Cast Away Your Worries with Smooth-Sailing Yacht Rock

Drop your anchor and relax with our yacht rock channels and shows.

Profile picture of SiriusXM Editor
by:
SiriusXM Editor
September 11, 2023

Here at SiriusXM, it’s yacht rock season all year long as we bring you your favorite smooth-sailing hits from the 1970s and ’80s. With channels like Yacht Rock 311 and Yacht Rock Deep Cuts, plus exclusive show like “I’m the Captain Now,” you’ll be instantly transported to turquoise seas and cool breezes.

Listen to Yacht Rock on SiriusXM

Yacht Rock 311

Available year-round on channel 311 and the SiriusXM app, Yacht Rock 311 (Ch. 311) plays artists like Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Steely Dan, and other titans of the genre. It’s the kind of rock that doesn’t rock the boat!

Starting May 23, 2024, Yacht Rock Radio docks at satellite channel 17 for the summer season, featuring the “Memorial Day Marina Meltdown” special and a brand-new weekly mix show, “Club Yacht Rock.”

Yacht Rock Deep Cuts

For the biggest yacht rock fans around, stream the Yacht Rock Deep Cuts channel — available exclusively on the SiriusXM app — for lesser-known (but still delightfully smooth) yacht rock songs.

I’m the Captain Now

Each week on “I’m the Captain Now,” we let a new celebrity take the yacht for a spin around the marina and pick out their favorite yacht rock songs.

Broadcast Schedule:
Tuesdays at 8pm ET
Wednesdays at 9am, 5pm, and 10pm ET
Thursdays at 6am, 10am, and 3pm ET
Fridays at 12pm and 5pm ET
Saturdays at 1am, 10am, 3pm, and 9pm ET
Sundays at 3am, 1pm, and 7pm ET
Mondays at 7am, 12:30pm, and 7pm ET

What is yacht rock?

Yacht rock is more than just a musical style; it represents an era of laid-back sophistication and an easy-going lifestyle. While we may not all have a yacht, with yacht rock, we can still experience the vibes.

A genre of music that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, yacht rock is characterized by its smooth melodies and polished production popular among yacht-owning individuals during this era. The music often features lush arrangements and a clean, polished sound that is easy on the ears, with catchy lyrics and harmonious vocals. The overall feel is relaxed and laid-back, suitable for leisurely activities — like sailing on a yacht.

Yacht rock often incorporates elements of jazz and R&B. Saxophone solos and Fender Rhodes electric piano are common. The lyrics in yacht rock songs often explore themes of romance, introspection, and escapism. The tone is generally positive and reflective, matching the easy-going nature of the music.

Some of the most iconic yacht rock artists include Steely Dan, Toto, Michael McDonald (both solo and with The Doobie Brothers), Christopher Cross, Kenny Loggins, and Hall & Oates.

Today, yacht rock continues to be celebrated for its timeless appeal. Its smooth sounds continue to evoke a sense of nostalgia and relaxation, making it a beloved genre for many music enthusiasts.



Share: