York St. John University Boat Club (YSJBC) has a history beginning in 1852, eleven years after the founding of the institution where it is based.

YSJ BC is notable for being the longest standing club of the university and has an affiliation to British Rowing.

The building replaced the wooden boathouse at the bottom of Marygate in York during an early heyday for the club in the 1960s at the request of the then St John's College Principal, Canon Lamb, by the George Pace firm of architects, who also refurbished the College Chapel and built a new Chapel in 1966.

The club competes at a number of regattas and head races throughout the academic year (September - August).

Prior to Christmas the club's main focus is BUCS competition and the York Small Boats Head.