island yacht club alameda

Island Yacht Club

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2601C Blanding Ave

Alameda, CA 94501

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We are an all-volunteer, non-profit club open to anyone interested in sailing, power boating and on-the-water activities. …

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Eight Bells for Island Yacht Club?

In the July issue of Latitude 38 Island Yacht Club member and Santana 22 owner Ros de Vries wrote a story on the demise of the Island Yacht Club building, formerly located at Alameda Marina. Although the club is currently without a clubhouse, they went ahead and launched their Island Nights Friday night twilight series on July 10. They’ll run the remaining races on July 24, August 7 and 21, and September 11. The race committee volunteers perch on the end of the Alameda Marina dock in front of Svendsen’s old Travelift, as usual. The divisions are new: Sailors can enter the Singlehanded, Doublehanded or Household/Bubble Division. Crews of the latter two must have been sheltering together in the same household or be members of the same “Social Bubble” as defined by the Alameda County Health Order .

Additionally, IYC members are continuing to plan for their traditional fall Women’s Sailing Seminar to be held on November 14-15, 2020 — but they’re taking it online this year due to COVID-19.

Ros’s story in the July issue begins: “I live in the Mission District of San Francisco. Due to a concentration of rental properties and working-class residents, the proximity to the City, and an influx of highly paid workers, the Mission has developed a lively activist scene whose mother cause is affordable housing and the fight against gentrification.

“Now, if you’ve found housing that’s affordable and secure, there’s little incentive to take upon yourself the activist mantle. ‘I don’t believe in gentrification,’ a sailing buddy told me once. ‘We all just exist together, right?’

“Like this buddy, it is certain that many yacht club members — the majority being older, white and educated — have never been threatened by gentrification. They are, after all, the gentry. But privately owned waterfront land is desirable and in limited supply. With only four yacht clubs in the Bay Area holding their own titles, it’s inevitable that property developers would find a yacht club or two standing between them and their next ‘community’ of sleek waterfront condos.”

You can read the rest of Ros’s account by picking up the print edition of Latitude 38 or reading online here .

As far as I know, no-one earning under 100k is living in the city without assistance. If someone lives in the Mission District, they either are living outside their earning capacity or would be considered ‘gentry’ in 98 percent of the country outside major metro areas. I don’t see they should not imply because someone is in a ‘yacht club’ that person is part of the gentry. That statement alone is bigotted and uninformed. That said, I am sad to see one of the few remaining clubs where people with boating interests can seek association with like minded people, especially a club that is not in the rarefied atmosphere of Golden Gate, St. Francis or San Francisco YCs.

As a former Santana 22 owner and estuary racer, it is a sad day and I am sure Sven is rolling over in his grave and muttering something about squandered legacy.

Hi Sam, I very much appreciate your comment and am deeply sorry if this part of the article was disrespectful. We are connected by a desire to ensure our communities and traditions continue.

What we know as sailing insiders is that this sport can be accessible to all sorts of people. However, the attitude from outside of our circle is that sailing belongs to people with a lot of time and a lot of money. And to some extent, they are correct. Membership at a physical yacht club will set you back by $100’s of dollars each year minimum; many working folks (and young people especially) don’t have this cash to spare. This reinforces the idea that members are upscale and YC’s aren’t a venue for them. And while there’s alternate routes like crewing and volunteering at clubs, I’ve found this to be a hard sell. Many people dabble in sailing with an ideal of leisurely punting around the Estuary–not hardcore racing, or setting marks on shifty days.

I’m really hoping that we can develop a well-worn route from community sailing and juniors programs, to YCs that can accommodate a wider variety of people. A big part of this will be populating YCs with people with non-sailing backgrounds, who can break down the gentry stereotype and highlight paths to cruising, racing and activities in-between. It’s the challenge for all clubs to prepare for, for the world after COVID.

Back to IYC for a moment – we just relaunched our website today, in part to highlight our working person roots and bring the diversity of our membership to the fore.

As for racing this Friday: Register on Jibeset, order your “to go” dinner box by noon 7/24 – and bring your social bubble for the ride. All of us at Island Yacht Club welcome you!

There’s a good reason that OYC owns its waterfront.

It has seemed to me that if sailing and yacht clubs truly want to be accessible to all, then there wouldn’t be a half dozen of them on Alameda and not a single one in Oakland.

Hi Carliane, There had been yacht clubs in Oakland. I believe that Oakland YC and Metropolitan YC were originally in Oakland. But they were displaced by development! Currently, there is Lake Merritt Sailing Club. The City of Oakland does a good job within their Parks & Rec Dept. See https://www.oaklandca.gov/topics/youth-boating-and-sailing-camps

I think bay view boat club was displaced from its original location and went on to purchase its next location to prevent that from ever happening again.

