There's something magical about hoisting a sail and heading out into the sparkling waters of the Monterey Bay. Whether you're gliding past sea otters in the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor or navigating into the historic docks of the Monterey Harbor, this stretch of California coastline offers a sailing experience that’s as rich in natural beauty as it is in nautical heritage.
Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor & Monterey Harbor: Gateways to Adventure
The Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor, nestled just east of the iconic Beach Boardwalk, is the heartbeat of the local sailing community. Lined with charming local restaurants, surf shops, and boat services, it's both a bustling launch point and a peaceful place to take in sunset views. It's also the home of the Santa Cruz Yacht Club, host of many regattas and summer races.
Across the bay lies the equally picturesque Monterey Harbor, with its backdrop of historic Cannery Row, the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium, and an array of marine life always within sight. Both harbors offer easy access to the broader Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary, making them prime launch points for sailors, kayakers, and marine biologists alike.
The Monterey Bay Sailing Scene
Sailing culture is alive and thriving on the bay. Summertime brings out one of the most beloved traditions — the “Beer Can” Races — casual, weekly regattas that mix friendly competition with a relaxed social vibe. These races happen in both Santa Cruz and Monterey and are the perfect way for new sailors to get involved and for seasoned racers to stay sharp… with a beer in hand afterward, of course.
Bill Lee, Merlin & the Santa Cruz Sailing Revolution
No discussion of sailing on the Monterey Bay would be complete without diving into the legend of Bill Lee, the wizard of West Coast boat design. Lee revolutionized offshore racing from his Santa Cruz workshop with the creation of Merlin, a 68-foot ultralight sailing yacht that famously shattered the Transpacific Yacht Race record in 1977.
Merlin’s legendary speed didn’t just make headlines — it birthed a whole new generation of ultralight racing sailboats known as Santa Cruz 70s, 50s, and 27s. These sleek, fast boats became iconic in the offshore sailing world and cemented Santa Cruz's status as a hotbed of innovation and speed.
Lee’s slogan? “Fast is Fun.” And around here, we still live by it.
Charters & Experiences: Chardonnay & Pacific Yachting
If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the thrill of Monterey Bay sailing without the work of tacking or trimming, hop aboard the Chardonnay II — a 70-foot sailing yacht modeled on the same hull design as the legendary Merlin. Based in Santa Cruz, Chardonnay Sailing Charters offers daily sails that are as exhilarating as they are scenic.
For a more personalized adventure, Pacific Yachting & Sailing provides everything from sailing lessons to private charters, all with expert skippers and pristine vessels. Whether you're looking to earn your ASA certification or just kick back with a glass of wine and watch dolphins glide by, they've got you covered.
More Than Just a Sail
What makes sailing in the Monterey Bay so special isn’t just the wind in your hair or the spray on your face — it’s the backdrop of breaching whales, playful sea lions, and the towering cliffs of Big Sur on the horizon. It’s the community, the innovation, the wild history — and the undeniable thrill of speed.
So whether you're racing, cruising, or just dreaming, come see why Monterey Bay is one of the finest places to sail in the world.
Because around here, fast really is fun.
Co Author - Marisa Upson, Executive Assistant to Pete Cullen
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