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In the shadow of AT&T Park, on San Francisco's "East Side" there exists the little club that could. The newest of Bay Area's yacht clubs, the South Beach Yacht Club was formed in 1988, two years after the City completed the South Beach Harbor and 2 years before Opening Day for the San Francisco Giants at their then new home SBC Park* in 2000.
Sharing space in the same building with the South Beach Harbormasters Office and literally next door to AT&T Park, the club springs to life every other Friday night between late April and late August with their Friday Night Series. Being so close to the
park presents it's share of advantages and challenges. Parking is very limited and the wise get to the Harbor no later than 4:30 PM for dates which share Friday night games with the SF Giants
Space, being a premium, was thought through at the planning stages, and the entire East side of the building opens up to allow the club's square footage to grow substantially. Members and their guests can enjoy $ Million dollar views, the distinct aroma of garlic fries and sizzling dogs, and the roar of the crowd while sipping $3.00 beers before and after the races. The post race meals are very well prepared and extremely cheap. Tips, for the all volunteer bartenders go to the Youth Sailing Program.
Many members are also Giants Fans, and assembling at the club before a game is a great alternative to the far more expensive option of a local eatery or watering hole. And if you just want a glimpse of the game post race, you can always meander over to the Port Walk and take in a few innings for free, right there at field level behind Hunter Pence.
SBYC is also partners with BAADS, which provides sailing access to all, regardless of physical limitations. Seen here is one of the 2 SONAR's which compete in the Friday Night Series!
The Friday night racing, right on the edge of San Francisco, is a particularly pleasant place to sail. Especially convenient for city dwellers or those who work downtown, providing quick access to start the weekend off properly and leave the troubles of the work week behind.
With generally mellow breezes in the sub 20 knot category, (although it can pipe up when conditions are right) and normally flat waters with just a slice of wind waves , mixed with cross currents, the South Bay evenings are a pleasant affair.
Utilizing the existing government marks on the Bay and the Yacht Clubs own recently added, semi-permanent mark just outside the harbor, the SBYC can offer up to 33 different course for the 6 divisions it hosts for the FNS, ranging from 3.3 to 8.6 nm!
The locals learn how to play the currents and the counter currents to their advantage, as well a the wind shadows and funnels. And as the ever changing landscape of China Basin see more and more wind redirecting buildings grow, crews need to adjust and re adjust when nearing the windward marks.
All courses end at the entrance to McCovey Cove, and on game nights, you a almost assured the Giants cameramen will train their camera's onto some of the boats and the broadcast announcers will make mention of the race as the boats finish and sail into the cove to drop sail. If timing is right, and you finish at just as the Giants make a great play or have a big hit, 40,000 sailing fans will rise from their seats and cheer your superior sailing prowess...
Like any beer can race, getting a ride can be as simple as showing up at the dock with a 6 pack on hand and a smile on your face.
To find out more about the SBYC and their programs, how to become a member or register for on of their many races, like the upcoming Jazz Cup, Click Here!
For more on the South Beach Harbor, to make reservations for your boat or to get on the waiting listClick Here!
For more images from this past Friday Night Series Race, Click Here!
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