Top 10 Yacht Rock Songs That Still Hit (Harder Than a Summer Breeze)

Ahoy, smooth sailors! 🚤 The sea may be calm, but these yacht rock classics still make waves. Whether you're cruising the coast or sipping something tropical under a mirrored disco ball, these tracks are timeless. Here are 10 yacht rock songs that still slap harder than a halyard in the wind—and The Yachties are proud to play a few ourselves.

1. "Africa" – Toto

No yacht rock playlist is complete without this globe-spanning, synth-laced anthem. From the keyboard riffs to the iconic chorus, it still gives goosebumps in all the right ways.

2. "What a Fool Believes" – The Doobie Brothers

Michael McDonald's falsetto. That bouncy keyboard. The perfectly polished harmonies. Yacht rock royalty—certified.

3. "Rosanna" – Toto

Yes, Toto gets two spots. And deservedly so. Rosanna is the funky, jazzy cousin of “Africa,” and it still lights up any dance floor.

4. "Sailing" – Christopher Cross

This one floats like a dream. Pure, mellow magic—and arguably the most literal yacht rock song ever written.

5. "Ride Like the Wind" – Christopher Cross

Before he was “sailing,” Cross was “riding” like a smooth rock desperado. Bonus points for Michael McDonald on backing vocals—again.

6. "Steal Away" – Robbie Dupree

You might not know his name, but you definitely know that soft groove and sun-kissed chorus. Steal away into smooth heaven.

7. "You Make My Dreams" – Hall & Oates

Okay, technically not always classified as yacht rock—but it’s so catchy, so polished, and so infectious, it earns a berth on this list.

8. "Lowdown" – Boz Scaggs

Groovy, jazzy, and effortlessly cool. This song struts like it owns the dock and has a standing reservation at the captain’s table.

9. "Reminiscing" – Little River Band

The ultimate slow jam. Wine glass in hand, sunset on the water—this one oozes yacht rock charm.

10. "Biggest Part of Me" – Ambrosia

Lush harmonies, silky saxophone, and major feels. Ambrosia nailed the romantic yacht rock power ballad formula.

Honorable Mentions:

• “Heart to Heart” – Kenny Loggins

• “Cool Change” – Little River Band

• “Peg” – Steely Dan

• “How Long” – Ace

Final Thoughts from The Yachties

These tracks aren’t just throwbacks—they’re dance floor staples, sing-along starters, and the soundtrack to every smooth sail into the weekend.

Want to hear these jams live (with a disco twist)?🎤 Check out our upcoming shows and let The Yachties take you on a retro cruise you'll never forget.