-like setting at the Berkeley Marina, at the end of "The Slot"
- No matter which our of locations you choose to sail from, once you leave harbor, you are moments away from some of the best sailing in the world! You will also have access to some of the best anchorages and harbors: Clipper Cove at Treasure Island, South Beach Harbor in San Francisco, Ayala Cove at Angel Island, China Camp in San Pablo Bay, and more.
Charter Privileges - Modern Sailing has a diverse fleet of sportboats, cruising boats, and catamarans ranging in size from 24 to 44 feet. Each boat is professionally maintained and offers unique characteristics to provide you a wide range of charter options. View the Fleet. Our Berkeley location offers an exciting sportboat fleet consisting of a range of J/Boat models.
Discounts for Members - Save 10% to 25% on ASA Courses, Sailing Clinics, Expeditions, and other specialty programs.
Online Booking - Using our online booking system, you can quickly view boat availability and secure your charter, course, and clinics online: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Parties and Events - Modern Sailing is not only a sailing club, but also a social club - and there is always something happening! Whether it's a BBQ or Après Sail, member party, wine pourings or speaker series, our members enjoy a wide range of social activities.
Member Club Sails - Weekly group sails are fun, informal and skippered by members of the club who are both friendly and supportive. Practice your skills as the skipper or as crew. You can extend your member benefits for these sails to two adult guests per sail. Learn more about Club Sails .
Join a Modern Sailing Club Race Team - To fit your goals and racing style, our Racing Program has 3 tiers for beginning to advanced racers. Membership gives you access to join our Tier 2 Club Race Teams or a Tier 3 Performance Race Team.
Crew List - Modern Sailing provides resources to members to help connect to the sailing community and find crew to sail with.
Reciprocal Privileges - As a member of Modern Sailing, you receive reciprocal privileges with many other West Coast sailing clubs, meaning your membership expands your sailing opportunities beyond San Francisco Bay. View Reciprocal Clubs
Yacht Club Partnerships - Grow your sailing community even bigger! Members can qualify for discounted initiation and access to the Berkeley Yacht Club and Sausalito Yacht Club .
Monthly Dues
For all memberships initiated or re-initiated after March 1, 2023, monthly dues are:
- Individual Membership: $65 per month
- Partners Membership: $80 per month
Membership Initiation Fee
- New Members: $500
- Former Members Rejoining: $250
Package Specials
If you're planning on taking two or more ASA courses, save up to 20% on your membership initiation and courses by purchasing a bundled Package Special .
Other Club Membership Details
- There are no contracts to sign and memberships are on a month-to-month basis.
- Monthly dues are charged your credit card on file on the 1st of every month.
- Need to put your membership on hold? We offer a complimentary one-time, 3-month hold on membership monthly fees - without terminating your membership.
- Refer a friend to Modern Sailing, and if they sign up, you'll receive a $100 referral credit, and they receive a $50 credit!
- Call our office at (415) 331-8250.
- Send us an email.
- Buy Online Here!
Gaining Access to Bareboat Charter
The table below depicts the boat sizes and types you can gain access to charter when you a complete an ASA Course or a Fleet Rating Checkout with Modern Sailing.
| 24' – 26' | tiller-steered sportboat | Sportboat Fleet Rating** | Sportboats | |
| 27' – 33' | tiller-steered sportboat | Premium Sportboat Fleet Rating** | Sportboats and Premium Sportboats | |
| 30' – 32' | monohull cruising boat | Silver Fleet Rating | Silver Fleet Boats | |
| 33' – 36' | monohull cruising boat | Gold Fleet Rating | Silver and Gold Fleet Boats | |
| 37' – 40' | monohull cruising boat | Platinum Fleet Rating | Silver, Gold, and Platinum Fleet Boats | |
| 38' – 40' | catamaran (multihull) | Catamaran Fleet Rating** | Catamarans |
* If you are an experienced sailor, your Fleet Rating Checkout will be performed on the boat size you are most familiar with, according to your sailing resume. ** A rating for a cruising boat fleet does not grant access to the Sportboat/Premium Sportboat Fleet. A Catamaran Fleet Rating grants access to multihulls only, but not to monohulls.
News & Events
Coho ii coastal delivery experience.
