San Francisco Yacht Club

Historical or Biographical Note

Administrative History

Founded in 1869, the San Francisco Yacht Club is the oldest club on the Pacific Coast of North America. The original anchorage and clubhouse were located in San Francisco near Mission Rock, but inadequate depth of water and increasing industrial growth in the area resulted in a move to Sausalito. Waterfront property was purchased and a new clubhouse erected, but it was subsequently destroyed by fire in 1897.

The rebuilt building is still standing and now houses a restaurant. Increasing ferry traffic and congestion contributed to a decision to move again in 1926. One group, headed by Commodore Clifford Smith, felt that Belvedere Cove would be an ideal location. Another group felt that the Club should move back to San Francisco and lease land from the City on the Marina.

After considerable discussion the Belvedere site was finally selected. Those who opposed the move resigned and formed the St. Francis Yacht Club. A small clubhouse on the Belvedere site was completed in 1934 and is still part of the present building.

Planning for the present 190 berth harbor was begun in 1933 and completed in 1957 when funds were available. The San Francisco Yacht Club, with its tranquil setting in Belvedere Cove and its superb harbor, is widely recognized as the premier yachting facility on the West Coast. It operates a year round facility including the harbor, a dry sail area, a full service restaurant and bar. The Club's exterior and interior were completely remodeled in 2007.

The club has a very active junior sailing program and all members, whether they own boats or not, are committed to the Corinthian traditions of yachting.

Credit: The San Francisco Yacht Club website at: www.sfyc.org on 28 March 2012.

From the guide to the San Francisco Yacht Club records, 1880-1958, 1926-1932, (San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Historic Documents Department)