harbor island yacht club san diego

Harbor Island Yacht Club

Review Highlights

“ Have rented the Catalina 22's a half-dozen times since then, and am ALWAYS happy with the experience. ” in 11 reviews

“ If you want to learn to sail and you want a excellent Instructor ask for Captain Frank Dixion. ” in 3 reviews

“ Been using their sailing ships for nearly two decades and have always found their facilities to be great. ” in 6 reviews

Location & Hours

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1880 Harbor Island Dr

San Diego, CA 92101

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About the business.

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Harbor Yacht Clubs offers sailboat rentals, US sailing instruction, learn to sail packages, private and group sailing lessons, skippered and bareboat sailing charters in San Diego. We carry over 60 of the most popular sailboat models from Hunter, Beneteau, Catalina, and Lagoon. …

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Overall rating

When I received an invitation to go sailing on San Diego bay, I couldn't say no. That's what brought me to the Harbor Island Yacht Club. No matter what kind of sailor you are, you can find what you need here. Are you a gazillionaire looking for a place to moor your personal yacht? That can be arranged. Are you just a regular lowlife looking for an inexpensive rental? Yeah, that's more my speed. The standard rate for a day-long rental for a 6-seater sailboat is ~$200, but we were able to score the members' rate of $160. Split that 6 ways and it comes down to under $27 per person. Not bad for a day of entertainment. Obviously, sailing makes a boy hungry. I recommend bringing a cooler with sandwiches, wine, fruit, chips, and whatever else you like, and you're all set! (Avoid the overpriced and low-quality deli in the yacht club itself. It's definitely worth brown-bagging for this trip.) Our boat was the Easy Goer. We didn't take it far -- just out of the marina and back-and-forth between Point Loma and downtown San Diego. It gets a little scary when a strong wind makes the little boat tilt over, but that's part of the adventure, I suppose. Someday we'll sail right up into the back entrance of C Level or Bali Hai for happy hour. I did wish the boat were in better condition. The interior really needed a deep-cleaning, and the drafty windows provided little protection from the cold winds. (Note to self: even if the weather report says it'll be in the 70s, bring a jacket anyway.) All in all, this was a blast of a day -- I can't wait to hit the waves again.

I guess since I'm a member, it's the least I could do. I was originally supposed to learn to sail at another club in Oceanside because it was closer. I waited more than a month, then they called me a week before the class and canceled it. I was hot! I called HIYC and they got me in a class that same weekend! I decided to join and I love it. I pay about $50 per month in dues which entitles me to rent their boats at a discount and use the facilities, etc. The people have been really nice, the fellow club members always seem to wave out on the bay. They have boats ranging from 22 to 42 feet that can be rented for days at a time. I know there are some cheaper clubs and some closer clubs, but I'm happy here. If anyone wants to check it out, just message me.

HIYC has a very affordable training program and their charter rates are great. However, the owner and staff are unfriendly and unaccommodating. Never a friendly hello when you walk in, as the owner doesn't encourage friendliness. Also, when you decide to leave, they require 30 day notification, which is REDICULOUS. Do not join this club!

Aye,aye, to the squawkers. They at Harbor YC are an unfriendly lot. Took the lessons and got my certification with Bob. He as a patient and knowledgeable instructor. I joined based on that experience. Took out a Capri 22 and the rigging was stuck and would t go up without climbing out on the deck. Noted the problem to apparently deaf ears. Second sail and the main sail would not come down, which was a hazard in the high winds that came up. Very scary and unnecessary experience. When I noted this to them on my return I was told that I should have climbed up and pulled it down. (Not a really good idea for a novice in gusty winds with no way to steady the tiller.) I left word at the desk and got no reply. Finally sent an email asking for their assurance that the future rentals would be in good working order. They sent me back my money. Perhaps they are more attentive to their big boats. Perhaps they just don't care. If you like the challenge of sailing, but not the risk of bad equipment, I suggest that you sail elsewhere.

