st francis bay yacht club

st francis bay yacht club

A Parade Of Festive Illuminated Boats Will Set Sail On The SF Bay This Holiday Season

St. Francis Yacht Club's annual Lighted Boat Parade will take to the San Francisco Bay on December 15, 2023.

Dana Flynn

San Francisco’s annual Lighted Boat Parade returns this Friday, December 15th, at 6 pm. This beloved holiday event hosted by the St. Francis Yacht Club dates back to 1994 and is a welcome sight along the waterfront every year.

A procession of about 2 dozen illuminated boats will set sail from Pier 39 around 6 pm and cruise along the waterfront to Crissy Field. Once they reach Crissy Field, the lighted boats will turn around and sail back to Pier 39. The lighted boat parade is a beloved tradition and great for enjoying holiday lights in a uniquely coastal way. The procession goes leisurely, taking about 2-3 hours. You can bring a picnic and watch the glowing boats for the evening. Just don’t forget some layers and a blanket to keep you warm.

st francis bay yacht club

The best viewing is along Pier 39, the parking lot east of St. Francis Yacht Club, the Marina Green, Crissy Field, and Aquatic Park. If you have a boat, then be sure to grab a front-row seat right on the water. The St. Francis Yacht Club is members-only, so the public has no viewing opportunities inside the yacht house.

If you miss the procession on the SF Bay, consider catching the San Mateo Holiday Lighted Boat Parade on Saturday, December 16, at 5 pm. The best viewing is along the berm in front of the Coyote Point Yacht Club. You can also check out Winter Fest in Sausalito, which hosts a boat parade on December 9 starting at 6 pm .\

boat for the lighted boat parade sf

About the St. Francis Yacht Club

The St. Francis Yacht Club began in 1927 as an offshoot of the San Francisco Yacht Club, which dates back to 1869 . In the 1920s, a debate emerged between its members about relocating the club to San Francisco from its original location in Sausalito. After all, this was pre-Golden Gate Bridge, and it was a long commute across the Bay.

The Marin County club members resisted the move, and the club eventually split into two groups : The San Francisco members started the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco, and the Marin County members relocated the San Francisco Yacht Club to Belvedere. These days, the two clubs have a great relationship, and many members belong to both.

The St. Francis Yacht Club hosts the Rolex Big Boat Series every year, which is known as a premier regatta on the West Coast. The event happens every September, bringing hundreds of sailors to San Francisco.

By Jamie Ferrell and Dana Flynn

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  • Yacht Clubs

St. Francis Yacht Club

700 Marina Blvd

San Francisco , CA 94123

(415) 563-6363

st francis bay yacht club

Becoming St. Francis

St. Francis Yacht Club was founded in 1927 by a group of 21 San Francisco yachtsmen with a vision of a club in the City. It was an offshoot of the San Francisco Yacht Club, which was founded in 1856 and had its facility in Sausalito, across the Bay. That facility burned to the ground in the mid-twenties and a fierce debate raged after the fire between those who lived in Marin County and those who lived in San Francisco. The city-dwellers wanted to relocate to San Francisco—not surprising given that this was before the Golden Gate Bridge, so SF members had to travel by water to their club. Members from Marin found a suitable location in Belvedere against the wishes of their SF membership and pulled some fast and furious moves to secure the right number of votes to make it happen. This so offended the SF members that they chose to leave San Francisco Yacht Club and form their own club: the St. Francis Yacht Club.

Today, there is great camaraderie between the two clubs and many members belong to both.

For the club’s full history, click here .

St. Francis Yacht Club Honors Hall of Famers

The St. Francis Yacht Club honored their Hall of Famers at a dinner on October 28, 2014 with 200 people attending.

Those honored included National Sailing Hall of Famers Tom Blackaller, Paul Cayard, Stan Honey and John Kostecki, plus America’s Cup Hall of Famers Lucy and Fritz Jewett. Another Hall of Famer, National Sailing Hall of Fame President Gary Jobson, was the Master of Ceremonies.

Here are some photos of the event, courtesy of photographer Igor Capibaribe, and a short video tribute that was played during the dinner.

Golden Gate Bridge view from St. Francis YC

L-R: St. Francis YC Commodore Bruce Munro, John Kostecki, Stan Honey, Lisa Blackaller, Lucy Jewitt, Paul Cayard, Gary Jobson, St. Francis YC Commodore George Dort

Video: Tribute to the St. Francis Yacht Club Hall of Famers (4:15)  :

st francis bay yacht club

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Getting Here

st francis bay yacht club

The Sailing Museum & Hall of Fame

365 Thames Street

Newport, RI 02840

401.324.5761

[email protected]

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Smooth Sailing: The 5 Best Yacht Clubs in San Fran

Navy Jackson

San Francisco is known for its beautiful coastline and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. It's no wonder that the city is home to some of the best yacht clubs in the country.

