The Recreational Boaters of California (RBOC), a non-profit organization based in Sacramento, is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2018. Launched in 1968, the group has been actively protecting boaters’ rights before the state’s legislative and regulatory bodies for half a century.
RBOC was formed as a joint undertaking by the Pacific Inter-Club Yachting Association (PICYA) and the Southern California Yachting Association (SCYA) to serve as the boating community’s advocate on governmental actions that impact the ability of boaters throughout the state to access lakes, inland waterways and coastal waters.
Since its inception, RBOC has worked on legislation and regulations that have touched every aspect of boating such as boating-related programs and services provided by the state, as well as decisions on how fuel taxes and registration fees paid by boaters are used, among other vital issues.
Today, RBOC receives funding and volunteer support from nearly 200 yacht clubs throughout the state. The organization also receives support from BoatUS and numerous individual donors.
The organization is governed by an 18-member Board of Directors comprised of 9 members from the northern part of California and 9 from southern California. All officers and directors have a distinguished background in boating and a record of service to the state’s boating community.
RBOC’s lobbying efforts are supported by a professional firm in Sacramento, Desmond & Desmond LLC, headed by Jerry Desmond, Director of Government Relations.