Yacht club guide
Santa Barbara Yacht Club
Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County, CA
Overview
Santa Barbara Yacht Club, at 130 Harbor Way, calls itself the second oldest yacht club on the West Coast. It was founded in 1872, and a historical marker erected in 2022 marks its 150th anniversary. The clubhouse sits on the harbor beside the water, and the club hosts racing, youth sailing and a regular social calendar.
History
The club's first clubhouse was a small building at the foot of Stearns Wharf, and it was incorporated in 1887. A storm destroyed that first clubhouse in 1924, and the harbor's construction in the late 1920s gave the club a protected home. Members have cruised to the Channel Islands since the 1920s.
What the club does
SBYC runs multiple racing series, including Wet Wednesday, and has hosted major regional and national regattas, including the 2026 J/70 U.S. National Championship. The Santa Barbara Youth Sailing Foundation is based at the club. Other events include a charity regatta and a Monday luncheon forum.
Visiting yachtsmen
The guest dock is at Marina 1, Finger D, with a 76-foot end tie. Access is for members of approved reciprocal yacht clubs who live outside Santa Barbara County, with advance reservations required. The club is open Wednesday through Sunday.
Getting there & access
By water
The club is inside Santa Barbara Harbor. Enter through the harbor entrance, where sand can shoal the channel, keep to 5 mph no wake, and check conditions with Harbor Patrol on VHF 16 or 12 before entering.
Guest dock
The guest dock is at Marina 1, Finger D, with a 76-foot end tie. Reservations are made through the Front Desk at (805) 965-8112 ext. 1 or by email. Maximum stay is 7 nights in any 30-day period.
Reciprocal access
Access is limited to members of approved reciprocal yacht clubs. Bring your current club membership card and a valid photo ID. A 24-hour advance reservation is required and walk-ins are not permitted. Visits are limited to 4 days per calendar year and 4 guests per visit, and Friday evenings and special events are excluded. Visitors must reside outside Santa Barbara County.
By land
The club is at 130 Harbor Way. Parking is in the paid harbor lot or in 90-minute spots outside the gate.
Amenities
- Guest dock — Marina 1, Finger D, 76 ft end tie
- Dining and club facilities — Full access for guests with a guest card
- Showers and restrooms — At SBYC and at Marina 1
- Racing — Multiple series, including Wet Wednesday
- Youth sailing — Santa Barbara Youth Sailing Foundation, based at the club
- Monday Luncheon Forum — Regular community event
Rules & official resources
- Guest dock access is for members of approved reciprocal yacht clubs, with a 24-hour advance reservation
- Current yacht club membership card and valid photo ID required
- Guest dock maximum stay is 7 nights within any 30-day period
- Reciprocal visits are limited to 4 days per calendar year and 4 guests per visit, excluding Friday evenings and special events
- 5 mph maximum speed and no wake in Santa Barbara Harbor
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Race-boat prep
Club racing programs mean frequent bottom cleaning and hull prep to keep boats fast.
Find Bottom Cleaning, Hull Cleaning & Dive Services providers →Rigging and electronics
Racing and offshore sailing call for regular electronics and instrument checks.
Find Marine Electrical & Electronics providers →Sails, canvas and upholstery
Sun and salt wear on canvas, covers and upholstery on boats kept in the harbor.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Engine service
Auxiliary engines on sailboats need regular service, particularly for passages to the Channel Islands.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 1, 2026