Overview
Balboa Yacht Club began in 1922 as the Southland Sailing Club, when Newport Harbor was still more shoals than open water, and has been near its present site on Bayside Drive in Corona del Mar, close to the harbor entrance, since 1926. It is the home of the Governor's Cup, an invitation-only youth match-racing regatta founded in 1967 that has drawn teams from the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, Finland and Spain and launched many America's Cup and Olympic careers. The racing calendar includes the winter Sunkist series for one-designs and PHRF, adult Sabot days and a match-race series, and since 1957 members have had their own outstation at Whites Cove on Catalina Island.
- Founded
- 1922
- Federation
- US Sailing
On the water with VesselSOS
- Family see you from shoreA live link in any browser – they don’t need the app.
- One tap to the right rescue centreHere Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach – the app switches centre as you move, with your position and call script even without signal.
- Return-time checkIf you’re not back in time, your people know.
- Shared hazard mapRocks, nets and other hazards reported by other boaters.
Regattas and series
Run or hosted by the club, per the club website. Dates and notices are on the club site.
- Governor's Cupinvitation-only youth match-racing regatta, Deed of Gift 1967; international teams since 1989
- Sunkist Serieswinter series for one-designs (Harbor 20) and PHRF
- Super Sabot Saturdayadult Sabot racing days
- Cal Dreamin' Match Race Series (BYC stop)match-race series stop
Live map, a start clock on every phone and results — when the club runs a race on VesselSOS Racing, it shows up here. Racing is a pilot with clubs for the 2027 season.
No race running right nowSee VesselSOS RacingSailing school and courses
Boat classes
History and achievements
- 1922Sailors form the Southland Sailing Club, soon renamed Balboa Yacht Club
- 1926The clubhouse moves from the Balboa Peninsula to Little Balboa Island, by today's site
- 1935–1936Dredging of Newport Harbor; the harbor opens officially to navigation
- 1957Lease for the Whites Cove outstation on Catalina, built largely by members
- 1967The Governor's Cup Deed of Gift is granted to the club
- 1989First international team at the Governor's Cup
Location
- Position
- 33°36.25′ N 117°52.98′ W
33.60417, -117.88306 - Address
- 1801 Bayside Drive
Frequently asked
Can I learn to sail here?
Yes. The club lists these courses: Junior Sailing (Learn to Sail, Race Team).
Who do I call in an emergency at sea here?
Sea rescue: Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach 911. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16.
When was Balboa Yacht Club founded?
In 1922.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: Governor's Cup, Sunkist Series, Super Sabot Saturday and Cal Dreamin' Match Race Series (BYC stop).