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California Yacht Club Says New Clubhouse Will Take Several Years to Build, Activities Continue After Devastating Fire

A Temporary Pavilion Will Soon Serve in the Interim

By Zach Armstrong

The California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey lost nearly everything in December. One night, its two-story clubhouse was consumed by a seaside fire that incinerated an impressive collection of historical artifacts, boating trophies and other memorabilia. But the nautical community’s resilience proved itself. Various events and programs, including pickleball and a recent Super Bowl watch party, have continued on the club’s six-acre property while its members’ yachts still sit in the adjacent docks. 

By June, Senior Vice President John Myers says the club hopes to give members a closer sense of normalcy with an elevated pavilion-style facility featuring a full-bar, restaurant, bathrooms and event space. This structure will serve in the interim while the club works out development plans for a new official clubhouse. Nothing short of a cumbersome process is anticipated. Once insurance provides an estimate on losses, the club can determine a design strategy while working with L.A. County and the California Coastal Commission for approvals.

An approximate timeline is hard to determine, said Myers, but will likely take several years.

The old clubhouse held a decades’ worth display of cherished relics that showed the club’s rich history. Notable items that perished in the December fire include the King of Spain Trophy which was acquired from King Alfonso XIII in 1929 and photographs of past club leaders. An internal team is salvaging items that survived the blaze, such as the California Cup, which will likely appear in the new HQ. 

Fellow yacht clubs have shown strong comradery, said Myers. Many of them offered support to CYC after the winter fire; possibly leading to donations of memorabilia once official development plans for a new clubhouse are in motion. Having a membership of international travelers also proved to be a useful perk. As they travel to other clubs, they can use their connections to ask for gifts. Myers also said the club is open to starting “new traditions.”

While CYC lost some of its members, Myers says its community largely hasn’t gone anywhere and remains excited for future events. An upcoming Easter brunch, women’s paddle tennis and yoga are just some of what CYC members will be enjoying. Sailboat racing has also reconvened with the Sunset Series starting April 17 and running through Sept. 4.

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California Yacht Club celebrates the beginning of sailing season in style

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Just three months after a devastating fire all but destroyed their exquisite clubhouse building, the California Yacht Club celebrated the opening day of sailing season in style over the weekend. Blessed with a beautiful sunny day, members and guests were treated to a mardi-gras-inspired party, with a bountiful banquet, activities and entertainment on Saturday evening.

However, on the night of December 11 last year, at least five fire trucks and a substantial number of firefighters were dispatched to the location of the clubhouse at Marina Del Rey. The blaze was so intense that two firefighters were injured as they tried for two hours to bring it under control.

According to John Myers, Senior Vice President of the California Yacht Club , arson was soon ruled out and the cause was traced back to an electrical issue in the building’s kitchen. Originally built in 1967, most of the interior has been gutted and tragically many paintings and antique memorabilia was lost.

“Since then we’ve been slowly and painstakingly picking up the pieces, working through insurance, but also really starting to get on with what we have to do,” says Myers adding, “Fortunately, nothing besides the clubhouse was damaged, so we still have our outdoor paddle tennis and pickleball courts and we’re actively encouraging the outdoor activities this summer.”

Those who are keen sailors in Santa Monica might already know that a couple of sizable regattas have already taken place. However, this weekend is regarded as the “official” start to the season as the date marks a traditional time when the sea ice had melted sufficiently on the East Coast to allow sailing to once again take place. It is often accompanied by the use of large, loud canons at yacht clubs around the country to signify the “breaking of the ice.” Thankfully though, the only ice you’ll find here is in your gin and tonic.

Myers explains that a temporary clubhouse will be erected on the west side of the site, where part of the parking lot is currently. The asphalt surface will have some serious wooden decking laid over the top to level everything out. “This way, we’re going to be able to enjoy stunning sunsets every single evening,” he says.