October 6 - 9, 2024
Marina del Rey to Sausalito
We’re looking for motivated and skilled crew members to join us on a coastal upwind delivery of our Spencer 1330 Coho II from Marina del Rey, CA, to Sausalito, CA, scheduled from October 6th through the 9th.
- Read more about Coho II Coastal Delivery Experience
Yes, You Can Sign Up for Membership Online!
Purchase your Modern Sailing Club Membership Initiation here and gain instant access to the many benefits of membership!
- Read more about Yes, You Can Sign Up for Membership Online!
Meet Modern Sailing's 2024 Rolex Big Boat Series Team!
For the second year in a row, Modern Sailing has entered a team to compete in the Rolex Big Boat Series!
- Read more about Meet Modern Sailing's 2024 Rolex Big Boat Series Team!
Empowering Bay Area Youth Through Sailing: Blue Water Foundation and Modern Sailing Member Volunteers
Founded in 1992, Blue Water Foundation is an all-volunteer nonprofit dedicated to bringing the joys and challenges of sailing to under-served youths of the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Read more about Empowering Bay Area Youth Through Sailing: Blue Water Foundation and Modern Sailing Member Volunteers
A West Indies Sailing Odyssey 2025
Our Spring 2025 flotilla takes you from St. Lucia's british history to the flavors of French Martinique - April 2 to 12.
- Read more about A West Indies Sailing Odyssey 2025
From Novice to Elite: Jenny Maybee's Journey Through Modern Sailing's 3-Tiered Racing Program
Jenny Maybee's progress through Modern Sailing's 3-Tiered Racing Program has been nothing short of remarkable.
- Read more about From Novice to Elite: Jenny Maybee's Journey Through Modern Sailing's 3-Tiered Racing Program
Local Cruising Guide: Sail to Berkeley
Ahoy, Modern Sausalito sailors! Looking for a refreshing change of scenery and an invigorating alternative to the Central Bay sailing routine? Set your course for Berkeley and discover why its waterfront is a must-visit destination, offering an array of attractions and activities.
- Read more about Local Cruising Guide: Sail to Berkeley
The Ultimate Guide to Sailing San Francisco Bay
Welcome to your comprehensive resource for exploring the vibrant and diverse sailing experiences that the Bay Area has to offer! This guide, consisting of our top Member Resources articles, offers valuable insights and tips to enhance your San Francisco Bay sailing experience. Dive into local cruising guides and discover dock and dine locations, explore the natural beauty of Angel Island, and plan exciting itineraries to Jack London Square, Benicia, and more.
- Read more about The Ultimate Guide to Sailing San Francisco Bay
Sailors Giving Back to the Caribbean: Hurricane Beryl Relief Efforts and How You Can Help
July 3, 2024
The Windward Islands of the Caribbean have long been treasured by cruising sailors, including many of us in the Modern Sailing community. Over the years, dozens of us have enjoyed the beauty and friendliness of these islands as long-term cruisers, bareboat charterers, and Global Destinations flotilla participants.
- Read more about Sailors Giving Back to the Caribbean: Hurricane Beryl Relief Efforts and How You Can Help
First Impressions of the J/24 Sportboat - by Spinnaker Sailing Instructor Dave Goeke
Dave Goeke, a seasoned sailor with over 40 years of experience on the Bay, recently had his first encounter with the J/24 sportboat model. Despite his extensive sailing background, Dave had primarily sailed the Merit 25, which he has used as an ASA 101 teaching vessel for nearly two decades. The introduction of the new ASA 102, Performance Sailing course, led Dave to Modern Sailing in Berkeley, where he spent a day "learning the ropes" of the J/24 under the guidance of Senior Instructor Eric Wittig. This article captures Dave's insights and comparisons between the J/24 and the Merit 25, highlighting the distinct characteristics and performance differences that make each boat unique.
- Read more about First Impressions of the J/24 Sportboat - by Spinnaker Sailing Instructor Dave Goeke
Reuven Trabin's Lifelong Passion for Small Boat Sailing
Reuven Trabin’s journey into the world of sailing began in the late 1970s aboard simple sailboats on the warm waters of Israel, where the thrill of harnessing the wind ignited an enduring passion for the sport. Over the decades, particularly after relocating to the Bay Area, Reuven navigated the challenges and opportunities of career and fatherhood, eventually formalizing his skills, and deepening his interest in sportboat sailing.