When there for a company team building event. We rented three sail boats and raced against each other and then cruised the San Diego bay. I didn't setup the event. Overall fun experience and of course the San Diego bay on a sunny day is though to beat. The race could have been organized a little better and they did not include a prep-course for the inexperienced. They could have at least gone over the names of the different parts of the boat. The captains were ok. If you're trying to organize a company event, make sure you include a prep-course with the package. Food and drink were good.

We have had a membership for over 10 years and my husband believes that HIYC has the "best" rentals in San Diego. Do not expect the cleanliness of a private chartered boat. These boats are true rentals and there have been a host of small inconveniences every time we rent. I would venture to say that the boats interiors/fixtures have become substantially worn over the past 10 years and we have experienced problems with running out of water, batteries being ill charged, and one time a VERY blown out sail. The last time we went there were shrimp shells in the sink and the boat was horrible dirty. The boats always have a smell (probably from the head) but I am sure this is standard even with private boats--bathrooms smell PERIOD! The staff on the docks have always been the right amount of helpful/friendly and the people that answer the phones are informed on the boats, although they are not the friendliest bunch. We cancelled our membership last week because we have not been able to get out more than 3 or 4 times MAX in the past 5 years. We never officially complained to any management of HIYC for any of our dissatisfaction. I had a detailed conversation with management just now and they assured me that IF I had complained about any major issues then they would have "taken care of it". It is fair to say that if they don't know something is wrong they can't fix it. On any given sailing day my rating for them could go from a 1 star to a 5 star and back. I wish we would have gotten more of OUR money's worth out of this club since we have spent thousands upon thousands of dollars over more than 10 years (we probably went out 6 or 7 times)--but that blame can rest entirely on MY shoulders.

Harbor Island Yacht Club has been excellent for the last two years! I took the basic class and then sailed once or twice a month throughout the year. Kim at the front desk is super organizedI was lucky enough to have Earl for both the basic and intermediate courses! He is very relaxed and teaches you what you need to know to be competent & safe...The boats in San Diego are well-maintained...The deckhands in Long Beach are great guys and I have lots of energy just have to remind them what you need Great experience with Harbor Island Yacht Club

I signed up for a Groupon 2 day sailing class. I was so disappointed in the instructor's attitude and lack of teaching ability I left halfway though the first day. Earl did not teach, he gave instructions on what to do, without explanations of why. I wanted to gain an understanding of how a sailing vessel moves. Earl did not provide that. He just gave out terse commands. Thank goodness one of the other students had some sailing experience and started to explain things to the rest of us. He had a condescending attitude towards us, and seemed very bored with having to be there. He was also rude and inconsiderate. An example that shocked me was we were standing in the hot sun on the boat dock while he sat in the shade in the cockpit quizzing us on boat parts. After 30 minutes I sat down on the edge of the boat. Another elderly student politely asked to come aboard and sit. He said, "Why?" I replied to him that she was hot and tired of standing. He said, "Sit on the boat dock," meaning for her to sit down on the dirty, wooden dock full of splinters. Is that how you treat a paying customer, an elderly one at that? There was no reason why she couldn't have come aboard and sit in the cockpit. I was shocked with his response and attitude. Hopefully, for the other students, the rest of the day went better. They also felt the same way with Earl's of teaching methods - or lack of, but wanted to pass the course and receive the certification. That wasn't my goal for taking the class. I would give Earl zero stars if possible. Oh...and evidently we were suppose to have read and memorized all the boat parts before coming to the class. I wasn't told that when I picked up the materials the day before, nor did I see that written anywhere in the Groupon.

