About UCSC Community Boating Center
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 55 years, the Community Boating Center has introduced more than 40,000 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
Allison
Sailing/Rowing 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/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)
Powerboats
Zodiacs (2)
Boston Whaler
Rowing
Edon training shells (8)
MAAS AEROS 20s (2)
MAAS 24s (2)
Bay 21
Pegasus
WinTech 30' double
Custom built wooden double
Frequently asked questions
Who can be a member of the Boating Club?
Everyone is welcome to join!
If you do not have any previous sailing or rowing experience, you'll want to take a class with us before becoming a club member.
What classes does the boating center offer to community members?
We offer all levels of sailing (dinghy and keelboats) and rowing classes to community members during the summer. Registration for Summer boating classes opens on March 15th.
For questions about course offerings or registration, please email us at ucscboat@ucsc.edu.
When is the club open?
The club is open year-round, Saturday and Sunday from 12:00pm - 5:00pm.
What boats are available to members?
Sailing Vessels for weekend use currently include RS Quests, Lasers, a Santa Cruz 27, a Santana 22, two Olson 30s, and an O'Day 34.
The rowing fleet consists of eight Edon training shells, two MAAS AEROS 20s, two MAAS 24s, Bay 21, Pegasus, WinTech 30' double, and a custom wooden double built by Jeremy Fisher-Smith.
How much does a membership cost?
UCSC Student Membership: $55
Non-Student Quarterly Membership: $185
Non-Student Annual Membership: $575
Family Discount: 1st member full price, additional member half price.
How do I sign up for a membership?
Visit the UC Santa Cruz Recreation website. Click the top-left drop-down menu, then click on 'Memberships.' You will be prompted to sign in or create an account. Once logged in, select the boating membership you would like to purchase and follow the appropriate steps to complete your payment.
How can I join the Boating Club?
Come down to the dock during our open club hours and talk to the dockmaster on duty.
Ask the dockmaster about the next check-out date.
You'll need to pass a check out for the type of boat you'd like to use (keelboat check out for the keelboats, dinghy check out for the dinghies, etc.).
You can also contact us outside club hours via phone and email.
Are there additional fees to take out the boats after I join the club?
There are a few minor fees associated with taking boats out. Guest fees apply to any non-member who will be going out on a boat.
Student Guest Fee: $5
Non-Student Guest Fee: $10
*Individuals limited to one guest visit per month.
Outboard-Use Fees are required when taking out the Santana 22.
Student outboard fee: $5
Non-Student outboard fee: $5
The hourly boat rental fee applies only to the use of the O'Day 34.
Student Hourly Boat Rental Fee: $20
Non-Student Hourly Boat Rental Fee (O'Day Only): $30
Miscellaneous Fees
Late Boat-Return Fee: $20
Damaged Equipment: Deductible amount: 1% of insured value, $250 minimum per incident
Lost Equipment: Depreciated replacement cost