- Read more about Reuven Trabin's Lifelong Passion for Small Boat Sailing
Dockside Briefings - Pre-Charter Orientations for J/Boats and Coho II
At Modern Sailing, we understand that choosing the perfect boat for your charter can sometimes be challenging, especially if you're accustomed to a particular vessel and you haven't tried others with configurations that may be unfamiliar to you.
- Read more about Dockside Briefings - Pre-Charter Orientations for J/Boats and Coho II
Sailing is the perfect choice for your team building event - here's why!
A sailing regatta provides a memorable and impactful team building experience that promotes collaboration, learning, trust, and communication, making it an ideal choice for corporate teams looking to strengthen bonds and foster a culture of teamwork and excellence.
- Read more about Sailing is the perfect choice for your team building event - here's why!
2024 Club Race Teams
BYC Beer Can and SYC Sunset Series Open for Enrollment!
- Read more about 2024 Club Race Teams
Meet Our Newest Club Skippers, Winter 2024
With completion of our February Club Skipper Clinic, Modern Sailing proudly welcomes four new Club Skippers into our Club Sail program, marking another milestone for our growing community.
- Read more about Meet Our Newest Club Skippers, Winter 2024
Bridging Waters: An MSC Member's Mission for Parkinson's Awareness, Inspired by Sailor Bertrand Delhom
Inspired by Bertrand Delhom, a sailor with Parkinson's Disease who is crewing aboard Neptune in the Ocean Globe Race, Modern Sailing member Amy Bridge is helping to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson's research.
- Read more about Bridging Waters: An MSC Member's Mission for Parkinson's Awareness, Inspired by Sailor Bertrand Delhom
Five Reasons To Savor Winter Sailing
Banish the winter blues and cool your cabin fever with more time on the water! Modern Sailing gives members five reasons to love winter sailing.
- Read more about Five Reasons To Savor Winter Sailing
How to Get Rated to Charter with a Spinnaker at Modern Sailing
Ready to elevate your sailing experience – especially in winter, or whenever wind conditions are light? Modern Sailing is now making it possible for you to experience the uplifting joys of flying an asymmetrical spinnaker during your bareboat charters!
- Read more about How to Get Rated to Charter with a Spinnaker at Modern Sailing
Is Sailing for You? 5 Signs You Could Fall in Love with Sailing
Do you feel drawn to sailing, but your fears are causing hesitation? Hesitate no more! Here are five signs you might enjoy (or even fall in the love with) sailing, along with some reassuring notes to help address some of your possible fears.
- Read more about Is Sailing for You? 5 Signs You Could Fall in Love with Sailing
2024 Sailing Events in San Francisco, California
From community boat parades and regattas to the latest innovations in the yacht racing world, you can find it on SF Bay. Mark your calendars and find out how you can experience the Bay's most sensational sailing-related events!
- Read more about 2024 Sailing Events in San Francisco, California
Share This Page
Testimonials.
I try to get out on the water every week: out the Gate, around Angel, up Raccoon - I love it all. After 18 years as a member of OCSC in Berkeley, I learned to sail the bigger boats at Modern by taking ASA 103 and 104. My ASA 104 instructor Dave Russell was terrific. Also, Captain Bill Moreland has been very generous in giving informal advice whenever I’ve asked him. Thanks to Bill, I no longer have any anxiety about docking!
The class was terrific. I know you must get many compliments about your sailing instructors...But I must tell you that Robert is outstanding. Having taught SCUBA, I really appreciate the way he is so sensitive to all on board, dealing with each so well, knowing quickly their strengths and weaknesses making each feel special and cared for.
The office staff was very accommodating in meeting my availability.
View All Testimonials
Follow us on Social Media
Modern Sailing School & Club
Sausalito Location 2310 Marinship Way, Sausalito, CA 94965 (415) 331-8250 (800) 995-1668
Berkeley Location 1 Spinnaker Way, Berkeley, CA 94710 (415) 331-8250 (800) 995-1668
Map / Directions
You are here.
