About Us
Our mission
A Simple Idea That Launched a Community
Growing With Monterey Bay
Expanding Beyond Sailing
Building Skills for a Lifetime
Founded in 1971 by Dick Murray, the UC Santa Cruz Community Boating Center began with a simple but powerful vision: make access to the water possible for everyone. What started as a small sailing program quickly became a cornerstone of community boating in Santa Cruz.
Over the past 45+ years, the Community Boating Center has introduced more than 30,000 people to Monterey Bay through sailing, rowing, kayaking, and windsurfing. Along the way, participants didn’t just learn how to handle a boat — they learned how to read the water, make informed decisions, and safely explore one of the most dynamic coastlines in the world.
Originally focused on sailing instruction, the program evolved as interest in other boating disciplines grew. Rowing and kayaking were added to meet the community’s changing needs, allowing more people to experience the bay in different ways and at their own pace.
At the heart of the Community Boating Center is education. We take pride in giving people the confidence, skills, and judgment needed to boat safely and independently — often sparking a lifelong connection to the water that extends far beyond Santa Cruz.
Meet the Crew