Myers himself had only been in his role at the Yacht Club for a couple of weeks when the tragic incident happened, but he firmly believes the community, along with every member, will be galvanized by the efforts to repair and replace everything.

“If I was a betting man, I think this thing will be finished in about three and a half year’s time. There’s still a long way to go, working with the county and coastal commission, plus long-term lease extension discussions,” he says. But Myers is optimistic, saying that great efforts are being made during this time to rescue and restore as much of the old building as possible before demolition begins, plus the addition of new features. “That old building didn’t even have an elevator, so that’s going to change,” he laughs. 

The massive, makeshift marquee will feature a similarly-sized dining area and bar and will be used for functions and private events in much the same way as the old venue was. In addition, Myers plans to have smaller, satellite-style events as well, “On busy weekends, I’m hoping to have barbecues and taco stands and other attractions both here [in front of the clubhouse] and in the parking lot.”

The weekend’s festivities attracted a very large crowd, many of whom enjoyed the event from the comfort of their own luxury watercraft. Standing on the impressively manicured grass lawn, the burnt shell of the clubhouse is both a spectacular and sad sight, but it’s clear that the Southern California sailing community remains determined and dedicated to rebuilding, bigger and better.

Scott Snowden

Scott fell in love with Santa Monica when he was much younger and now, after living and working in five different countries, he has returned. He's written for the likes of the FT, NBC, the BBC and CNN. More by Scott Snowden

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Published on December 12th, 2023 | by Editor

Fire destroys California Yacht Club

Published on December 12th, 2023 by Editor -->

A massive fire decimated the California Yacht Club located in Marina del Rey, CA.

The fire was reported around 11:30 pm on December 11, with crews arriving to find heavy smoke and fire engulfing the two-story building. Two firefighters suffered moderate injuries before the blaze was knocked down just before 1:30 am on December 12, 2023.

Among the prominent California clubs, it has been a frequent host to national and international regattas, with recent events including the J/70 World Championship, US Junior Women’s Championship, Martin 242 North American Championship, and CFJ National Championship.

The club was started in 1922 in Los Angeles harbor by a group of dedicated yachtsman – most from Los Angeles Athletic Club and the rest active in other early yacht clubs of the day. But when the USA went to war in 1941, the club’s facilities were taken over by the Coast Guard.

After World War II, the facilities were so run down that CYC was forever gone from its birthplace. However, a group of previous CYC members and other prominent yachtsmen were encouraged by the development of Marina del Rey and reactived California Yacht Club in 1961.

Former owner Steve Hathaway noted that his father helped build the club in the 1960s. “It’s been a home for so many people. We are so heartbroken right now… It tears me apart to see… It’s just terrible,” said Hathaway.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Comment : This one is personal as Scuttlebutt was founded at California Yacht Club with two generations of the Leweck family having photos and trophies that perished in the flames. – Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt

Excerpt from Los Angeles Times on December 15, 2023:

The blaze engulfed decades’ worth of boating trophies, historical artifacts and cherished memorabilia at the California Yacht Club. Fire crews attempted to control the blaze as heavy smoke and flames consumed the two-story building. By the time they had subdued the fire two hours later, only the skeletal remnants of the clubhouse were left standing.

John Myers, senior vice president of the club, said the blaze had been reported by an employee working late in the clubhouse Monday night (Dec. 11). The fire spared the remainder of the facilities on the ground, including the docks and the yachts moored there. But the clubhouse, and particularly its second floor, was all but wiped out.

The second floor once housed a collection of the club’s prestigious racing trophies, kept on display for members and visitors. The fire melted all but a single salvageable California Cup. Most notably, the priceless King of Spain Trophy, acquired in 1929 from King Alfonso XIII, was lost.

Additionally, the club lost cherished photographs of every past commodore, a significant position within a yacht club. Members said they didn’t know if anyone had digitized the images of the commodores or of the club’s founders.

The main topic among members now is what’s next for the club. Dakoske Koslu noted that the club’s ownership changed over the last few years, and many are unsure and concerned about the club’s continuation after the fire.

