Yacht rock; the secret soundtrack to summer
The sound started in the late 1970s and early 1980s and was categorized as adult-oriented rock, dominating the dial in your dad’s old Dodge.
Today, it’s called Yacht Rock and it dominates summer days on the boat and summer nights around the fire pit.
Yacht rock is known by its smooth, mellow sound, often featuring catchy melodies, soft rock instrumentation, and polished production.
What channel is Yacht Rock Radio?
Every summer, SiriusXM offers a dedicated channel for yacht rock enthusiasts. The channel, known as “Yacht Rock Radio,” is available on SiriusXM from Memorial Day through Labor Day, so you still have several weeks of easy listening to enjoy.
This year, Yacht Rock Radio is on SiriusXM Channel 17. You can also search the SiriusXM app for Yacht Rock Radio.
Boat music?
Yacht rock offers an easy soundtrack for a leisurely day on the water, a laid-back summer evening, or chill day at the beach.
Yacht rock — your less hip friends might call it boat music — features a variety of artists and hits from the late ’70s and early ’80s, including some quintessential tracks:
- “Sailing” by Christopher Cross - A classic yacht rock anthem
- “What a Fool Believes” by The Doobie Brothers - Featuring Michael McDonald’s signature vocals, this song defines yacht rock.
- “Ride Like the Wind” by Christopher Cross - Another hit by Cross, this song is a yacht rock favorite.
- “Africa” by Toto - This track has become an iconic yacht rock tune.
- “Rosanna” by Toto - Known for its rhythm and harmonies, this song is typical of yacht rock.
- “Steal Away” by Robbie Dupree - This track’s breezy sound and catchy hook make it a yacht rock staple.
- “You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oates - Known for its upbeat tempo and infectious chorus, this song is a yacht rock must.
New yacht rock songs; what is nu yacht
Despite the late 20 century nostalgia most yacht rock evokes, new artists are making music inspired by the yacht rock genre, often referred to as "nu yacht" or "yacht rock revival."
Here’s a few new yacht rock artists to check out:
- Young Gun Silver Fox: This duo marries the essence of the classic yacht rock sound with modern production techniques. Check out: "Emilia," "Lenny," "Midnight in Richmond"
- Tuxedo: Tuxedo blends yacht rock with funk for a modern twist. Check out: "Do It," "Number One," "Shy"
- Thundercat: Thundercat's music gives off yacht rock-inspired vibes. Check out: "Show You the Way" (featuring Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins), "Them Changes," "Dragonball Durag"
- Poolside: Poolside's music often gives off the laid-back vibe associated with yacht rock. Check out: "Harvest Moon," "California Sunset," "Feel Alright"
Does SiriusXM have a Halloween channel?
Seriously? We’re just getting into the swing of summer and you’re thinking about doing the Monster Mash?
Yes. SiriusXM does have a Halloween station . SCREAM radio last year aired on SiriusXM Channel 107, though the satellite radio company hasn’t yet announced information on SCREAM 2024, including a start date.
The spooky songs, ghost stories and Halloween antics usually go live in early October and last through mid November.
What channel is SiriusXM Holly?
Christmas, already? Well, we are nearing Christmas in July, so it makes sense.
The annual winter holiday channel lineup features a selection of stations for different genres of holiday music.
The mainstay, Holly plays modern Christmas and winter holiday songs. Last year, Holly went live in early November and ended on the day after Christmas.
No announcement has been made yet on what channel Holly will land on this year.
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What Channel is Yacht Rock on Sirius?
Writen by Edwin Jones
Fact checked by Andrew Wright
Whether you’re a yacht rock enthusiast or someone who’s just discovering the smooth and gentle soft rock classics, finding the perfect radio channel to set your mood right is essential. Fortunately, you’ve got a SiriusXM Radio that has a channel dedicated to Yacht Rock.
However, the crucial question remains: What channel is Yacht Rock on Sirius?
Tune in to channel 311 on Sirius Radio and listen to artists like Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, and other artists who worked on smooth music in the late 70s and 80s for free.
Let’s discover more about where you can hear Yacht Rock on the radio.