Open Daily 10am - 5pm | 365 Thames Street, Newport RI, 02840 Plan Your Visit
Open Daily 10am - 5pm Plan Your Visit
Yacht Clubs
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
Sign up for our Newsletter
Check out our monthly newsletter that includes upcoming events, news and more.
" * " indicates required fields
The Sailing Museum & National Sailing Hall of Fame
365 Thames St. Newport RI 02840 401.324.5761
The Sailing Museum
National sailing hall of fame, get involved.
- Become a Member
- Host an Event
© 2011 – 2024 The Sailing Museum and National Sailing Hall of Fame | Privacy Policy | Site Credits
- BOAT OF THE YEAR
- Newsletters
- Sailboat Reviews
- Boating Safety
- Sails and Rigging
- Maintenance
- Sailing Totem
- Sailor & Galley
- Living Aboard
- Destinations
- Gear & Electronics
- Charter Resources
- Ultimate Boating Giveaway
A Tale of Two San Francisco Yacht Clubs
- By John Branch/New York Times
- Updated: September 5, 2013
Twenty years ago, before its failing finances were rescued by the billionaire Larry Ellison and before it won the America’s Cup, the Golden Gate Yacht Club was just a forlorn building at the end of a quarter-mile jetty. To get there, its members had to pass by the exclusive St. Francis Yacht Club, one of the most prestigious in the world.
The Golden Gate and the St. Francis shared the best views of the bay — the Golden Gate Bridge to the left, Alcatraz to the right, the city perched on hills behind. But in the cloistered world of yacht clubs, they could not have been more different.
The 200 or so Golden Gate members had a key to the building, which meant that its bar was subject to the honor system, but never to last call.
“So you left Union Street with a beautiful lady,” said Bill O’Keeffe, a member since 1972. “And you’d say, ‘How’d you like to come down to my yacht club?’ ”
Dues were $25 a month. Dancing atop the bar was encouraged. Friday night parties sometimes ended with swims in the boat marina, though not always in swim attire — or attire of any kind. Members occasionally lobbed water balloons or shot water guns at boats entering or exiting the marina, especially those flying the colors of the St. Francis.
“It had prestige,” O’Keeffe said of the neighboring club. “We actually shunned prestige.”
That became hard to do when Ellison walked away from negotiations with the St. Francis, where he was a member, to sponsor his quest to win the America’s Cup in 2003. Ellison soon accepted a desperate plea from Norbert Bajurin, the owner of a radiator-repair shop in San Francisco, to join the nearly bankrupt Golden Gate next door.
And when that combination won yachting’s biggest prize in Valencia, Spain, in 2010, on Ellison’s third try, the Golden Gate Yacht Club became the sixth — and unlikeliest — winner in the trophy’s 160-year history.
Golden Gate 1, St. Francis 0.
That day in Spain, Ellison stood behind Bajurin and put his hand on his shoulder as they awaited the winner’s news conference.
“I could feel his beard on me, and I could feel his breath,” Bajurin said. “And he said, ‘I wonder what the St. Francis is thinking now.’ ”
When the 34th America’s Cup begins on Saturday, pitting Ellison’s Oracle Team USA against Emirates Team New Zealand in a best-of-17 series that could last two weeks, the Golden Gate and the St. Francis will sit, side by side, sharing the best views of the races on San Francisco Bay.
In the coming weeks, if the trophy is successfully defended, it will be carried to a party at the little clubhouse at the end of the spit. But first, it will pass the large yacht-club home of corporate titans and Olympic sailors, past a club with an esteemed history of winning every major sailing race in the world, except the biggest one.
Continue reading at New York Times .
CW senior editor Herb McCormick will be in San Francisco for the big showdown between Oracle Team USA and Emirates Team New Zealand in the 34th America’s Cup—check out cruisingworld.com for his updates and photos!
- More: america's cup , Cruising News , domestic california , people
- More People
Around Alone
From Paradise to Medical Emergency: A Bahamas Nightmare Turns Lesson Learned
Free Medical Advice: The Unwarranted, Unprofessional Edition
Gatekeepers of the Waterway
Galápagos: A Paradise Worth the Paperwork
Grease the Wheels of Your Boat: A Guide to Proper Lubrication
A Bowsprit Reborn: A DIY Renovation Story
- Digital Edition
- Customer Service
- Privacy Policy
- Terms of Use
- Email Newsletters
- Cruising World
- Sailing World
- Salt Water Sportsman
- Sport Fishing
- Wakeboarding
How Much is a Yacht Club Membership? 3 Common Price Ranges
The cost of an annual yacht club membership can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the location of the club, the amenities offered, the exclusivity of the membership, and the size of the yacht being accommodated. We’ve compiled a set of guidelines below to help you estimate what you can expect to pay for an annual yacht club membership.
Local or Less Exclusive Yacht Clubs
These clubs might offer basic amenities such as docking facilities, a clubhouse, and some social events. Annual fees can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Membership fees could be as low as $500 to $2,000 per year.
Mid-Range Yacht Clubs:
These clubs may offer more extensive amenities, including high-quality dining facilities, repair and maintenance services, fitness centers, and a busy calendar of social and boating activities. Annual fees for these clubs can range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more.
Prestigious or Exclusive Yacht Clubs
The most exclusive yacht clubs, often located in prime locations with extensive facilities and services, can have annual membership fees that are significantly higher. These can range from $10,000 to $30,000 or more per year, with some of the most elite clubs costing even more. Additionally, these clubs might have initiation fees that can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
It’s also important to note that many yacht clubs have additional costs beyond the annual membership dues. These can include initiation fees for new members, monthly minimum spending requirements at the club’s facilities, and additional fees for docking, storage, and maintenance services.
Additional Considerations
Some yacht clubs require yacht ownership as a prerequisite before being accepted into the club. Hence, while the yacht club membership itself might only be between $500 and $2,000, the true price of a yacht club membership might be tied to the cost of ownership of your yacht as well.
Bottom Line: Simply Ask If Interested
If you’re interested in joining a yacht club, make a list of yacht clubs that you might be interested in joining, and reach out to them via email or phone to get the most accurate and up-to-date information. Most yacht club members are quite friendly and are willing to help those who are interested in joining.
We wish you good luck in your yacht club search, and hope that you were able to find this article helpful.
Listing your boat with Yachtlify provides several unique benefits, including:
- List once, post on multiple platforms (Yachtlify.com, Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, and others).
- Schedule showings and sea trials with our calendar and reminders.
- View listing engagement analytics across platforms.
- eSign, state forms, and Coast Guard forms to manage closing documentation in once place.
- Business & Tech
- Food & Drink
- Arts & Entertainment
The 9 Coolest Private Clubs In The Bay Area
Perhaps this isn't the most ideal moment to be talking about frivolous endeavors, and spending one's money on anything besides the revolution. But if you've got the means and you're of a mind to sequester yourself from the riffraff in the coming months and years, the Bay Area has a number of private social clubs you could consider, some of which boast an absurd degree of exclusivity and long waiting lists. And, even if you'd never dream of spending your hard-earned money on such things, they're fun to read about for some of us, and fodder for proletariat rage for others of us. Take your pick. Jay Barmann
The Battery The most high-profile newcomer among the posh private hangouts in town, The Battery, boasts a grand bar and lounge and full-service restaurant on its main level, as well as a cool back garden patio that's perfect for warm weather events. There's also a gym and spa tucked away in the basement, and an art gallery. Upstairs on the second level in this once-upon-a-time ice house there's a "library" where very few people read but where they occasionally host lectures or small musical performances, as well as a dark and masculine den-like library bar with a secret room attached, hidden behind a bookcase (all designed with no expense spared by noted local designer Ken Fulk), as well as a card room. And further upstairs there are a group of high-end hotel rooms, as well as an expansive roof deck and penthouse entertaining space (pictured). It's a fun place to attend a party, and if you have rich friends coming to town the hotel rooms are definitely top-notch, but you can expect fairly slow service at the bar if there are more than 20 people there, and the restaurant doesn't come too highly recommended. Membership requires being nominated by a current member, and is in the thousands of dollars per year. Jay Barmann 717 Battery Street
The Bohemian Club The grandaddy of exclusive men's clubs in San Francisco, the Bohemian Club became synonymous with the shady, secretive deals that have allegedly been made during its secluded annual summer retreats at Bohemian Grove in Monte Rio, near Guerneville. Once the haven of artists, musicians, and writers (hence the name), membership opened up to local businessmen early in the last century, and bohemian it was not, thereafter. Its grand historic clubhouse still stands at the corner of Post and Taylor, and reportedly membership costs $30,000 up front and $600 per month thereafter, though statesmen like Richard Nixon were granted honorary memberships over the years, and likely that practice continues and 500 members are apparently invited solely on the basis of artistic talent. I have no idea how one applies for membership and neither, it seems, does the internet, but after sitting on a waitlist and forking over all that cash, assuming you have a penis, it's theoretically possible, and if anyone would like to invite me along to Bohemian Grove one August, it's a bucket list item. Jay Barmann 624 Taylor Street at Post
The Gotham Club Revived in 2013 and established in 1883, the Gotham Club is a game-day access club for Giants fans previously reserved for season ticket holders. It's, duh, at AT&T park, and it's named for the New York Gothams, a ball club who eventually became the New York Giants and then the San Francisco Giants. The clubhouse itself is a sight to be seen, located inside the out-of-town scoreboard. It's accessible to its private members via a members-only entrance. There's also a game room with a bowling alley, you know, in case you get bored. All former Giants players and, for that matter, former Gothams players, are automatically members. — Caleb Pershan 24 Willie Mays Plaza
Mariposa Hunters Point Yacht Club Beloved by members for its bar and proximity to the ballpark — on game days, it's open an hour-and-a-half before the first pitch — the low-key, laid-back Mariposa Hunters Point Yacht Club is not reserved for the avid yachtsman or snooty socialite. In fact, membership is open to anyone "of good character who [has] a strong interest in boating or the ocean," some of whom have vessels of their own. While the club is indeed for these members only, they may bring guests, who are greeted amiably. It can also been rented for private events. The MHPYC is admittedly a small club, nothing fancy, but it's also full of charm. — Caleb Pershan 405 Terry Francois Street between Pier 48 & 3rd Street
The Metropolitan Club The women-only flipside of the Bohemian Club, founded in 1915, The Metropolitan remains a social club for ladies with an apparently rad basement pool, fitness center, a (stodgy) dining room that serves both lunch and dinner (on certain days of the week), and offers fairly inexpensive (for Union Square) guest rooms for members and their guests. It was, in fact, the first women's athletic club to be established west of the Mississippi, retains a strict dress code in its public space. To discuss membership, one is instructed to call 415.872.7211, or email [email protected] . Jay Barmann 640 Sutter Street
The Olympic Club Nestled out by the ocean south of Lake Merced, on the border of Daly City, is this historic golf and athletic club founded in 1860 that regularly plays host to professional golf tournaments the US Open took place there in 2012 , for instance. The club has 5,000 active members (call 415.404.4300 if you want to inquire about membership), and membership includes the use of the 1912-built City Clubhouse at 524 Post Street, near Union Square, which has its own gym. Jay Barmann 599 Skyline Boulevard
The Sausalito Cruising Club Founded in 1949 by servicemen recently returned from World War II, the Sausalito Cruising Club's "clubhouse" is a former Army munitions barge, extensively remodeled. A 501(c)7 private social club and a cooperative owned by its members, the Cruising Club doesn't require boat ownership for membership, as the name might suggest. In fact, only about a third of members have their own vessels, while most simply enjoy the bar, galley, and frequent entertainment . All members are welcome to use the Club's own fleet of kayaks, paddle boats, small sailboats and more, and it's apparently a pretty fun and drunken locals' scene in there most nights. —Caleb Pershan 100 Napa Street, Sausalito