These clubs offer a variety of amenities and services to their members, from sailing lessons to social events to fine dining.

Yacht clubs in San Francisco range from traditional and exclusive to more laid-back and welcoming. Each club has its own unique atmosphere and caters to different interests and lifestyles.

Some clubs focus more on racing and competition, while others prioritize leisurely cruises and social gatherings.

In addition to the sailing opportunities, yacht clubs in San Francisco offer spectacular views of the city skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Many of these clubs are located in prime waterfront locations, providing members with easy access to the bay and all the exciting activities it has to offer.

Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a beginner looking to learn, there's a yacht club in San Francisco that's perfect for you.

Joining a club is a great way to meet new people, enjoy the beauty of the bay, and take part in a timeless tradition that has been a part of San Francisco's culture for centuries.

1. St. Francis Yacht Club

St. Francis Yacht Club

The St. Francis Yacht Club is a stunning venue for yachting events, with amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The club has sailing lessons for kids and hosts many water sports events throughout the year.

The staff and members are open, friendly, and helpful to all visitors.

The restaurant serves excellent food with a great wine list, and the workout facility on-site is fantastic. The club is a San Francisco institution that is well worth a visit.

2. Golden Gate Yacht Club

Golden Gate Yacht Club

Golden Gate Yacht Club is a fantastic destination for yacht enthusiasts. The club boasts a stunning view of the San Francisco Bay, including Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.

The staff is professional, helpful, and friendly, making the experience enjoyable for all.

The food and drink are of high quality and are served with great service.

The club hosted the America's Cup on the Bay, making it a must-visit location for sailing enthusiasts. The club is also a great venue for private events and parties.

3. Treasure Island Yacht Club

Treasure Island Yacht Club

Treasure Island Yacht Club is a top-notch club that offers a great location for yacht enthusiasts to dock and explore.

The club's Port Captain, Bill, is a pleasure to work with and makes planning cruise ins a breeze.

The club's annual New Year's cruise is a must-attend event, complete with delicious clam chowder.

If you're looking for a great yacht club to visit, be sure to stop by Treasure Island Yacht Club.

4. Mariposa Hunters Point Yacht Club

Mariposa Hunters Point Yacht Club

Mariposa Hunters Point Yacht Club is a local gem that offers a laid-back atmosphere with reasonable prices. The club has a bar, kitchen, stage, and outdoor patio with a great view of the bay.

They offer sailing classes for kids and host numerous events and parties. It's a members-only club, but guests of members are welcome.

The club is located within walking distance of AT&T Park and the Chase Center. It's a great place for private parties and a good spot to tie up for a few hours.

If you're looking for a fun and friendly yacht club, Mariposa Hunters Point Yacht Club is definitely worth checking out.

5. South Beach Yacht Club

South Beach Yacht Club

South Beach Yacht Club is a must-visit for boaters in the area. The club boasts well-appointed facilities and a lively atmosphere that is sure to impress guests.

With stunning views of the Bay Bridge from the expansive second-level deck, the club is an ideal spot to spend the day or evening.

While the food may be a bit bland, it is nicely prepared, and the friendly members make up for any shortcomings.

If you're lucky enough to get an invite, a visit to South Beach Yacht Club is definitely worth your time.

About The Author

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Leading Yacht Clubs • Working Together • Sharing Experiences

St. Francis Yacht Club Announces Inaugural Offshore Mixed Doubles Race

St. Francis Yacht Club

April 27, 2023

st francis bay yacht club

The Notice of Race is posted and registration is open for St. Francis Yacht Club’s inaugural Offshore Mixed Doubles Race , scheduled for July 29-30, 2023, and open to doublehanded crews of mixed gender.

“We are very pleased to announce the Offshore Mixed Doubles Race,” said Dave MacEwen, offshore sailor and Vice Chair of St. Francis Yacht Club’s Executive Race Committee. “Doublehanded racing is extremely popular on San Francisco Bay—look at the success of the Three Bridge Fiasco. Adding an offshore element will take this format to a new level locally.”

The race committee intends to conduct a single distance race of approximately 24 hours in a sailing area stretching across San Francisco Bay and its approaches to the Gulf of the Farallones. Boats eligible to enter include:

  • Monohulls with a minimum LOA ≥ 23’9” and a current NC PHRF rating;
  • Multihulls with a minimum LOA ≥ 23’9”’ and a current SFBAMA PHRF rating.
  • An ORC Double Handed (DH) ORCi or ORC Club certificate is optional.