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• Beyond SFSU

Nicolas Cholula

Alameda Island Yacht Club hosts sailing seminar for women

October 14, 2021

Over 30 years ago, after participating in a sailing seminar for women in Orange County, Linda Newland and Mary Quigley thought, “We need a workshop where women can learn about sailing from other women!” They decided to start their own sailing seminar at the Island Yacht Club in Alameda.

In 1992, a sailing seminar for women was unheard of in the Bay Area. If women wanted to learn to sail, they learned from men. “Women sailing was unheard of, and Newland was breaking that ceiling,” said Melissa Grudin, commodore of the club and host of the Northern California Women’s Sailing Seminar. She said this seminar has been a safe place for women to learn how to sail for the past 29 years. Last year, the seminar went virtual due to the pandemic. This year, it was a hybrid event with all physical attendees required to show proof of vaccination.

Grudin said that everybody has different lingo, and that is why it is important to attend seminars like this one: taught by women, for women. “A lot of women get on boats with their guys, their significant other or whoever it is … and all they get is ‘do this, do that,’ but they don’t know why and women like to know,” she said. Grudin also said that if you take the time to explain something to women, they will do it and if you show them so that they understand, they will want to do it again.

The IYC is now a paper club, meaning that it no longer has a clubhouse — but instead, it communicates with its members online. Club members enjoy reciprocal privileges at other yacht clubs in the San Francisco Bay Area, allowing them to enjoy their club facilities. Still, without a clubhouse, the IYC has held more meetups and events over the last year than most other yacht clubs in the area.

Over the weekend, the club hosted its 29th Women’s Sailing Seminar with the help of the Encinal and Oakland Yacht Clubs, which lended their boathouses for the three-day seminar.

Newland kicked off the first day of the seminar with a hybrid, in-person and virtual, talk about her 50 years on the water. She shared her experience sailing out in the Oakland estuary with little to no experience in the 1970s. Then, she told stories of her single-handed adventures racing sailboats from San Francisco to Japan,and from Hawaii to San Francisco. Today, she is still sailing on her new boat, a Grand Banks 36 named “Tsusiat,” which she hopes to take down to Hawaii next summer.

“Most of these [instructors] have been on the water for a long time, some over 50 years,” Grudin said. She added that some of them have come a long way from being galley wenches to captains. “They’ve seen a lot of stuff. they have been chased around boats and felt totally uncomfortable, and yet they persevered, and they ended up building a reputation for themselves and they broke records.”

Grudin considers herself a cruiser, but adds that racing sailboats requires that ‘just-go-for-it’ attitude, one that doesn’t take no for an answer.

“I like to live on the edge,” said Dawn Chasney, an avid racer and volunteer instructor at this year’s seminar. Chasney got into sailing in her mid-30s, when $10 worth of raffle tickets earned her a trip to the British Virgin Islands with some sailor friends. This is why she emphasizes to people she meets to never “assume you know where opportunities will come from.”

Chesney understands the dangers of racing, not only because of the environment, but also because of how close some boats come in contact. Still, she believes that “if you’re hardcore you go as close as you can.”

On Saturday, the students were separated from beginner to advanced tracks. “When beginners come to our class, we treat it as, ‘This is a boat 101, this is the bow and this is the stern,’” said Grudin, pointing at the front and back of the boat. While the beginners started with the basic anatomy of a sailboat, the more advanced students learned about boat maintenance and racing. On Sunday, the seminar put on a race to compile everything the students had learned into a closing event.

“There is just something magical that happens when you’re on the water,” Grudin said. She added that many of the older women are aging out of the program, but there are also many young women who are just getting started. She urged all young women who might be at all interested in sailing to get involved before they begin to feel fearful and while they’ve still got “all [their] senses and wits about [them].”

Grudin acknowledges that it wasn’t easy going virtual after losing their clubhouse of 50 years. But their club was determined to keep up the tradition of women teaching women to sail. Despite the difficult transition of becoming a paper club, they have continued to hold well-attended events and races with the help of an onslaught of determined volunteers.

Grudin knew that holding the seminar this year, amid the pandemic, risked a lower turnout than usual. Knowing this, Grudin said, “Are we nuts to be doing this? Well, probably. Are we stubborn? Well, yeah, we’re sailors. And are we flexible? You damn well better be in order to be able to make something like this happen.” She hopes to someday have a clubhouse again where all the members can come together and a place where the club can organize its own events. But in the meantime she is grateful that the other clubs were “gracious and so amazing in helping [them] survive [the] pandemic.”

Nicolas Cholula grew up in Orange County, Calif., where he first picked up a film camera while working at a thrift store and quickly fell in love with photography. Nicolas chased his passion into community college, where he took his first classes in photography. Since then, Nicolas has become most interested in telling stories from his community and photographing current events. He is currently working toward his Bachelor of Arts in Photojournalism at San Francisco State University and works as the Multimedia Editor for the Golden Gate Xpress.

