Membership Information
The Master Mariners Benevolent Association is a non-profit California Corporation whose stated purpose is "to foster participation in yachting and the preservation of well designed, properly constructed and well maintained classic and traditional wooden sailing craft."
The MMBA was originally founded in 1867 and continues to be one of San Francisco's premier yacht associations. Members receive the club newsletter The Shellback and are encouraged to participate in all annual events.
Membership Benefits
- Access to all MMBA events — regatta, wooden boat show, Jessica Cup, cruises, and social gatherings
- Subscription to The Shellback newsletter
- PICYA membership eligibility
- Qualifying vessels eligible for a member discount boat insurance policy through Hackworth & Co. Insurance
- Connection to the Bay Area's classic boat community
Eligibility
If you have a traditionally designed wooden sailboat, built with traditional methods and materials, you may be eligible to join the MMBA. You need not sail your boat to every event to maintain membership — the association welcomes committed custodians of traditional wooden craft at all levels of activity.
Membership Application Process
- Fill out a membership application form
- Submit a current photo of your boat under sail
- Pay the application fee
- Inspection of your boat by a Board member or delegate
- Approval by the MMBA Board
Required Vessel Information
Applications require the following vessel details:
- Vessel Name, Designer, Builder, Year Built
- Class, Rig (Gaff or Marconi), Berth Location, Sail Number
- Hull Material, Spar Material
- LOD, LOA, LWL, Beam, Draft
- Sail Area (working and max), Displacement, Keel Configuration
- Modifications and Renovation Projects
- Full owner contact information
The PICYA Connection
The MMBA is a member of the Pacific Interclub Yacht Association (PICYA). Qualifying MMBA member boats are eligible to apply for a favorable member discount boat insurance policy through Hackworth & Co. Insurance, specialists in classic and wooden boat coverage.
Classic Wooden Boat Resources
For those interested in the broader world of traditional wooden boatbuilding and seamanship:
- WoodenBoat Magazine — The definitive publication for wooden boat owners and builders
- Center for Wooden Boats — Museum and hands-on education, Seattle
- Spaulding Wooden Boat Center — Restoration and education, Sausalito
- Good Old Boat Magazine — For owners of classic fiberglass and wooden cruisers
- Mystic Seaport Museum — World's leading maritime museum, Mystic, CT