Tags: California Yacht Club , CYC fire , tragedy

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California Yacht Club Town Hall Meeting Discusses Recovery After Massive Fire

California Yacht Club faced a massive structure fire on December 11, resulting in the destruction of much of its clubhouse. However, the Town Hall meeting on December 17 highlighted the resilience and commitment of the community to move forward and continue scheduled club programming despite the loss of the clubhouse. The focus is now on safety, member experience, and planning for the future.

The article emphasizes the determination of the California Yacht Club to carry on its operations and programs despite the setback of losing the clubhouse, showcasing the strength of the community and its commitment to moving forward.

• The meeting on December 17 demonstrated the unity and resilience of the California Yacht Club community in the face of adversity.
• Focused efforts are now directed towards prioritizing safety, ensuring a positive member experience, and planning for the future.
• The club's facilities, apart from the clubhouse, remain relatively undamaged, allowing various programs to continue as scheduled for 2024.

The focus will be on rebuilding the clubhouse, ensuring safety, enhancing the member experience, and planning for the next 100 years of the club, with a commitment to moving forward together with the support of the yachting community.

The California Yacht Club is determined to overcome the loss of its clubhouse and move forward with the support of its community, emphasizing the strength and resilience of the club.

Read more at Scuttlebutt Sailing News

The summary of the linked article was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence technology from OpenAI

Scuttlebutt Sailing News • Editor

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California Yacht Club

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California Yacht Club is celebrating 100 years!

Come join our community of boaters, rowers, swimmers, athletes, artists, wine enthusiasts, and more! The California Yacht Club is… read more

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4469 Admiralty Way

Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

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Featuring outstanding cuisine, professional service and casually elegant ambiance, the California Yacht Club provides its guests a truly memorable event. Surrounded by one of the Largest man-made small craft harbors in the United States and featuring breathtaking views, the California Yacht Club is the ideal venue for a charming private dinner, a wedding for 50-400 guests, corporate business meetings and full-day retreats, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, birthdays, showers, rehearsal dinners and any special event your imagination can create. We are here to help you with every step of your event to ensure "smooth sailing" and a memorable experience for you and your guests. …

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The CYC is a lovely place for an event. We were fortunate enough to have our 10th wedding anniversary celebration there, and Tiffani - Catering Director, Luis - Banquet manager, and their team were outstanding. The venue is beautiful, located right on the marina, and the service and food are remarkable. Tiffani worked with us to develop a delicious and varied menu, cocktails, and lovely design of the room to accommodate 115 guests. Luis was hands-on the entire evening ensuring that our guests were well fed, and nothing ran short. We highly recommend seeing Tiffani for your future party or wedding reception...everything was taken care of beautifully with stellar service.

See all photos from H E. for California Yacht Club

This place is for members only, but you can get in as guests with a member... I've got to say, the plentiful seafood buffets are amazing. Oysters on the half shell, shrimp, king crabs, crab claws and their rib-eye; oh my! It's always great to go with good company so you can share delicious food and very conversations. They also have a great dessert platter that is to die for... and on Sundays, they have "make your own pasta" nights where you can choose what sort of noodle/pasta, with your own proteins, veggies and sauce to take to the chef as he prepares it for you on the spot. Surprisingly, their cocktails aren't bad either. But you ever have an opportunity to dine there, try to go on a clear day and grab a seat by the window - it over looks the Marina and it is absolutely stunning. My old boss had his wedding there 12 years ago, and they both rave and rant about how great it was. Reading through the other reviews, this seems like an amazing place to get married. Apparently, the same people have been working there for the last 20 years, so they kow every single member, recall every single wedding and therefore, provide excellent customer service to their neighborhood friends. This is definitely a place to get to know and affiliated with... cheers to great seafood at the perfect spot on the marina.

Was planning to have my ceremony here because of the private and intimate setting, however my plans had to change due to a personal matter. But, i want to share how responsive Tiffani -Director of Catering was! She is a gem! I would consider CYC for future events!

