About Us
Sun Harbor Marina
Many years ago, the small cove in the southern lee side of San Diego’s Shelter Island was known as the Commercial Basin. Much of San Diego’s famous commercial and sport-fishing fleet was moored there.
In 1994, Commercial Basin was re-named America’s Cup Harbor in anticipation of the 1995 America’s Cup races which were to be held in San Diego. The name was also chosen because it would be the designated location for the mooring of the racing vessels participating in the event.
History of America's Cup Harbor
Many years ago, the small cove in the southern lee side of San Diego’s Shelter Island was known as the Commercial Basin. Much of San Diego’s famous commercial and sport-fishing fleet was moored there.
In 1994, Commercial Basin was re-named America’s Cup Harbor in anticipation of the 1995 America’s Cup races which were to be held in San Diego. The name was also chosen because it would be the designated location for the mooring of the racing vessels participating in the event.
The 1995 America’s Cup race was bitter sweet for San Diego. San Diego’s Team Dennis Conner (The winner of the 1995 Citizen Cup) on the yacht Young America (USA-36), battled against Team New Zealand on the yacht Black Magic (NZL-32), and New Zealand won five straight races to take the cup away from the U.S. for only the second time in 144 years.
Today, America’s Cup Harbor is still home to much of San Diego’s remaining sport-fishing fleet and of course, the Sun Harbor Marina.
Sun Harbor Marina's Environmental Stewardship
Dating back to 1933, Sun Harbor marina has enjoyed a long history in the harbor and has a reputation as one of the earliest and most established marinas in San Diego.
AWARDS
- 2005 – California EARTH Award for demonstrating sustainable environmental practices during rebuilding
- 2011 – Chairman’s Award in Sustainability from the Port of San Diego’s Green Business Challenge
- 2012 – Cool California Climate Leader Award
- 2019 – San Diego Port Tenants Association Environmental Initiative Award
- 2020 – Port of San Diego Case Study – Greenwork Makes the Dream Work
LEED Certification
After a complete overhaul in 2005, Sun Harbor received recognition on both a national and international level as the world’s first LEED certified marina. (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
Becoming a LEED facility presented many challenges. We were pioneers working under a new standard. Many building materials were not readily available.
At times it was frustrating, but it was a critical mission to re-build with the environment in mind, taking all steps possible to make a clean environment from the property and the water being used as part of the business.
Sun Harbor Marina is a proud Clean Marine participant. The Clean Marine program is an ongoing endeavor by a marine industry alliance determined to provide environmentally clean facilities and protect coastal and inland waters from pollution through compliance of best management practices.
Partners
Removing Seafloor Toxins
Proof of Concept
Marine Surveys
Pumpout Grant
Promoting Clean Boating Through Education
Dockwalker program
Marina Cleanup
Partner for Clean Boating
Healthy Sea Turtle Populations
Electric Vehicle Charging
Saying Yes to Electric Vehicles
Associations
