Membership & Boat Checkout
Being a member is a unique opportunity—we are one of the most affordable options available, offering free access to our fleet during club hours. Before using club vessels, members must complete a staff-led boat checkout process, which includes both a written and practical assessment, and be approved by an instructor or dockmaster. Please check our calendar for the next available checkout day. All boating activities are subject to weather conditions and must remain within designated sailing areas as defined during checkout. Scroll down to see requirements and limits.
If you do not have prior sailing or rowing experience, we offer classes to help build your confidence on the water. For class information, click here.
We offer flexible membership options for both students and the broader community. UCSC students can join for $55 per quarter, while non-student quarterly memberships are $185. A non-student annual membership is also available for $575. Family memberships are discounted, with the first member at full price and additional members at half price.
Guest visits are limited to one per month, with fees of $5 for students and $10 for non-students.
Boat access is included with membership; however, use of the O’Day 34 is subject to an hourly rental fee of $20 for students and $30 for non-students.
Additional fees may apply for late returns ($20/hour), damaged equipment (up to $5,000), and lost equipment (depreciated replacement cost).
Club Hours:
Friday: 4:00–7:00 PM*
Saturday: 12:00–7:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00–7:00 PM
*Friday hours apply during Daylight Saving Time only.
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Membership Options
These are the memberships we offer and their pricing.
Membership Type | Cost |
UCSC Student Quarterly Membership | $55 |
Non- Student Quarterly Membership | $185 |
Non- Student Annual Membership | $535 |
Family Discount | First member full price, additional members 50% off |
Sign up Instructions
Log in or create an account by clicking the link below.
Once logged in, click on Boating and select one of the following:
- Boating Memberships
- Boating Fees
- Boating Programs
Follow the prompts to complete your payment.
Please note: The Boating Center no longer accepts cash payments on-site.
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Membership Fees
Pay Membership fees by clicking the link below. Scroll Down!
Guest Fees
Boat Rental Fees
Miscellaneous Fees
Guest Type | Cost |
Student Guest Fee | $5 |
Non- Student Guest Fee | $10 |
Guest Limit | One visit per month |
Rental Type | Cost |
Student Hourly Rental (O'Day 34 only) | $20/hr |
Non-Student Hourly Rental (O'Day 34 only) | $30/hr |
Fee Type | Cost |
Late Boat Return | $20/hr |
Damaged Equipment | Up to $5,000 |
Lost Equipment | Depreciated replacement Cost |
Already a Member?
Don't Forget To Pay Your Membership Fees!
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Boat Checkout Requirements and Limits
A staff-led boat checkout consists of a practical assessment and a written exam.
The UCSC Community Boating Center uses a checkout level system to match sailors with appropriate boats and sailing conditions based on their experience and demonstrated skills.
Each level establishes guidelines for sailing areas, wind limits, and crew requirements, helping ensure safe boat use while supporting continued skill development on the water.
The levels and their qualifications are listed below.
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Dinghy Check-Out Information
Required evaluations to operate RS Quests boats.
Dinghy Level 1: Requires successful completion of a Beginner Dinghy class and/or prior experience.
Dinghy Level 2: Requires passing a written test and a practical assessment demonstrating knot tying and boat handling skills.
You can find details about what is covered in the assessment here.
Laser Check-Out Information
Required evaluations to operate Lasers.
Requires passing a written test and a practical assessment
Laser Level 1: Requires successful completion of a Beginner Dinghy class or prior experience sailing a Laser.
Laser Level 2: Requires at least 10 hours of sailing experience on a Laser or equivalent prior experience.
Laser Level 3: Requires at least 25 hours of skippering a Laser or equivalent prior experience.
You can find details about what is covered in the assessment here.
Keelboat Check-Out Information
Required evaluations to operate Keelboats.
Requires passing a written test a practical assessment and to skipper a California boating card.
Keelboat Level 1: Requires successful completion of a Beginner keelboat or prior experience of at least 30 hours of keelboat helming.
Keelboat Level 2: Requires successful completion of a intermediate keelboat or prior experience of at least 50 hours of keelboat helming.
Keelboat Level 3: Requires at least 3 years sailing keelboats or 80 hours of keelboat helming.
Keelboat Level 4: Requires at least 3 years sailing keelboats.
You can find details about what is covered in the assessment here
All keelboat skippers are required by California law to have their California Boater's Card with them while sailing. Therefore, everyone in this program who expects to skipper one of the keelboats should apply for a California Boater's Card.