We rented the Lagoon 380 Catamaran "In The Shelter" from the Long Beach location from August 10-13, 2016. We're experienced catamaran sailors and this boat was extremely easy to sail. That's the best part. The oven was broke. The fridge was broke. We were notified about the fridge before so prepared accordingly. The stove didn't work great. Some burners worked, others didn't. Good thing there were restaurants on shore. A very poor instruction manual. But the best part was when the propeller spun off while we were trying to get out of the harbor. Luckily we have a super diver for a daughter and she dove 22 feet down and hauled it back up! We didn't think to have her find the nut! We limped back to the harbor, glad that the trip was over. Better maintenance of the boat would be nice.

The lady at the San Diego front desk is awesome which is why we give 2 stars. Frank sucks as an instructor. He had us motor more than sailing so he could catch an early ferry home from Catalina. Over the last two years we have rented about once a month and the boats are consistently in disrepair. Dead batteries, inop running/nav/deck lights, motors that won't start, sails that aren't maintained, and heads that are never emptied or cleaned. It is cheap though and the dock guys are helpful!

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San Diego Sailboat Fleet

Catalina 270, catalina 290, beneteau 31, catalina 320.

• Catalina 36 Mk II

Beneteau 373

Beneteau 40, catalina 42 mark ii.

Keelboat, Outboard Tohatsu Engine, Tiller Steering, Porto Potty, CD Player, Large Cockpit with Seating for 6, Solar Panels, Ice chest

Specifications:

Seats: 6 Sleeps: 4 Length Overall: 24’8″ Beam: 8’2″ Draft: 4’0″ (Fin Keel) Holding Tank Capacity: Porto Potty

Inboard Diesel Engine, Wheel Steering, Stern Pulpit Seating, Aft Cabin, Forward V-berth, Convertible Dinette, Head, Icebox, CD player

Specifications

Seats: 8 Sleeps: 6 Length Overall: 28’4″ Beam: 9’10” Draft: 5’0″ (Fin Keel) Holding Tank Capacity: 16 gal Water Capacity: 18 gal Fuel Capacity: 14 gal

Inboard Diesel Engine, Wheel Steering, Stern Pulpit Seating, 1 Forward & 1 Aft Cabin, Convertible Dinette, Head, Galley with Stove & Oven, Icebox, CD Player, GPS

Seats: 8 Sleeps: 6 Length Overall: 29’5″ Beam: 10’4″ Draft: 5’2″ (Fin Keel) Holding Tank Capacity: 17 gal Forward Water Tank Capacity: 25 gal Starboard Water Tank Capacity: 18 gal Fuel Capacity: 19 gal

Inboard Yanmar 20 hp Engine, Wheel Steering, Large Cockpit, 1 Forward & 1 Port Aft Cabin, Starboard Aft Head with Shower, Galley with 2 Burner Stove, Oven, & 26 gal Icebox, CD player, GPS Chart Plotter, Roller Furling Mainsail

Seats: 8 Sleeps: 5 Length Overall: 31'8" Beam: 11'1" Draft: 5'11" (Fin Keel) Water Capacity: 34 gal Fuel Capacity: 34 gal

Inboard Diesel Engine, Wheel Steering, Stern Pulpit Seating, 1 Forward & 1 Aft Cabin, Convertible Dinette, Head with Shower, Galley with Stove, Icebox, CD player, GPS, Roller Furling Mainsail, Bimini

Seats: 8 Sleeps: 6 Length Overall: 30’10” Beam: 11’1″ Draft: 5’6″ (Fin Keel) Holding Tank Capacity: 20 gal Water Capacity: 50 gal Fuel Capacity: 20 gal

Inboard Diesel Engine, Wheel Steering, Stern Pulpit Seating, 1 Forward & 1 Aft Cabin, Convertible Dinette, Head with Shower, Galley with Stove, Oven, Microwave, Refrigerator, CD Player, GPS

Seats: 10 Sleeps: 6 Length Overall: 34’3″ Beam: 11’9″ Draft: 6’3″ (Fin Keel) Holding Tank Capacity: 22 gal Forward Water Tank Capacity: 25 gal Aft Water Tank Capacity: 20 gal Fuel Capacity: 19 gal