Villa Taverna Like the Bohemian Club (and the Pacific-Union Club, which we didn't even bother putting on this list), your hopes of becoming a member at the ultra-exclusive, 56-year-old lunch clubhouse known as Villa Taverna are slim to none they keep a roster of just 460 members which includes the likes of Ann and Gordon Getty, Dianne Feinstein and husband Richard Blum, and former Secretary of State George Shultz and his wife Charlotte Shultz, and new members must be invited and approved by the board. The Chronicle described the space , tucked away in the TransAmerica Pyramid's shadow on Hotaling Place, as "a delightful spot that exudes a chic 'La Dolce Vita' vibe," and the food, I'm told, is excellent. And, allegedly, the initiation fee and dues are "modest" by comparison to some of these other places, if you were ever to be invited. Jay Barmann 27 Hotaling Place near Jackson
Wingtip Trying to appeal to nouveau riche bros who prefer fine whiskey, wine cellars, and cigars to nightclubs and crowded pleb bars, Wingtip sits atop the historic Bank of Italy building, which would later become Bank of America, with a grand 10th-floor bar overlooking downtown and the TransAmerica Pyramid. They've got billiards, naturally, and a golf simulator, meeting rooms, wine lockers, and a schedule of member events throughout the year. Also, they've got a store on the ground floor featuring clothing, a barbershop, high-end booze, cigars and cigar accessories, and (ugh) fly fishing gear. They've clearly found a market for all this and they've been in business over three years now . At least as of the time of opening,the monthly membership dues were fully redeemable at the barbershop and store, meaning that "each member is essentially committing to spend a couple grand a year at the store." Jay Barmann 550 Montgomery Street, Floor 10
Related: The 9 Best Swimming Pools In San Francisco
Subscribe to SFist - San Francisco News, Restaurants, Events, & Sports
Get the latest posts delivered right to your inbox
Stay up to date! Get all the latest & greatest posts delivered straight to your inbox
Visit our Popular Forums
- Monohull Sailboats
- Multihull Sailboats
- Powered Boats
- General Sailing
- Antares Yachts
- Fountaine Pajot
- Lagoon Catamarans
Cruising Business
- Boat Classifieds
- General Classifieds
- Crew Positions
- Commercial Posts
- Vendor Spotlight
Life Aboard a Boat
- Provisioning: Food & Drink
- Families, Kids, & Pets Afloat
- Recreation, Entertainment, & Fun
- Boat Ownership & Making a Living
- Liveaboard's Forum
Seamanship, Navigation & Boat Handling
- Seamanship & Boat Handling
- Training, Licensing, & Certification
- Health, Safety, & Related Gear
- Rules of the Road, Regulations, & Red Tape
Engineering & Systems
- Const. / Maint. / Refit
- Product / Service Reviews
- Electronics: Comms / AV
- Electrical: Batts / Gen / Solar
- Lithium Power Systems
- Engines & Propulsion
- Propellers & Drive Systems
- Plumbing / Fixtures
- Deck Hdw: Rigging / Sails
- Aux. Equipment & Dinghy
- Anchoring & Mooring
Photo Categories
- Member Galleries
- Life Onboard
- Sailing in the Wind
- Power Boats
- Cruising Destinations
- Maint. & Boat Building
- Marine Life
- Scuba Diving & Divers
- General Photos
Recent Photos
Listing Categories
- African Cats
- view more »
- Crew Wanted
- Crew Available
- Enhance Your Account
- Meet the Mods
- Meet the Advisors
- Signup for The Daily Cruiser Email
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
COMMENTS
Click here to learn more about opportunities to volunteer on Race Committee, or contact the Race Office at 415-789-5647. Email inquiries to [email protected]. Participate in a prospective-member reception. Twice a year, we host receptions for prospective members to introduce them to the Club and help us get to know more about them.
The San Francisco Yacht Club: Home
initiation fees, and shall pay such reduced dues are prescribed by the Board of Directors. All ... San Francisco Yacht Club without payment of any initiation fee. Section 11. Associate Member. An Associate Member is the surviving spouse of a deceased Regular, Honorary Life, Regular Life, Senior, Military Service or Non-Resident ...
The average annual membership price is between $900-$4,000 depending on your level of luxury and needs. To give you an idea of what you could expect to pay for your yacht club membership, here are some numbers gathered from across the country: Yacht Club. Annual Dues. Charleston Yacht Club.
San Francisco Yacht Club. As the oldest yacht club on the west coast, The San Francisco Yacht Club is a time-honored tradition replete with amenities for its members and fostering a sense of local camaraderie. Since 1869, this club has empowered its members to build strong relationships with fellow marine enthusiasts and touts a calendar of ...
Private club founded in 1869, The San Francisco... San Francisco Yacht Club, Belvedere, California. 2,629 likes · 75 talking about this · 15,727 were here. Private club founded in 1869, The San Francisco Yacht Club is the oldest Yacht Club of North...