CYC is a private club. You can do events here as non memeber. We looked into our wedding here it's a pretty special spot for those type of gigs. It ended up being cheaper to join so we did. Great grounds and club house, pool and docks. The Dining room is the nicest of all the SM bay yacht clubs and the head chef Hector can be brilliant at times. There are many Powerboating activities and Sailing is strong with regattas and Wednesday night races. They have a wine and epicurean society. Staff is friendly and service is usually good. They have a kids sailing program and paddle tennis courts. The crowd is mostly older and retired with big boats. There are a few younger members and families.The membership dues are moderate with no minimums. The Saturday seafood buffet was recently outstanding and Easter/Mothers day Brunch very popular.

I had my wedding reception here! I highly recomend this location for such occassions. The staff we had that evening was FANTASTIC. Our servers did a great job making sure everyone was fed, our bartender (Don aka Trouble) made sure we all reached our liquor limit, and Pedro, our captain for the event, coordinated everything perfectly. Our planner, Lori, was available when we were to discuss layouts and linens. The food was amazing- several of our friends have been raving about it since! I couldn't have picked a better location. It was simple and elegant; everyone loved watching the sunset over the water. We were able to make the event indoor and outdoor, which was perfect. I've also had dinner here. I guess Friday night is the buffet style and it was delicious! Excellent service and high quality food!

We had the Christmas brunch there the weekend before Christmas. The serving style was buffet and we felt that the selection was wide enough. The professional carolers arrived at 11 and they went around to each table asking for song requests. There was no tipping so they must have been compensated by the club. The carolers where dressed in period clothing. There was an omelet station, a steak, egg Benedict, and blintz section, salad section, desert section. The views of the boats are very nice but it's a good idea to arrive early and get a table by the window.

A great spot if you are a member or a reciprocal member of the LAAC! Great drinks all day long!

Went to a wedding here and was very impressed with the spread of food. They had so many vegetarian options, I was shocked! they also offered good seafood options for my husband. The view is gorgeous especially at sunset and the staff were all very accommodating. Perfect place for a special event.

Came here for dinner on Saturday. My friend (and club member) ordered a Dark 'N Stormy. They did not have the ingredients to make it...really? When asked for a similar drink, they gave a Sprite and rum concoction that didn't seem quite right. Went for the Whiskey Sour instead. Not much waiter service - I think they forgot about us since we were at an end table. The calamari was excellent - the highlight of the meal. Our main courses were average. Great view over the marina. Go here to feel elite (hey, it's a club!). But if you're looking for excellent food, I suggest going somewhere else.

My wife and I are members at the Seattle Yacht Club in Seattle. We visited the California Yacht Club with some dear friends on a Friday evening when they serve their famous Fish Buffet. I had read several reviews of their Friday Buffet and was curious to try it. We were welcomed by very friendly and courteous staff at the reception desk. We first took some time to tour the CYC's wonderful facilities, look at their trophies and half-hulls and subsequently took in a wonderful sunset. In the restaurant, the selection of food was incredible. Everything we tried was perfectly prepared and wonderfully presented. The servers were attentive and friendly. I do my best to limit my portions, but I have to admit I ate a little extra as I knew it would be a while before I would be able to come back. Our favorites were the shrimp, crab legs and their selection of vegetable salads. Alternatives to fish were served as well in case one of the members of a party do not care for seafood. This is definitely an experience we hope to repeat when we are back in town!

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California Yacht Club

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Flames engulf California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey; 2 firefighters injured

MARINA DEL REY, Calif. (KABC) -- Two firefighters were injured while battling flames that engulfed a yacht club that has been a local landmark in Marina del Rey for decades.

The fire was reported around 11:30 p.m. Monday at the California Yacht Club on Admiralty Way, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Fire crews arrived on scene to heavy fire and smoke billowing from the building, and it was quickly upgraded to a 2nd alarm fire before it was eventually extinguished.

