Overview
Santa Barbara Yacht Club, founded in 1872, is the second oldest yacht club on the Pacific coast of the United States. For decades it sailed from beaches and makeshift landings until the city built Santa Barbara Harbor in the late 1920s; today its clubhouse stands on the harbor beach at Harbor Way. The club runs a full racing calendar — the Centennial Regatta club championship, the winter Hot Rum Series, a summer evening series and radio-sailing DF95 racing — and the SBYC Charity Regatta, which has raised more than USD 2.4 million for local hospice care since 2005. Reciprocal-club yachts can book its 76 ft guest end-tie on Marina 1, D finger, next to the fuel dock, with the second night free.
- Founded
- 1872
- Federation
- US Sailing
- frontdesk@sbyc.org
- Phone
- +1 805 965 8112
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.
- Centennial Regattaall-fleet club championship (late January)
- Hot Rum Serieswinter race series
- SBYC club evening series (Wet Wednesday)the club's summer evening races
- SBYC Charity Regattaannual charity regatta with a 'buy your rating' handicap, since 2005; 2026 on 12 September
- DF95 Winter Seriesradio-sailing series
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
- 1872The club is founded — the second oldest on the Pacific coast
- late 1920sSanta Barbara Harbor is built after the 1925 earthquake, giving the club protected moorage and a permanent home
- 2005The first full SBYC Charity Regatta, 35 boats
Location
- Position
- 34°24.21′ N 119°41.56′ W
34.40355, -119.69270 - Address
- 130 Harbor Way
Frequently asked
Can I learn to sail here?
Yes. The club lists these courses: SBYC Youth Sailing (Santa Barbara Youth Sailing Foundation).
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 Santa Barbara Yacht Club founded?
In 1872.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: Centennial Regatta, Hot Rum Series, SBYC club evening series (Wet Wednesday) and SBYC Charity Regatta.