Commodore John Quincy Goodrich, III
Southwestern Yacht Club Established 1925
Welcome Message from Our Commodore:
As we embark into our second century, I am honored to introduce you to Southwestern Yacht Club, one of the largest, oldest, friendliest and most prestigious yacht clubs in San Diego. Our deep maritime heritage and active encouragement of all aspects of boating makes Southwestern Yacht Club an exceptional place to belong.
A Welcoming, Active Social and Family-Oriented Community Life:
Southwestern Yacht Club is proud to be known as the original “Friendliest Yacht Club” in San Diego. Our members cherish the club as their second home, reflecting the warm, supportive, and genuine culture that has become Southwestern Yacht Club defining characteristic. SWYC offers a vibrant and varied social calendar, holding events throughout the year that appeal to all ages. These include themed dinners and galas, holiday celebrations, casual barbecues, dock parties, dancing, live music, Trivia Nights, and summer Friday-evening entertainment. Families find an abundance of activities designed for children, such as movie nights, family cookouts, campouts, paddleboard and kayak opportunities, and seasonal celebrations. The club’s social environment is friendly, relaxed, and welcoming.
Prime Location with Outstanding Facilities:
Situated in Shelter Island Yacht Basin, we are the Yacht Club offering the most immediate access to the Pacific Ocean from San Diego Bay, making SWYC’s location ideal for sailing, angling, cruising, and recreational boating. Our 15,000-square-foot clubhouse, full-service recessed bar and dining room, banquet facilities, and outdoor decks with exceptional marina views, meeting and event rooms together with over 380 wet slips, 46 dry trailer storage slips, and 150 dinghy storage spaces, 3-ton hoist and launch area, Guest docks with electrical and water service, Laundry, storage, and maintenance facilities are some of our members favorite amenities.
Sailing, Racing, Cruising & Angling Opportunities:
Our Sail Fleet is active, inclusive, and supportive of sailors at every skill level. Whether you are a competitive racer, a recreational sailor, or someone new to the sport, you will find ample opportunities to participate. Highlights include: A strong racing fleet, organized local cruises and raft-ups. Adult sailing instruction, an active Anglers Group, supported by weigh-in and fillet facilities
Exemplary Junior & Youth Programs:
Our Junior Program is one of the cornerstones of Southwestern Yacht Club and is widely regarded as one of the strongest in the region that incorporates our nationally recognized youth angling program. We offer year-round instruction in both sailing and angling, as well as a comprehensive summer program.
Juniors have access to a variety of club-provided vessels—including Sabots, O’Pen Skiffs, Lasers, CFJs, 420s, and a J-24—ensuring accessibility for all families. The program emphasizes water safety, seamanship, sportsmanship, confidence and teamwork, providing a foundation for lifelong enjoyment of the water. Our junior sailors have gone on to excel at regional, national, and even Olympic levels.
Philanthropy, Stewardship & Community Values: SWYC is committed to giving back. Through the
Southwestern Junior Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, that provide scholarships and tuition assistance to support youth participation in boating, fishing, and water-safety programs both at Southwestern Yacht Club and other facilities in San Diego.
Our dedication to environmental stewardship includes the only Yacht Club hosted White Seabass Restoration Project Grow out facility in the United States, together with sustainable facility management, partnering with local schools and Universities on educational initiatives, and support for programs that encourage responsible enjoyment of the ocean.
Volunteerism is Central to the SWYC Experience:
Members play an active role in the leadership of the club, serve on committees, assist in hosting events, raising money for our Club charity “ElderHelp” by organizing events such as “Benefit on the Bay,” combining racing, fishing tournaments to raise funds are testaments to this spirit of shared responsibility fosters strong camaraderie, lasting friendships, and a genuine sense of community.
An Invitation to Join Our Tradition:
Whether you are a lifelong boater, a sailor eager to improve your skills, a family looking for quality time on the water, wholesome activities, or someone seeking a welcoming social community, to make lifelong friends, Southwestern Yacht Club offers exceptional value and an unmatched sense of belonging.
We invite you to explore our facilities, connect with our members, and experience firsthand the traditions and spirit that make SWYC a truly special place. We look forward to the opportunity to welcome you and your family aboard!
With warm regards,
John Quincy Goodrich, III
Commodore
Southwestern Yacht Club