Features: 

Inboard Diesel Engine, Wheel Steering, Stern Pulpit Seating, 1 Forward & 1 Aft Cabin, Convertible Dinette, Head with Shower, Galley with Stove, Oven, Microwave, Refrigerator, CD player, GPS, Roller Furling Mainsail, Bimini

Seats: 10 Sleeps: 6 Length Overall: 33’6″ Beam: 11’6″ Draft: 5’6″ (Fin Keel) Holding Tank Capacity: 25 gal Water Capacity: 50 gal Fuel Capacity: 25 gal

Catalina 36 Mark II

Inboard Diesel Engine, Wheel Steering, Stern Pulpit Seating, 1 Forward & 1 Aft Cabin, Convertible Dinette, Head with Shower, Galley with Stove, Oven, Microwave, Refrigerator, CD player, GPS

Seats: 10 Sleeps: 6 Length Overall: 36’4″ Beam: 11’11” Draft: 5’10” (Fin Keel) Holding Tank Capacity: 22 gal Water Capacity: 80 gal Fuel Capacity: 25 gal

Inboard Diesel Engine, Wheel Steering, Stern Pulpit Seating, 1 Forward & 1 Aft Cabin, Convertible Dinette, Head with Shower, Galley with Stove, Oven, Microwave, and Refrigerator, CD Player, GPS, Roller Furling Mainsail, Bimini

Seats: 10 Sleeps: 6 Length Overall: 35’6″ Beam: 12’0″ Draft: 6’5″ (Fin Keel) Holding Tank Capacity: 30 gal Water Capacity: 75 gal Fuel Capacity: 38 gal

Inboard Diesel Engine, Wheel Steering, Stern Pulpit Seating, 1 Forward & 1 Aft Cabin, Convertible Dinette, Head with Shower, Galley with Stove, Oven, Microwave, and Refrigerator, CD Player, GPS with Chart Plotting, Roller Furling Mainsail

Seats: 10 Sleeps: 6 Length Overall: 36’11” Beam: 12’4″ Draft: 6’3″ (Fin Keel) Holding Tank Capacity: 30 gal Water Capacity: 99 gal Fuel Capacity: 33 gal

Inboard Diesel Engine, Twim Helm Steering, 1 Forward & 1 Aft Cabin, Convertible Dinette, Head with Shower, Galley with Stove, Oven, Microwave, and Refrigerator, CD Player, GPS with Chart Plotting, Roller Furling Mainsail

Seats: 12 Sleeps: 6 Length Overall: 39’10” Beam: 12’10” Draft: 6’3″ (Fin Keel) Water Capacity: 95 gal Fuel Capacity: 52 gal

Inboard Diesel Engine, Wheel Steering, Stern Pulpit Seating, 1 Forward Cabin, 2 Aft Cabins, Convertible Dinette, 2 Heads, Shower, Galley with Stove, Oven, Microwave, and Refrigerator, CD Player, GPS

Seats: 12 Sleeps: 8 Length Overall: 43’2″ Beam: 13’10” Draft: 6’0″ (Fin Keel) Forward Holding Tank Capacity: 22 gal Aft Holding Tank Capacity: 50 gal Forward Water Tank Capacity: 50 gal Aft Water Tank Capacity: 20 gal Fuel Capacity: 46 gal

Very Large Cockpit, Functional as a Deck Salon, Large Main Salon, Galley and Large Dining Table, 3 cabins, 2 Heads & Showers, Direct Access to Port and Starboard Transoms and Swim Steps, Deck Shower, Twin 20 HP Sail-Drive Engines, Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Dinghy with Outboard, Roller Furling Genoa, Refrigerator, Stove, Oven, and BBQ

Seats: 12 Sleeps: 6 Length Overall: 37'11" Draft: 3'9" Beam: 21'5" Water Capacity: 80 gal Fuel Capacity: 56 gal

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• Harbor Island Yacht Club >

Harbor Island Yacht Club

Sailing company for group/team events up to 120.