Table of Contents
Yacht Rock 311 Schedule
Discovering timeless yacht rock, siriusxm online radio streaming.
Subscribing to SiriusXM Radio opens up a world of diverse and specialized programs that go beyond traditional radios.
It has its own set of channels that not all radio offers including over 150 channels including sports, news, entertainment, and music channels of different genres.
Maybe you’re wondering, is Yacht Rock still on Sirius?
The answer is, yes! If you have a SiriusXM Radio subscription, you can find the Sirius Yacht Rock on channel 311.
You can also listen to the Yacht Rock radio channel in the car when you purchase a SiriusXM stereo. Enjoy your favorite smooth-sailing hits from the 1970s and 80s.
Here’s what’s playing on channel 311 on SiriusXM Radio on a Monday:
Yacht Rock Radio Tributes Yacht Rock smooth-sailing soft rock from the late ’70s and early ’80s. This channel features artists like Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Kenny Loggings, Stelly Dan, and other giants of the smooth music realm. | 12:30 am 6:30 am 11 am 6:30 pm |
I’m The Captain Now Every week, a fresh celebrity gets the chance to pick out their favorite Yacht Rock songs. | 12 am 6 am 6 pm 11:30 pm |
You can access their schedule via this website , It cycles between “I’m The Captain Now” and “Yacht Rock Radio” every day.
he Yacht Rock music genre originated in Southern California. It took over the FM radios during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Interestingly, the term Yacht Rock was coined from the comedy series “Yacht Rock” in 2005.
This genre is characterized by a fusion of soft rock and jazz elements, creating a smooth and soulful sound. Initially thought of as a fad, the Yacht Rock genre evolved into a nostalgic treasure of timeless music.
Fortunately, music lovers can still relish Yacht Rock’s rhythms through various channels. There are radio stations, websites, and apps dedicated to bringing you back through timeless music.
By subscribing and downloading SiriusXM radio, you’ll gain the ability to stream Yacht Music wherever you go whether it’s on your smartphone, smart TV, speakers, or computers. This provides you with the flexibility to enjoy your music from various devices.
What channel is Yacht Rock on Sirius? It’s 311. SiriusXM Radio has you covered in your quest to find the perfect channel to listen to the timeless rhythm of Yacht Music. By tuning Sirius yacht roch channel 311, you can listen, and stream using any device.
So, why wait? Start your music journey with Sirius Radio, and don’t miss out on today’s top Yacht Rock songs.
Hi, I am Amaro Frank – the Wind Up Radio’s content editor and writer. Working with Adam is so much fun, as his stories and experiences enrich my knowledge about radio communications and radio accessories. My main tasks in Wind Up Radio are building content and generating great articles on different topics around radio accessories.
Thurston Howell Band: Your Premier Yacht Rock Spectacular
Set Sail with SiriusXM’s Yacht Rock: Tune to 14 & 311
Embark on a Smooth-Sailing Musical Voyage with Yacht Rock Radio
Welcome aboard the musical cruise of Yacht Rock Radio on Sirius XM! If you’ve been searching for “what channel is yacht rock on Sirius XM?”, you’ve just found your smooth-sailing destination. Yacht Rock Radio, also known as Yacht Rock 311, offers a commercial-free haven where the soft rock songs of the late ’70s and early ’80s come to life.
Your Port of Call for Classic Soft Rock
Yacht Rock Radio celebrates the very best of ’70s/’80s smooth-sailing soft rock. It’s where the iconic voices of Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Hall & Oates, and other titans of this mellow musical era’ll serenade you. This station encapsulates the essence of what was once known as the West-Coast sound or adult-orientated rock (AOR), now lovingly termed ‘Yacht Rock’, thanks to the 2005 online video series that coined this term.
Where to Tune In
Find your musical getaway on Sirius XM Radio 14 during the summer months, and on Sirius XM Radio 311 for the rest of the year. Yacht Rock Radio ensures that your listening experience is always top-notch, whether you’re basking in the summer sun or cozying up during the cooler months.
Why Choose Yacht Rock Radio on Sirius XM?
- Non-Stop Music: Immerse yourself in hours of uninterrupted soft rock classics.
