Yachting in Marin County

Marin County sits at the northern edge of San Francisco Bay, offering some of the finest sailing waters on the West Coast. With reliable afternoon winds, dramatic scenery, and a maritime culture that runs deep, Marin is home to serious sailors, weekend cruisers, and a thriving boating community supported by world-class harbors and marine services.

Harbors & Marinas

Sausalito Waterfront

Sausalito is the center of Marin's yachting world. The waterfront stretches from the Sausalito Yacht Club past Schoonmaker Point Marina to the historic houseboats of Gate 6. Hundreds of vessels — from classic wooden sloops to modern racing yachts — line the docks with San Francisco's skyline as a backdrop.

Richardson Bay

The protected waters of Richardson Bay provide anchorage for live-aboard vessels and a calm staging area for Bay sailing. The Richardson Bay Audubon Center at the southern tip monitors the ecological health of this important estuary.

San Rafael Canal

Further north, the San Rafael Canal supports a working waterfront with commercial fishing vessels, recreational boats, and marine repair yards. The Loch Lomond Marina offers protected berths with easy access to the central Bay.

Marine Services

• Sausalito Marine Ways — Full-service boatyard with haul-out facilities, bottom painting, and fiberglass repair
• Bay Marine Boatworks — One of the largest yards on the Bay, handling everything from bottom jobs to complete refits
• Anderson's Boat Yard — Engine service, rigging, and electrical work for sail and power vessels
• List Marine Enterprises — Custom woodwork and restoration for classic yachts

Chandleries & Supply

• West Marine Sausalito — The most convenient marine supply store for Marin boaters
• Svendsen's — A Bay Area institution for marine hardware, rigging, and deck gear
• KKMI — Specialty coatings, hardware, and professional marine supplies in Point Richmond, just across the Bay

Yacht Clubs

• Sausalito Yacht Club — Active racing calendar, social events, and a welcoming bar with waterfront views
• San Francisco Yacht Club — Based in Belvedere, one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs on the Pacific Coast
• Corinthian Yacht Club — Tiburon-based club known for competitive racing and seamanship programs

Sailing on the Bay

San Francisco Bay rewards experienced sailors and challenges newcomers. Key considerations for Marin-based sailing include strong afternoon westerlies through the Golden Gate, powerful currents at the Gate and around Angel Island, and fog that can reduce visibility to near zero without warning. Local knowledge matters — and Marin's sailing community is generous with it.

Set sail from Marin and explore the most beautiful urban bay in the world.