Yacht Rock “Dockumentary” Launching on HBO

Have you always been hip to “Yacht Rock?” We have to admit we’re not the type who could describe it. According to NPR, this could all be cleared up by watching a “Dockumentary” that’s soon to be released on HBO.

We asked ChatGPT what it is, and it described the phenomenon like this: “Yacht Rock is a subgenre of soft rock music that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, characterized by smooth melodies, lush harmonies, and themes often associated with leisure, romance, and affluent lifestyles. It features artists like Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, and Toto, and evokes the vibe of carefree sailing or lounging on a luxury yacht.” Sounds like you right? The movie trailer and some local yacht rockers are below.

California sailors should know that Wikipedia says “yacht rock” is a California thing. According to Wikipedia, “Yacht rock (originally known as the West Coast sound or adult-oriented rock) is a broad music style and aesthetic commonly associated with soft rock, one of the most commercially successful genres from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s. Drawing on sources such as smooth soul, smooth jazz, R&B, and disco, common stylistic traits include high-quality production, clean vocals, and a focus on light, catchy melodies. The term yacht rock was coined in 2005 by the makers of the online comedy video series Yacht Rock, who connected the music with the popular Southern Californian leisure activity of boating. It was considered a pejorative term by some music critics.”

Obviously many local sailors are those who love the “popular Southern Californian leisure activity of boating.” So the question for readers is, “What is your favorite ‘yacht rock’ song or band?”

Why do people do this? Like a lot of sailing, it’s just for the fun of it, as too much of life is taken way too seriously. Music and sailing are a way to set you free.

If you have a shot of your crew in “yacht rock” mode you can upload it to our Sailagram page here.

If you don’t want to send one of yourself, we understand. Send one of your best friend. You could add your favorite yacht-rock songs in our Comments section below.