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Melissa Grudin • Oct 14, 2021 at 2:09 pm

Amazing work, Nick! Thank you for spending your weekend with us. If anyone wants more info on IYC, please contact us at [email protected] Melissa

Island Yacht Club

Berth capacity.

• Within 5 Miles

Welcome aboard to the Island Yacht Club, the ultimate destination for boating enthusiasts in Oakland, California! Nestled in the heart of the vibrant Bay Area, our marina offers a serene and picturesque setting for all your boating adventures. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a beginner looking to dip your toes into the world of boating, Island Yacht Club has something for everyone.

Island Yacht Club - A Paradise for Boating Enthusiasts

Welcome to island yacht club.

With our state-of-the-art facilities, friendly community, and a wide range of amenities, you'll find yourself immersed in a world of luxury and relaxation. So, hop on board and let us take you on a journey through the incredible experiences that await you at Island Yacht Club!

Unparalleled Location

Located in the heart of Oakland, Island Yacht Club boasts an enviable location that provides easy access to the stunning San Francisco Bay. As soon as you set sail from our marina, you'll be greeted by breathtaking views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the majestic San Francisco skyline, and the tranquil waters of the bay.

Whether you're planning a leisurely cruise, a thrilling fishing expedition, or a day of water sports, Island Yacht Club's prime location ensures that you're just moments away from some of the most sought-after destinations in the Bay Area. From the bustling waterfront of Jack London Square to the charming coastal towns of Alameda and Berkeley, the possibilities for exploration are endless.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

At Island Yacht Club, we take pride in providing our members with top-notch facilities that cater to their every need. Our marina features a modern and well-maintained dock system, ensuring a safe and secure mooring for your vessel. With our wide slips and deep-water berths, accommodating boats of various sizes is a breeze.

In addition to our exceptional docking facilities, we offer a range of amenities designed to enhance your boating experience. Our clubhouse is a hub of activity, with a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable seating areas, and stunning views of the marina. It's the perfect place to relax, socialize with fellow boaters, or host events.

A Vibrant Community

Island Yacht Club is more than just a marina; it's a close-knit community of passionate boaters who share a love for the water. When you become a member, you'll be welcomed into a warm and friendly atmosphere where you can forge lifelong friendships and create lasting memories.

Our club organizes a variety of social events throughout the year, from lively regattas and fishing tournaments to casual barbecues and wine tastings. These events provide the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow boaters, exchange stories, and learn from each other's experiences. At Island Yacht Club, you'll never feel alone on your boating journey.

Endless Recreational Opportunities

With the San Francisco Bay as your playground, the recreational opportunities at Island Yacht Club are truly limitless. Whether you prefer the thrill of sailing, the excitement of fishing, or the tranquility of kayaking, you'll find it all right at your doorstep.

For those seeking adventure, the bay offers excellent conditions for windsurfing, kiteboarding, and paddleboarding. The steady winds and calm waters make it a haven for water sports enthusiasts of all levels. If fishing is your passion, you'll be delighted by the abundance of fish species that call the bay home, including salmon, halibut, striped bass, and more.

Expert Training and Education

Island Yacht Club is committed to fostering a culture of learning and growth among its members. Whether you're a novice or an experienced sailor, our club offers a range of training programs and educational opportunities to help you enhance your boating skills.

Our experienced instructors provide comprehensive sailing lessons, covering everything from basic navigation and boat handling to advanced racing techniques. We also offer seminars and workshops on various boating topics, including safety procedures, marine electronics, and maintenance tips. At Island Yacht Club, you'll always have the opportunity to expand your knowledge and become a more confident and capable boater.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere

Island Yacht Club is not just for adults; it's a place where families can come together and create cherished memories. We believe in fostering a family-friendly atmosphere where everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, can enjoy the joys of boating.

Our club hosts regular family events, such as picnics, movie nights, and youth sailing programs, to ensure that everyone feels included and has a chance to participate. Whether you're teaching your kids to sail, organizing a fun-filled day on the water, or simply enjoying a sunset cruise with your loved ones, Island Yacht Club is the perfect place to create unforgettable family moments.

Membership Options

Island Yacht Club offers a range of membership options to suit your individual needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a full-time berth for your boat or simply want to take advantage of our club's amenities, we have a membership package that's right for you.

Our membership benefits include access to all club facilities, participation in club events and regattas, discounts on boat rentals and lessons, and reciprocal privileges at other yacht clubs. We also offer a limited number of guest slips for visiting boaters who want to experience the Island Yacht Club lifestyle.

Start Your Boating Adventure Today!

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable boating adventure? Join us at Island Yacht Club and experience the thrill of the open water, the camaraderie of a vibrant boating community, and the beauty of the San Francisco Bay.

Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a novice looking to learn, our marina offers the perfect setting for you to explore, relax, and make lifelong memories. So, don't wait any longer - set sail with Island Yacht Club and discover the joys of boating in Oakland, California!

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