San Diego Yacht Club

About

The San Diego Yacht Club (SDYC) is a private members' yacht club focused on yachting and competitive sailing, including club racing, offshore regattas, and signature events. The club also emphasizes junior sailing development, cruising activities, and member social programs. Founded in 1886, SDYC has a long history based in Point Loma and is known for its prominent racing pedigree, including victories in the America's Cup in 1987, 1988, and 1992, as well as hosting major national and international regattas. More information can be found on Wikipedia.

Facilities

The club features an on-site clubhouse that includes dining and banquet rooms, a members' lounge, and pool/spa and fitness facilities. Additionally, the Buffalo Beach outstation at White's Landing on Catalina Island offers overnight accommodations for members, with reservations managed by the Dockmaster. For more details, visit the facilities page.

Boatyard facilities include a small-boat area, sail-drying areas, dinghy racks, launching ramps, hoists, dry storage, and a full-service sailing center. The waterfront staff, including the Dockmaster, provides berthing and waterfront services.

SDYC offers 576 wet slips and over 100 dry slips. There is a guest dock located between D and E docks for temporary use, with a guest slip fee of $2.50 per foot per night. Reciprocal yacht clubs are eligible for three complimentary nights, and organized cruise mooring reservations can be made for groups.

The clubhouse features a full-service restaurant and bar, banquet and meeting rooms, a heated swimming pool and spa, the Bob & Betty Beyster Fitness Center, tennis and pickleball courts, a library, a ship store, private parking, and member locker facilities.

Training and Racing

SDYC hosts a year-round, top-ranked Junior Sailing Program with US Sailing-certified instructors. The program includes seasonal camps, scholastic and high-performance youth training, private coaching, and travel to national events. The club also offers Safety at Sea seminars and racing rules clinics. More information about the training programs can be found here.

The racing program at SDYC is active and comprehensive, featuring over 40 on-water event days and signature regattas such as the San Diego Yachting Cup, Lipton Cup, and Club Championship. The club has a historic presence in national and international class racing, including its status as an America's Cup defender. Details about the racing events can be found on the racing page.

Cruising and Social Activities

SDYC organizes cruising fleet activities for both power and sail, with scheduled cruises and outings along Southern California and beyond. The Buffalo Beach outstation supports overnight and cruise events, and the club welcomes organized cruises of four or more visiting boats, reserving slips for cruise groups.

The club maintains a year-round social calendar that includes formal events like Opening Day and dinner dances, family events such as the Buffalo Beach Bash, and member mixers. SDYC also provides catered events, banquet services, and regular dining and bar service for members and guests. For more information on social events, visit the club calendar.

Membership and Dress Code

Membership at SDYC includes adherence to Docks & House Rules, which encompass policies regarding cell phone use and guest check-in. Specific events may have their own dress codes, such as the Opening Day Dinner Dance, which is designated as cocktail attire. More details on the dress code can be found here.

Seasonal Operations

SDYC operates year-round, with the Buffalo Beach outstation officially staffed and open from May through October. The main club, pool (heated), and junior program also operate throughout the year. For additional information, please refer to the facilities page.