Free Sailboat Ride Day: Cal Sailing Club | Berkeley

The Cal Sailing Club (CSC) offers sailing to the public aboard the fleet of keelboats (large and stable) and dinghies (fast and zippy, but kinda tippy) ten times a year.

Whether you are new at sailing or an “old salt,” you can enjoy a spectacular voyage within sight of the University of California, the Bay Bridge, San Francisco, and the Golden Gate.

CSC is an independent, non-profit cooperative; our popular Open Houses are a great way to get a free sail of around ½ hour in one of the most beautiful settings on the planet — and to learn about boat and waterfront safety, Bay ecology, and the fun of non-motorized watercraft.

Almost all Open Houses are held from 1-3 pm Sunday afternoons.

It can get wet (duh) – Bring a strap for eyeglasses or sunglasses, a string to hold your cap on, shoes that can get wet (better avoid flip flops) and comfortable clothes including a windbreaker. A change of clothes can come in handy in case you get soaked. You can borrow our foulies (heavy raincoats) and a PFD (life jacket, required).

Arrive Early: Please try to arrive at 1 pm when the signups begin at the table. On nice days we get lots of visitors. If the tide is dropping, we may have to end sailing earlier than 4 pm, though we try our best to get everyone aboard.

Want to skip the open house and become a member to learn to sail and windsurf? Lessons and use of equipment are all included in the club’s membership, which is only $120 ($99 students/seniors) plus 2 hours volunteer time for 3 months of fun.

The club is non-profit and volunteers provide all the teaching, repairs, and administration.

Cal Sailing Club Open House Dates | 2020
Almost all Open Houses are held from 1-3 pm Sunday afternoons.
Heavy rain or excessive winds many cancel.

Dates for 2020 Open House

• Sunday, March 15*
• Saturday, April 18- Coincides with the Berkeley Bay Festival*
• Sunday, May 17
• Sunday, June 7
• Sunday, July 19
• Sunday, August 9
• Sunday, September 20
• Sunday, October 18
• Sunday, November 8

Where are you located?

CSC is just east of the Shorebird Center, at 124 University Ave. on the Berkeley Marina, facing Emeryville, about ¼ mile before the Berkeley Pier. There’s plenty of parking for cars and bikes, and AC transit stops just opposite the club. Be sure to ask the bus driver if the bus goes to the Marina.