Overview
San Diego Yacht Club was founded in June 1886 and, after homes at Ballast Point, downtown, aboard an old Coronado ferry and on Coronado, floated its clubhouse across the channel to Point Loma on barges in 1934, where it still stands. Club yachts won the America's Cup three times between 1987 and 1992, and its members include ten Star world champions and Olympic medalists. Today it has some 600 slips, dry storage for more than 200 boats and a year-round junior program of about 200 sailors in Sabots, Optimists, ILCAs, CFJs and 420s, plus an outstation at Buffalo Beach on Catalina Island. Reciprocal-club yachts call the dockmaster a week ahead; guest slips are USD 2.50 per foot per night after three complimentary nights.
- Founded
- 1886
- Federation
- US Sailing
- frontdesk@sdyc.org
- Phone
- +1 619 221 8400
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 Diego – 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.
- Lipton Cuplong-standing inter-club trophy race
- Etchells World Championship 2026Etchells worlds hosted by the club in 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
- 1886Local boating enthusiasts found the club in June
- 1891First home at Ballast Point on the tip of Point Loma
- 1905Merger with the Corinthian Yacht Club downtown
- 1910The club buys the old Coronado ferry Silver Gate and uses it as its clubhouse
- 1923–1924New clubhouse on Coronado; a second site with deeper water opens on Point Loma
- 1928Six juniors ask for a junior sailing program — the start of the club's junior program
- 1934On 14 January the clubhouse is floated on two barges from Coronado to Point Loma
- 1963A new clubhouse is built; the 1960s building is still in use
- 1987–1992Club yachts win the America's Cup in 1987 and defend it, the third win coming in 1992
- 1990The SDYC Sailing Foundation is incorporated to support amateur and youth sailing
Home harbour & location
- Position
- 32°43.08′ N 117°13.72′ W
32.71806, -117.22861 - Address
- 1011 Anchorage Lane
Frequently asked
Can I learn to sail here?
Yes. The club lists these courses: Junior Sailing Program and Programs.
Who do I call in an emergency at sea here?
Sea rescue: Coast Guard Sector San Diego 911. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16.
When was San Diego Yacht Club founded?
In 1886.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: Lipton Cup and Etchells World Championship 2026.