- Expertly Curated: Each song is a handpicked gem, ensuring the finest listening experience.
- Seasonal Variations: Two channels for year-round enjoyment – Channel 14 in summer and 311 otherwise.
Set Sail with Sirius XM’s Yacht Rock Radio
Join the legion of yacht rock enthusiasts who’ve made Sirius XM’s Yacht Rock Radio their go-to station for smooth tunes. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of this genre or exploring it for the first time, channels 14 and 311 are your gateways to an era of music that soothes the soul and lifts the spirits.
Stay Connected with Thurston Howell
Keep in tune with the latest from Yacht Rock Radio and other yacht rock news by staying connected with us here at Thurston Howell. We’re your guide in the world of yacht rock, bringing you closer to the music that makes life a smooth sail.
Yacht Rock Radio
- Edit source
The name of the station comes from the 2005 online video series Yacht Rock , which helped coined the term of the previously called West-Coast sound or adult-orientated rock (AOR) style of soft rock.
Description [ ]
Yacht rock 311 [ ].
"SiriusXM's tribute to Yacht Rock celebrates the smooth-sailing soft rock from the late '70s and early '80s. You'll hear artists like Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Hall & Oates and other titans of smooth music. It's the kind of rock that doesn't rock the boat!"
- Interestingly, this channel is unavailable on the SiriusXM channel lineup .
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Yacht Rock Radio Ch. 17 rock
Yacht Rock Radio celebrates the smooth-sailing soft rock from the late '70s and early '80s. You'll hear artists like Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Steely Dan and other titans of smooth music. It's the kind of rock that doesn't rock the boat!
Times Played: 98
Times Played: 97
- Paul Davis
Times Played: 95
So In To You
- Atlanta Rhythm Section
Times Played: 93
Kiss You All Over
Times Played: 92
Still The One
Times Played: 91
What You Won't Do For Love
- Bobby Caldwell
Lido Shuffle
- Boz Scaggs
Smooth Operator
Times Played: 90
Leather And Lace
- Stevie Nicks
- Don Henley
Morning Dance
- Spyro Gyra
Escape (The Pina Colada Song)
- Rupert Holmes
Times Played: 89
What Cha' Gonna Do For Me
- Chaka Khan
Times Played: 88
I Love a Rainy Night
- Eddie Rabbitt
Times Played: 86
Show and Tell
- Al Wilson
- Bill Withers
- John Stewart
We're In This Love Together
- Al Jarreau
Times Played: 85
Laughter In The Rain
- NEIL SEDAKA
Times Played: 84
- Kim Carnes
Diamond Girl
Times Played: 83
Make a Little Magic
- Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
- Nicolette Larson
Feels So Good
- Chuck Mangione
- Robbie Dupree
Times Played: 82
Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)
- Looking Glass
Times Played: 81
After The Love Has Gone
- Earth, Wind & Fire
Keep a Light On
Goodbye Stranger
- Supertramp
Biggest Part Of Me
Times Played: 80
That Girl Could Sing
- Jackson Browne
Baby Come Back
- Andrew Gold
I Just Wanna Stop
- Gino Vanelli
Baker Street
- Gerry Rafferty
Times Played: 79
Never Too Much
- Luther Vandross
Turn Your Love Around
- George Benson
You’re Only Lonely
- J.D. Souther
Times Played: 78
- Kool & The Gang
- Bob Welch
- Samantha Sang
Love Will Find A Way
- Pablo Cruise
You're The Only Woman
Times Played: 77
Summer Breeze
Times Played: 76
I Just Want to Be Your Everything
- Andy Gibb
It Never Rains In Southern California
- Albert Hammond
Reminiscing
- Little River Band
- Bertie Higgins
Times Played: 75
I'd Really Love To See You Tonight
- J.F.Coley
- Michael Martin Murphey
HOLD THE LINE
Heart To Heart
- Kenny Loggins
I Believe In Love
Times Played: 74
