Which cities have the best sailing and sailing culture in the US?

[caravan70]

Originally Posted by 04kL4nD

Surprised nobody has mentioned San Francisco or the Bay Area. It's not an inexpensive/easily accessible one, but there's a robust sailing community if you know where to look.

Not to mention that the region hosted the America's Cup in 2013.

[GeoffD]

Originally Posted by BigCity76

Yeah I still have fond memories of a family summer vacation to Castine, ME in the early 80's when I was a young lad, mostly the sailing excursion from that trip. I'll never forget we went out on this fairly large captained sailboat for about half a day (just my immediate family) in Penobscot Bay I believe. We stopped at several different little islands along the way. We were far from a sailing family growing up in NNJ and my parents both being from NYC. That being said, the captain was awesome, the sailing was amazing and beautiful views everywhere. We picnic'd on one of the islands and it's been a cherished family memory ever since.

Personally, sailing Merchants Row off Stonington ME with all the little granite islands is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. “Cruise to Maine” was something I grew up with. Through the Cape Cod Canal and an overnight sail to Tenants Harbor. I’ve done that passage a bunch of times. I have a Cruising Guide to Maine that’s all annotated with details about various places I’ve been.

[TacoSoup]

San Diego. Huge sailing culture with nice weather year round. I crew 1-2x a month and it’s rare when I not in shorts and a short sleeved shirt. I may throw on a light vest or jacket motoring in when it’s getting late.

Los Angeles, but they lack a bay like San Diego’s.

San Francisco too, although the conditions can be gnarly for the casual (or novice) sailor.

The further north you go the weather starts to blow (no pun intended). My uncle sails up in Seattle and he doesn’t get out much fall through spring. Same goes for my in-laws that sail in the Northeast. There’s no denying the culture and history there, but you’re not going out a good portion of the year. At least not in comfort (or safely).