A Tradition Carried Forward

The San Francisco Yacht Club, founded in 1869, is the oldest yacht club on the Pacific Coast. It has been a cornerstone of West Coast sailing culture, with a vibrant history interwoven with the rise of maritime innovation and adventure in San Francisco Bay. The Club’s founding members were visionaries—among them, shipbuilder Matthew Turner, whose prolific and pioneering ship designs shaped the region’s sailing identity.

Turner's legacy lives on in the modern brigantine Matthew Turner, a centerpiece of today’s classic fleet, inspired by his original ships. Turner wasn’t just a builder; he was a pioneer of innovation in hull design—his vessels were faster, more efficient, and beautifully built for both commerce and competition. One such example was Chispa, a schooner that famously bested Annie—another historic vessel close to the SFYC’s heart—in the club's 1880 regatta. Annie’s mast, in turn, became the Club’s original flagpole and remains an enduring symbol of SFYC heritage.

This deep and meaningful connection to classic boats continues today through the Belvedere Classic Regatta, where vessels like Matthew Turner, Water Witch, and their successors gather not just to race, but to celebrate the craftsmanship, tradition, and camaraderie that define our shared maritime story.