Make It With You
Nobody Does It Better
- Carly Simon
Times Played: 73
Cool Change
Searchin' So Long
Times Played: 72
Thunder Island
- Jay Ferguson
Whatcha Gonna Do
Times Played: 71
Stumblin' In
- Chris Norman, Suzi Quatro
Times Played: 70
Give Me the Night
Magnet And Steel
- Walter Egan
Times Played: 69
How Much I Feel
Show And Tell
How 'Bout Us
- Champaign
- Pure Prairie League
Couldn't Get It Right
- Climax Blues Band
Times Played: 68
Let Your Love Flow
- Bellamy Brothers
Silly Love Songs (Remastered)
- Dobie Gray
Just Remember I Love You
Times Played: 67
Fool (If You Think It's Over)
- Chris Rea
Into The Night
- Benny Mardones
Times Played: 66
Running On Empty
You Are The Woman
Sister Golden Hair
Wishing You Were Here
Sentimental Lady
Devil Woman
- Cliff Richard
Shower The People
- James Taylor
Times Played: 64
Fooled Around And Fell In Love
- Elvin Bishop
Papillon (a.k.a. Hot Butterfly)
Dream Weaver
- Gary Wright
Times Played: 63
I Really Don't Know Anymore
- Christopher Cross
Every Kinda People
- Robert Palmer
Times Played: 62
Save It For A Rainy Day
- Stephen Bishop
Listen To The Music
- Doobie Brothers
Moonlight Feels Right
Times Played: 61
- Greg Phillinganes
Ride Like The Wind
Times Played: 60
You Can Do Magic
Times Played: 59
Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight
Times Played: 58
Arthur's Theme
Times Played: 57
Ride Captain Ride
- Blues Image
I Keep Forgettin' (82)
- Michael McDonald
Times Played: 56
Afternoon Delight
- Starland Vocal Band
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Not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with Sirius XM Radio Inc. The official SiriusXM website can be found at siriusxm.com . The channel names, marks, emblems and images are registered trademarks of their respective owners.
First Listen: SiriusXM’s Yacht Soul
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Each year SiriusXM’s Yacht Rock Radio reignites some ongoing, mostly playful skirmishes among radio people and music fans. Is “Yacht Rock” what the term’s creators define it as — ’70s/early-’80s soft rock with some element of R&B/jazz/disco fusion? Is it what SXM plays — a wider version of soft pop from the late ’70s/early ’80s? Why are we canonizing this music from pop music’s doldrums in the first place?
But if you’re eager to play along with that discussion, SXM has just launched Yacht Soul, as a pop-up format currently appearing on SiriusXM’s channel 105 through July 8, after which time it will remain available on the SXM app. The channel is hosted by George Benson, whose reminiscences about songs and artists are interspersed several times an hour.
The new channel is a reminder of R&B’s place at the center of yacht rock. However much weight you want to put on them at a fraught time for pop music, I’d rather hear Benson’s “Give Me the Night” or “Turn Your Love Around” than a lot of other hits from the same period. In turn, Benson, Quincy Jones, Al Jarreau, and George Duke & Stanley Clarke were chief among the artists who were able to cross over during the worst moments of the “disco backlash” that kept other great things happening in R&B away from pop radio in 1980-82.
Like SXM’s Yacht Rock Radio, Yacht Soul is a broad mix of mellow R&B from the same era. The hook promos include some things that seem defining (Dennis Edwards’ “Don’t Look Any Further,” Bobby Caldwell’s “What You Won’t Do for Love,” Chaka Khan’s “Through the Fire”) and others that feel less likely (Evelyn King’s “Love Come Down,” Diana Ross’ “Love Hangover,” Natalie Cole’s “Sophisticated Lady”). Chances are you just disagreed with at least one of my characterizations. Such is the discussion.