Harbor Island Yacht Club  is a 33 year old company with 50 sail yachts available for individual or group rental. Our emphasis is on Corporate Sailing Regattas for team-building or just quality off-site fun & reward. We have conducted 974 regatta events for over 65,000 local & visiting business guests. In 2020 we will reach 1,000 events! We pride ourselves in having a lot of identical yachts , giving every participant an equal chance in our team events. All events have a Coast Guard licensed captain. NO experience necessary . We have a NO Seasickness Guarantee because our events are on the sheltered bay. The vessels are all late model, easy-to-sail Catalina or Beneteau yachts from 27 ft to 42 ft including 8 identical vessels. We are located directly opposite San Diego airport with easy access to the city and many nearby hotels.  

NOWHERE on the planet is there a location providing so many uniquely-designed team sailing events than right here in the middle of San Diego Bay!

Consider this.....at "Harbor Island Yacht Club" in San Diego we have conducted over 950 Corporate Regatta events for as many as 65,000 of your typical business attendees.

From 12 guests on just 2 identical yachts, to 48 guests on 8 identical yachts, to 120 guests on 20 late model, user-friendly, clean & comfortable sailing yachts.......we have plenty of options for any corporate group.

And.......at very affordable rates.  

Example #1: 30 guests on 5 yachts for a complete 3.5 hour event = $96 per person + catering. Example #2: 120 guests on 20 yachts for a complete 3.5 hour event = $86 per person + catering.

WHAT WE PROVIDE YOUR GUESTS:

Up to 20 late model yachts from 27 Ft to 42 Ft

Events up to 120 participants - 6 each yacht

'Leisure / Fun' OR 'Team-building' Regattas & Yacht Hire

Professional Race Management includes:

Committee Boat Flags & Horns 'start sequence' Custom course - different each event Professional Coast Guard Captains Industry professional 'handicapping' Prize with your logo for winning team Photos provided FOC after each event Food & Beverage available on all yachts After-race celebration at home dock Remote pick-up & drop-off at several hotel / resort docks Start after lunch / finish before dinner at several bay restaurants

THE BONUS: 

Of 20 vessels we have 8 'identical' 29 Ft regatta yachts

Up to 48 guests "in the same boat" as such

In Pro circles this is "One-design Racing"

We conduct 4 'custom' regatta events

'Standard' format ....around the buoys

'Mystery Race' ....tactics, clues, unconventional course design

'Relay' Regatta ....4 teams, 8 yachts, different colors, separate start & finish lines to "pass the baton" as such

'Match race' regatta .....8 teams, short course, one-on-one, 3 heats until we have a winner.

Neighborhood: Downtown

1880 Harbor Island Drive San Diego, CA 92101

Contact Info

(619) 630-6383 [email protected]

9:00 am to 5:00 pm 7 days a week

Corporate Sail Regattas / Yacht Rentals

• Professionally conducted fun / team building races on 20 yachts from 27 - 42 ft
• Beverage, Snack & Nice Lunch Packages available
• All yachts have a Coast Guard licensed Captain as your guide and entertainer
• Great corporate activity for 12 to 120. Spectator yachts for larger groups
• We operate events on the bay which has so much sheltered sailing area

Popular hands-on optional team-building

• NO Experience is necessary......our captains will show you the ropes
• Unique sailing up close with the city
• We have conducted 974 events through 2019. We will reach 1,000 events in 2020
• Fantastic group off-site events for local or visiting businesses
• Lot of identical boats + handicap system so all guests have equal chance to win

More Information

• Group Seated Capacity: 120
• Group Reception Capacity: 120
• On the bay we can confidently promote a "NO Seasickness Guarantee"
• Prizes for the winning team + a $1,000 "FREE / value-added" photo album

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