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.
Yacht Club Partnerships - Grow your sailing community even bigger! Members can qualify for discounted initiation and access to the Berkeley Yacht Club and Sausalito Yacht Club. Membership Costs. Monthly Dues. For all memberships initiated or re-initiated after March 1, 2023, monthly dues are: ... I love sailing in the San Francisco Bay and ...
The Big Kahuna. St. Francis Yacht Club99 Yacht Road, SF; stfyc.com. Located on a Spanish Revival-style clubhouse on a sliver of land fronting the Marina Green, the St.Francis Yacht Club is considered one of the most prestigious in the world. Its membership boasts world championship sailors, Olympians and old money.
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.
Ellison soon accepted a desperate plea from Norbert Bajurin, the owner of a radiator-repair shop in San Francisco, to join the nearly bankrupt Golden Gate next door. And when that combination won yachting's biggest prize in Valencia, Spain, in 2010, on Ellison's third try, the Golden Gate Yacht Club became the sixth — and unlikeliest ...
The San Francisco Yacht Club was founded in 1869 in China Basin in San Francisco. Today the club serves its very active and diverse membership needs by providing club programs, events and facilities that have earned the respect as being one of the leading Yacht Clubs in the country. In addition to the striking views offered from its clubhouse ...
The most exclusive yacht clubs, often located in prime locations with extensive facilities and services, can have annual membership fees that are significantly higher. These can range from $10,000 to $30,000 or more per year, with some of the most elite clubs costing even more. Additionally, these clubs might have initiation fees that can range ...
1998-12-16 04:00:00 PDT SAN FRANCISCO-- A private yacht club that has come under scrutiny for a controversial city rent ... the St. Francis assesses its 2,000 members monthly dues of up to $150 ...
The MMBA is a San Francisco yacht club dating back to 1867 with the purpose of fostering participation in yachting and the preservation of well designed, ... Click below to pay your 2024 dues today! Renew my membership Thank you for joining us for the 2024 Regatta and the Wooden Boat Show!
Accolades & Associations. 700 Marina Boulevard. 415-563-6363. 415-563-8670. St Francis Yacht Club.
The San Francisco Yacht Club and its members are dedicated to promoting and celebrating yachting and life on the water. Founded in 1869, SFYC is the oldest yacht club in North America west of the Mississippi River. Originally located at San Francisco's China Basin near Mission Rock, the Club moved to its current site in tranquil Belvedere Cove ...
EST. 1959, 250 MEMBERS,SAUSALITO, 37°50'05" N, 122°28'25" W. The Presidio Yacht Club's origins can be traced back to 1850 and the creation of the Lime Point Military Reservation in Sausalito's Horseshoe Cove. A satellite station of the Presidio of San Francisco, Lime Point became what is now known as Fort Baker.
Jay Barmann. 717 Battery Street. The Bohemian Club. The grandaddy of exclusive men's clubs in San Francisco, the Bohemian Club became synonymous with the shady, secretive deals that have allegedly ...
Posts: 3,782. Interestingly, the shorter your expected remaining life span, the higher the initiation fee is at the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco. I think the highest fee is over $20,000 for the oldest initiates. Monthly dues are hundreds of dollars. 29-01-2011, 10:38.
The Club's grounds consist of three main buildings - the Clubhouse, the Cove House and the Sailing Center. The Front Desk is located in the Clubhouse. The Harbormaster is located in a small building to the south of the Sailing Center. Contacts. Email:[email protected]Main Phone Number: 415-435-9133 ext 1000 Fax: 415-435-8547.
This corporation, hereinafter referred as "Club," shall be known as Yacht Klub Polski San Francisco. Article 2 - Purpose. The purpose shall be the promotion of yachting, athletic and social activities for membership in Polish American Community in California. Article 3 - Club Flag
Harbor Office. Directly to the south of the Sailing Center is the Harbormaster's Office and storage/shop building. The Harbor Office is open from 7:00am to 3:30pm, seven days a week. The Harbormaster is Kevin Tentis and he is on site Wednesday-Sunday. Contact the Harbormaster at 415-435-4202 or [email protected].