Berkeley Yacht Club

I joined Berkeley Yacht Club 2 years ago, and have been having lots of fun ever since. I don’t own a boat so I researched all the yacht clubs in East Bay to see which ones allow non-​boat-​owner membership. Berkeley YC does. The other reasons I decided to join was great fun social events, very laid back community (unlike some stuffy other yacht clubs), lots of opportunity to get on the water with other members and either crew on races, or just go on cruises. The membership price is very reasonable, surprisingly low for a yacht club, like joining a gym but much more fun. If you like water and want a smashing view of the Golden Gate and Bay Bridge, you got it here. Every Sunday afternoon there is LIVE music for free, and what is better than sitting at the bar and listening to good music, meeting with friends, and looking at the world class view. I am so happy about my decision, and have made many good new friends.

This is a wonderful place to come on a weekend to relax when it’s hot out. We went here two weekends ago and it was actually warm. Usually it’s cold. It’s fun to watch the new windsurfers trying to get up. If you go on the other side of HS Lordship you can see the expert windsurfers. They are fun to watch too. It’s fun to watch the new sailors too. We had a lot out for lessons the day we went.
I like there is a nice park in the middle that has restrooms. There is always plenty of free parking along the water so you can see the view from your car.

For group meetings, the food here is truly mediocre. In the bay area, on the waterfront, it’s almost a crime. You’re not going here for the food. Nice bar on the water for sunset. If you have to feed a crowd, you can do it economically here, and you get what you pay for — serviceable and filling food, while the group focuses on other festivities.

I’m a Cal Sailing Club person through and through, so we pride ourselves on a distinct lack of class (never mind that we only have a limited out of inside space). I’m also a small boat (windsurfing, dingy) person, so yachting is not really my cup of tea.
And this is not any reflection on BYC at all, but any thought of yacht clubs gives me visions of 1980s slapstick movies — in particular, scenes from «Caddyshack» and «Summer Rental».
Still, BYC is a nice venuem with a full kitchen and bar (CSC has an outside «refugee kitchen» and BYOB), and plus it was dumping rain when I visited, so BYC really was the place to be at the marina. There’s also a really great view of the bay, which we don’t have from CSC.
Ultimately though, BYC is a nice venue, but I wouldn’t want to «live» there.

Great location, beautiful and well kept grounds, marina, supplies and green belt areas. They have many varied sailing and racing courses. My friend has her boats here, and it is soooooo nice, serene and peaceful here, nice green belts and park areas for picnics, friendly staff and a great restaurant too!

My wife and I have been members of this club for around 6 years and highly recommend it. BYC offers a very strong range of programs for racing, cruising and social interests framed around the local boating scene. Our particular areas of interest are in the cruising and social side of the club. For many years the club has had a very strong cruising program with overnight group cruises scheduled most every month of the year. Starting in 2011 we have also added regularly scheduled daysail group cruises every month of the year. The club’s calendar is packed with all sorts of social events throughout the year. Not a single week goes by without something fun happening at BYC. We particularly enjoy the outstanding live music program at the club. Certainly there is no other club around that competes in this regard.
While my wife and I are not particularly focused on racing, I would be remiss not to mention the club’s racing program. They offer fun beer can style racing every week of the year. This takes place on Friday evenings in the Spring/​Summer and on Sunday afternoons in the Fall/​Winter. These races are very open to all interested sailors. They are also unusual in being open to multihulls and have even recently added a human powered (paddling) division in the Winter (lighter wind) months. All of these races finish up with a meal in the club. In addition the club hosts three major regattas each year.
This is one of those very rare yacht clubs that gives every member their own key to the club house. When no regular bartender is on duty, you get to be your own bartender. The club’s facility includes a very comfortable bar with what must be one of the very best views in all of San Francisco Bay. The club also has a large Dining Room which can handle fairly large events, along with an adjoining professional quality kitchen. There is a large deck which wraps all the way around the waters edge. A guest dock is available for visiting boats and use by members. The atmosphere of the club is very down to earth and comfortable. It would be a very rare day that any sign of a blue blazer could be found. The first Sunday afternoon of each month is a particularly fun time to visit when our long running jazz jam takes place. Cost of membership is very reasonable. As of July 2012 the dues are $ 170/​quarter for regular membership.

Yes, I’m definitely a fan! BYC is a great spot. We’ve been members for several years now and have truly enjoyed it. The bar area has a great view of the GG Bridge and the bay. It’s a perfect place to hang out and watch the sunset. There are quite a few events from the many races series, Sunday Jazz afternoons, Friday dinners, etc… It’s very family friendly, and overall welcoming in general. I always bring my family here when they visit from out of town, just to sit and enjoy the view. My one regret is that we don’t get down there enough.

I have been a BYC member for over two years now and completely love the club. I feel right at home when attending any of the amazing events they host both at the club and places we sail to. Some of my favorite events are Friday Happy Hour and BBQ dinner, New Year’s Eve, 4^th of July, the winter Friday night live music concerts and the well-​organized sailing outings. The cruise outs can be day sails or overnights to nifty new places I have never been to or to other Yacht Clubs. I have met many wonderful people and enjoy the fun casual atmosphere. There is a perfect mix of racing and cruising events to enjoy for all members and their families. I would highly recommend renting their facilities as they are very accommodating, the drinks are a great value and the view is OUTSTANDING. Hat’s off to this local affordable, fun treasure.

Are you kidding… one of the best views on the bay. This is a friendly, casual yacht club with a great Friday night beer can race series, mid winter races and numerous other cruising and boating options. It’s a member run club that is not pretentious and is very welcoming… check out jazz on Sunday afternoons in the bar.

Never thought of myself as a «yacht’s men,» but stopped by to pick up my kid (who is a windsurfer and instructor out of the Cal Sailing Club — CSC) who went for the «Happy Hour.» If you’re a member of CSC you can go there, just wear a yellow name badge (that’s what I was told), so I did it).
What a view of the Bay! The store was crowded, filled with a fun bunch of old «salts» and sailors. It was their BBQ night, where you pick out something to grill and just do it yourself! My son, who is 12 yrs old, said, «They have one of the best selections of sodas of any pub!» Whatever… A neat peek at a Berkeley institution.

It’s been a while since I’ve been to BYC. But when I did, it was always a pleasant experience. They have a small guest dock tucked inside the harbor well sheltered from the prevailing wind from the «slot». I used to visit BYC a bit more when my boat is berthed in the estuary, but since I’m now berthed at Coyote Point Marina, it’s a bit of a trek. Berkey YC does a great winter regatta series. Good on them for putting out a Race Committee who is willing to hang out there in the drizzle and cold.
Food review: have not eaten there…