About Us
Our mission
A Simple Idea That Launched a Community
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.
Growing With Monterey Bay
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.
Expanding Beyond Sailing
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.
Building Skills for a Lifetime
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
Hunter
Sailing Instructor
Rich
Sailing Instructor
Douglas
Rowing Instructor
Allision
Sailing/Rowing Instructor/Women's Sail
Rachel
Sailing Instructor
Lucas
Sailing Instructor
Evie
Sailing Instructor
Shane
Dockmaster/Sailing Instructor
Sarah
Dockmaster/Sailing Instructor/Student Sail
Amanda
Dockmaster/Sailing Instructor or/Student Sail
Colin
Dockmaster/Sailing Instructor
Téa
Dockmaster
Cullen
Boating Director
Our Fleet
Sailing
RS Quests (5)
ILCA Lasers (4)
Keelboats
Santana 22
Santa Cruz 27
Olson 30 (2)
O'Day 34
Colgate 26 (4) - Coming Soon!
Powerboats
Zodiacs (2)
Whaler
Rowing
Edon training shells (8)
MAAS AEROS 20s (2)
MAAS 24s (2)
Bay 21
Pegasus
WinTech 30' double
Custom built wooden double
