Overview
Richmond Yacht Club was founded in 1932 by twelve sailors in a tin shed on the Richmond Inner Harbor and, after several moves, built its own harbor and clubhouse in Brickyard Cove, Point Richmond, in the 1960s. Club members created the El Toro dinghy here in 1940. Its protected basin off the Richmond Channel has 250 wet slips with 9 ft at MLLW, plus a dry yard for 250 small boats with two 2-ton cranes. The club runs the Big Daddy and Great Pumpkin regattas, Small Boat Midwinters and a summer evening series, has hosted world championships for Etchells, International Canoes and International 14s, and teaches juniors from age 6 in Teras, Fevas and C420s. Reciprocal-club yachts get their first three nights free by prior arrangement with the harbormaster.
- Founded
- 1932
- Federation
- US Sailing
- Phone
- +1 510 237 2821
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 San Francisco – 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.
- Big Daddy Regattaseason-opening regatta, run since the 1980s (began as an IOR regatta)
- Great Pumpkin Regattaseason-closing one-design regatta and party, since the 1980s
- Small Boat Midwintersmonthly winter dinghy racing (December–March)
- RYC club evening seriessummer 'beer can' evening racing, March to September
- Santa Cruz 27 National Championship 2026class nationals hosted October 2026
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
- 1932Twelve sailors found the club in August in a tin shed on the Richmond Inner Harbor; it sponsors the Snipe class and is one of the six founding members of the Yacht Racing Association
- 1933Members build the first clubhouse at the foot of South Second Street
- 1940Members redesign the 8 ft Sabot dinghy into the El Toro
- 1942The Maritime Commission takes over the clubhouse and harbor for a wartime shipyard
- 1960sThe club buys land in Brickyard Cove and builds its own harbor and clubhouse
- 2001US Sailing awards the club the St. Petersburg Trophy for its management of the Byte North Americans
- 2004–2018The club hosts the Etchells Worlds (2004), International Canoe Worlds (2014) and International 14 Worlds (2018)
- 2005–2016Harbor piers and berths are rebuilt (mid-2000s) and the clubhouse renovated with neighbouring land purchases (completed 2016)
Home harbour & location
- Position
- 37°54.48′ N 122°23.00′ W
37.90806, -122.38333 - Address
- 351 Brickyard Cove Road
Frequently asked
Can I learn to sail here?
Yes. The club lists these courses: Youth Programs and Adult Sailing Programs.
Who do I call in an emergency at sea here?
Sea rescue: Coast Guard Sector San Francisco 911. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16.
When was Richmond Yacht Club founded?
In 1932.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: Big Daddy Regatta, Great Pumpkin Regatta, Small Boat Midwinters and RYC club evening series.