Here’s Yacht Soul at 9:30 a.m. on July 3:
- Fourplay, “101 Eastbound” — early ’90s instrumental that seems like more of a fit for Smooth Jazz
- Brothers Johnson, “Strawberry Letter 23”
- Quincy Jones f/Patti Austin, “Something Special”
- Kool & the Gang, “Too Hot” — preceded by a vignette of George Benson talking about witnessing the band’s ascent
- Brenda Russell, “New York Bars” — her hits (“So Good So Right” and “Piano in the Dark”) were nearly a decade apart, in 1979 and 1988; this is from a 1983 album
- Bill Withers, “Lovely Day”
- Patti Labelle, “New Attitude”
- Manhattans, “Shining Star”
- Average White Band, “School Boy Crush”
- L.T.D., “Love Ballad” — Benson talks about hearing the original for the first time: “One of the best songs I ever heard.” Later, he would have a 1979 hit with his own uptempo version
- Atlanta Rhythm Section, “So Into You” — It did crack the R&B chart (No. 93) in 1977. Not the hit single, but what sounded like a longer album version
- William DeVaughn, “Be Thankful for What You Got” — 1974 hit that seems prescient in this context
- Bee Gees, “How Deep Is Your Love”
- Lionel Richie, “All Night Long (All Night)”
- El DeBarge, “Someone”
- George Benson, “This Masquerade” — Benson talks about not knowing the Leon Russell original, or Russell, when the song was brought to him, and his initial reluctance to cover it, or include a vocal on the Breezin’ album
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Hey Sean, Checking out Yacht Soul a bit. A little surprised to hear some cover versions (Everbody Plays The Fool – Aaron Neville and I Never Can Say Goodbye – Issac Hayes), but they are smooth and the channel is inyeresting and easy to listen to. JH
Caught Yacht Rock Radio for the first time, today. Channel 311, had to go looking. In 45 minutes’ time, listening….never heard a single female singer.
I like the mix mainly because it stretches about 25 years, more than double the approximate 10 years of traditional yacht rock. My only complaint so far is “Caravan of Love” being listed as by the Isley Bros.
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Sean Ross is a radio business researcher, programming consultant, conference speaker, and a veteran of radio trade journalism at Billboard, Radio & Records, M Street Journal, and others. For more than a decade, his weekly writings have been collected in the Ross On Radio newsletter; subscribe for free here. https://tinyurl.com/mhcnx4u
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SiriusXM’s tribute to Yacht Rock celebrates the smooth-sailing soft rock from the late 70s and early 80s. You’ll hear artists like Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Hall & Oates and other titans of smooth music.
It’s yacht rock season all year long at SiriusXM as we bring you your favorite smooth-sailing hits from the 1970s and ’80s. With channels like Yacht Rock Radio, Yacht Rock Deep Cuts, and Yacht Soul, plus exclusive shows like “Club Yacht Rock,” you’ll be instantly transported to turquoise seas and cool breezes.
This year, Yacht Rock Radio is on SiriusXM Channel 17. You can also search the SiriusXM app for Yacht Rock Radio. Boat music? Yacht rock offers an easy soundtrack for a leisurely day on the...
The answer is, yes! If you have a SiriusXM Radio subscription, you can find the Sirius Yacht Rock on channel 311. You can also listen to the Yacht Rock radio channel in the car when you purchase a SiriusXM stereo. Enjoy your favorite smooth-sailing hits from the 1970s and 80s.
Sail into the world of Yacht Rock on Sirius XM channels 14 and 311. Enjoy commercial-free, smooth-sailing soft rock from the '70s and '80s.
Yacht Rock Radio, or Yacht Rock 311, is a commercial-free music channel on the Sirius XM Radio platform, broadcasting on Sirius XM channel 14 during the summer, or on Sirius XM channel 311 the rest of the year. The channel mainly airs soft rock songs made during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
When SiriusXM's Yacht Rock Radio isn't available on satellite radio, stream Yacht Rock 311 for nonstop smooth-sailing classics from the late '70s and early '80s by Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac, and more. It's your favorite kind of rock – that doesn’t rock the boat!
Yacht Rock Radio celebrates the smooth-sailing soft rock from the late '70s and early '80s. You'll hear artists like Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Steely Dan and other titans of smooth music. It's the kind of rock that doesn't rock the boat!
Yacht Rock Radio celebrates the smooth-sailing soft rock from the late '70s and early '80s. You'll hear artists like Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Steely Dan and other titans of smooth music. It's the kind of rock that doesn't rock the boat!
But if you’re eager to play along with that discussion, SXM has just launched Yacht Soul, as a pop-up format currently appearing on SiriusXM’s channel 105 through July 8, after which time it will remain available on the SXM app.