St. Francis Yacht Club has long been at the forefront of new developments in sailing. Many St. Francis Yacht Club members have competed in the most challenging offshore races and the club has served as the launching point for the Pacific Cup, a 2,070-mile run to Hawaii. This year, StFYC is one of the Organizing Authorities for two  California Offshore Race Week  events — the  CA 500 , starting from St. Francis Yacht Club on May 26, and the  Spinnaker Cup , on May 27. The Offshore Mixed Doubles in July will further entice long-distance sailors to the shores of San Francisco Bay.

“As an ocean racer for 25 years and as a St. Francis Yacht Club member for longer, I’m excited to see this regatta on our shores, in a format developed for the Olympics and designed to reduce barriers to the offshore version of our sport,” said Michael Moradzadeh, Principal Race Officer for the event.

Doublehanded offshore racing has been considered one of the fastest growing segments in the sport of sailing, with new events worldwide and new doublehanded classes in many ocean races. Races for mixed-gender crews are a growing part of the doublehanded movement and this format has been considered for addition to the Olympic Sailing program. Though not selected for the 2024 Paris Games, the global sailing community has expressed an interest in seeing mixed doubles offshore racing develop.

Boats that enter must meet a variety of safety-related requirements, carry extensive safety equipment and will be tracked electronically. Sailors must meet certain qualifications for sailing in coastal waters. The regatta will have a range of course options, with a final selection to be made on the day of the race based on conditions.

Event Information and Registration >>

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COMMENTS

  1. Visiting & Docking

    Each year, St. Francis Yacht Club welcomes several Bay Area yacht clubs to enjoy a "Cruise-In" to our docks. During a typical cruise-in, visiting yachts dock together on our guest docks and enjoy a meal in the clubhouse. All cruise-ins are organized by our Port Captain Jon Paulsen, who can be reached at 415-823-0300 or [email protected].

  2. Home

    Accolades & Associations. 700 Marina Boulevard. 415-563-6363. 415-563-8670. St Francis Yacht Club.

  3. Home

    The St. Francis Yacht Club is one of the most esteemed yacht clubs in the world, steeped in tradition but known for innovation. Our members are sailors, racers, cruisers and stewards of the sea. With a clubhouse on the shores of San Francisco Bay and a private island in the Sacramento Delta, our members enjoy on-water activity and camaraderie ...

  4. St. Francis Yacht Club

    St. Francis Yacht Club, San Francisco, CA. 6,657 likes · 189 talking about this. Our mission is to serve as the inspirational center of boating activities regionally and a leader of yachting... St. Francis Yacht Club

  5. Home

    St. Francis Yacht Club On the Marina. San Francisco, CA 94123: Phone: 415.563.6363 Fax 415.563.6670 [email protected]

  6. St. Francis Yacht Club

    St. Francis Yacht Club, located on the shores of San Francisco Bay, plays host to over 150 days of racing a year, in addition to dozens of club events. We also host hundreds of private events ...

  7. St. Francis Yacht Club

    Founded in 1927, St. Francis Yacht Club is widely regarded as one of the top racing venues in the country. In addition to enjoying a worldwide reputation for on-water and in-club excellence ...

  8. St. Francis Yacht Club

    Welcome aboard. The St. Francis Yacht Club is one of the esteemed yacht clubs of the world, steeped in tradition but known for innovation. Our members are sailors, racers, cruisers and stewards of the sea. With a clubhouse on the shores of San Francisco Bay and a private island in the Sacramento Delta, our members enjoy on-water activity and camaraderie year-round.

  9. St. Francis Yacht Club

    CommunitySee All. 3,025 people like this. 3,256 people follow this. 1,401 check-ins. About See All. On the Marina (663.92 mi) San Francisco, CA, CA 94123. Get Directions. (415) 563-6363. Contact St. Francis Yacht Club - Racing on Messenger.

  10. ST. FRANCIS YACHT CLUB

    Specialties: St. Francis Yacht Club is a private club known throughout the US and the world as one of the premier yacht clubs. Our clubhouse provides a boating and social venue for our members and their guests. It features large deep-water guest docks, outstanding dining and incredible vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. The Club's annual calendar includes a variety of ...

  11. St. Francis Yacht Club's Lighted Boat Parade In San Francisco

    St. Francis Yacht Club's annual Lighted Boat Parade will take to the San Francisco Bay on December 15, 2023. San Francisco's annual Lighted Boat Parade returns this Friday, December 15th, at 6 pm. This beloved holiday event hosted by the St. Francis Yacht Club dates back to 1994 and is a welcome sight along the waterfront every year.

  12. St. Francis Yacht Club ⋆ The Sailing Museum

    700 Marina Blvd. San Francisco , CA 94123. (415) 563-6363. Founded in 1927, the StFYC is in a prime location on the shore of San Francisco Bay, adjacent to the Golden Gate Bridge and National Recreation Area with dramatic views of the Golden Gate, Alcatraz and the Marin Headlands. The club is busy year-round with a wide range of events ...

  13. Regattas & Results

    St Francis Yacht Club. 2024 Regatta Calendar Official Notice Boards. March. 9-10 | Intercollegiate Regatta | Invite Only, CFJ 13 | J/22 Spring Series | Drop-In or Series ... 11 | SF Bay J/105 Women Skipper Invitational | J/105 15 | Wednesday Evening Series | Folkboat, Knarr, J/22

  14. St. Francis Yacht Club

    The St. Francis Yacht Club is a private sailing club located in San Francisco. History [ edit ] Founded in 1927, the Saint Francis Yacht Club (StFYC) was formed when some of the members of the San Francisco Yacht Club decided to move their clubhouse from Sausalito to Belvedere, California to escape the rapidly growing commercial activity of ...

  15. Smooth Sailing: The 5 Best Yacht Clubs in San Fran

    1. St. Francis Yacht Club. 99 Yacht Rd, San Francisco, CA 94123 ( Google Maps) (415) 563-6363. Visit Website. The St. Francis Yacht Club is a stunning venue for yachting events, with amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The club has sailing lessons for kids and hosts many water sports events throughout the year.

  16. St. Francis Yacht Club

    St. Francis Yacht Club, San Francisco, CA. 6,657 likes · 208 talking about this. Our mission is to serve as the inspirational center of boating activities regionally and a leader of yachting... St. Francis Yacht Club

  17. First Wing Race Launches at St. Francis Yacht Club

    ICOYC News. First Wing Race Launches at St. Francis Yacht Club. "What a great start to a new era of racing at StFYC," said St. Francis Yacht Club Senior Sailing Director Adam Corpuz-Lahne after 33 wing foilers completed a modified slalom course on Friday, June 4, 2021. The race was part of a new monthly Wind Slalom Series open to ...

  18. St. Francis Yacht Club Announces Inaugural Offshore Mixed Doubles Race

    The Notice of Race is posted and registration is open for St. Francis Yacht Club's inaugural Offshore Mixed Doubles Race, scheduled for July 29-30, 2023, and open to doublehanded crews of mixed gender. "We are very pleased to announce the Offshore Mixed Doubles Race," said Dave MacEwen, offshore sailor and Vice Chair of St. Francis Yacht Club's Executive Race Committee.

  19. History

    The History of St. Francis Yacht Club. There is a tide that flows through the Golden Gate. There is a tide in the affairs of men. In 1927, San Francisco Bay sailors crossed both in a single tack. The Panama Pacific International Exposition of 1915 had reimagined the waterfront to the east of the Army's Presidio, and one of the developments ...

  20. 5 Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants In Cooper Island

    Weekly Drinks OffersPlease call 495-5455 or 545-0344 or email: [email protected] for reservations.Visit our Facebook page for opening hours and more details.

  21. 5 Best Groups Restaurants In Virgin Gorda

    Weekly Drinks OffersPlease call 495-5455 or 545-0344 or email: [email protected] for reservations.Visit our Facebook page for opening hours and more details.

  22. Junior Sailing

    Our beginning classes cover rigging, points of sail, capsizing, tacking, gybing and safety. Younger sailors will sail single or double-handed in RS Teras and the older group will sail double-handed boats such as RS Fevas and FJs. learn more. ST. FRANCIS YACHT CLUB. 700 Marina Boulevard San Francisco, CA 94123. T: 415-563-6363.

  23. Web Cams

    Please note that what you see via the Docks Camera is not always an accurate representation of dock availability. Prior to your visit, please arrange dock space with our dockmaster at [email protected] or 415-813-9741.

  24. 5 Best Groups Restaurants In Cooper Island

    Weekly Drinks OffersPlease call 495-5455 or 545-0344 or email: [email protected] for reservations.Visit our Facebook page for opening hours and more details.

  25. Beginner Sailing

    FRANCIS YACHT CLUB. 700 Marina Boulevard San Francisco, CA 94123. T: 415-563-6363. F: 415-563-8670. E: [email protected] Contact Us. Member Login. St Francis Yacht Club.

  26. 5 Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants In Virgin Gorda

    Weekly Drinks OffersPlease call 495-5455 or 545-0344 or email: [email protected] for reservations.Visit our Facebook page for opening hours and more details.