Introduction

. A collage of spectacular sailing, windsurfing and kiteboarding on the Bay.
. The most beautiful Bay in North America; one of the world’s great natural harbors.
. Legendary wind, fog and tides — how the wild and whacky weather on San Francisco Bay enhances the sailing experience.

The Far Side of the New World

. English and Spanish sail past the Golden Gate for over 200 years.
. 1769 — Portola expedition is the first non-native group to see the Bay.
. 1775 – the San Carlos is the first ship to sail in through the Golden Gate.

Gold!

. 1849-52 — A global flotilla full of fortune seekers arrives in San Francisco Bay.
. 1852 — Deep Sea Derby features tall-masted clippers racing from the northeast US around the Horn to San Francisco Bay.

Yachting

. 1867 — Boatmen’s Protective Association (Master Mariners two years later) sponsors race between coastal schooners and local sailing scows.
. 1869 — San Francisco Yacht Club founded, first yacht club on the Pacific Coast of the Americas and first west of the Mississippi.
. Recreational boating takes shape on the Bay.
. Boatyards blossom around the Bay.
. 1896 — PICYA (Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association) organized.

Trade

. Tall-masted schooners are the Bay’s link to the rest of the country and world.
. Scows crisscross the Bay as the region’s primary means of inter-city trade.
. Fishing fleets sail the Bay.
. Alaska Packers “Star Fleet “– last commercial sailing vessels on the coast.

Early 20th century

. 1907 — Race to the Farallones; first ocean race from the Bay.
. 1922 — Legendary Bird Boats arrive.
. 1926 — San Francisco Yacht Club split – St Francis YC is formed.

Mid-20th Century

. Faster, sleeker boats
. 1965 — Master Mariners Regatta revived

Sailing Today

. Sailing
. Windsurfing
. Kiteboarding
. America’s Cup