The injured male firefighters were taken to the hospital with moderate injuries, but additional details about their injuries were not known. They have since been released.

The California Yacht Club started back in 1922. The former owner told Eyewitness News that his father helped build the Marina del Rey building over 50 years ago.

"It's been a home for so many people. We are so heartbroken right now... It tears me apart to see... It's just terrible," said Steve Hathaway.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

No other injuries were reported and no boats were damaged.

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• MARINA DEL REY
• LOS ANGELES COUNTY
• BUILDING FIRE
• LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT
• FIREFIGHTER INJURED
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Young North Bay sailors compete for shot at stardom on the high seas

North bay sailors compete for stardom on the high seas.

About a dozen young North Bay sailors, who are members of the San Francisco Yacht Club, competed in a series of races the past four days that could determine who represents Team USA in upcoming summer regatta's around the globe.

OAKLAND, Calif. - On a crisp, wind-whipped morning on the San Francisco Bay, white sails attached to white boats could be seen bouncing on the water almost in formation.

"Being out on the water is just nice because you can just be yourself. You can just feel the air. You’re on your boat alone. You’re with your team," said Beckett Kern, a San Francisco Yacht Club sailor.

The 14-year-old is one of about a dozen North Bay kids competing in the Citizen’s Private Bank Opti Team Trials. The four-day event, from April 18-21, pulls 200 young sailors from around the country.

One sailor sits inside one small boat, with each racing and competing against the other in the 12-race per day event. This is the first time the San Francisco Yacht Club has hosted the male-dominant Optimus-class series of races in eight years.

"There are a lot of boys in this sport. But I do have a lot of close girlfriends on the water," said 13-year-old San Francisco Yacht Club sailor Cassady Lorantzen. "Whenever girls come into this sport is nice because we all make really good friendships, and we compete against each other, and it’s a really good time."

It’s also a tough time. Each sailor works the sail and rudder simultaneously in the eight-foot boat, navigating a trapezoid course near the Berkeley Circle – about a mile from the shore of the city of the same name.

Challenging sea conditions necessitate the use of bailers to keep water out of the boat and keep the boat afloat.

"The winds are insane. The current is intense. The water is cold. The waves are nuts," said Stone Melet, a regatta committee member, and parent of one of the young sailors.

He said overcoming such hardships at sea forges toughness, and character in the competitors.

"It’s a normal thing for them to be comfortable being uncomfortable and not complaining about conditions and really learning to grind. And they attach that to every part of their lives," said Melet.

Experts said this environment is as competitive as any on land. But these young sailors said while trying to achieve victory, they also chart a course for fun.

"Having fun is really important. You do better when you’re having fun. But it’s also about the competitive aspect of wanting to win. Wanting to place good," said Lorantzen. 

Added Kern, "I think it’s a really good passion and I really have been connected to the racing. And I just really want to do well and compete against my friends."

If all goes well, some of these youngsters will make the cut to represent Team USA at this summer’s international regattas.

Jesse Gary is a news and sports reporter, and sports anchor, based in the station's South Bay bureau. Follow him on the X platform (formerly Twitter), @JesseKTVU and on Instagram, @jessegontv

After the fire: St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club focused on revitalizing this coming summer

P ANAMA CITY — In November, the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club building on Bunkers Cove Road was destroyed in a fire. Ever since then, questions have circulated around the community: How did the fire start? Would the Yacht Club rebuild?

The Yacht Club was up and operational for business within weeks of the fire. The Yacht Club is still taking in new members, as well. Members have joined the club even after the fire.

”The Yacht Club is in better shape than people would have imagined,” said Michael Wynn, 2024 commodore. “The staff members that we have are family to us. We believe and give to them and they give back to us.”

Wynn explained that one club member had this to say after the fire: “The clubhouse was just a building; the Yacht Club is about the people.”

The Yacht Club has discussed expanding its sailing center to provide greater resources for the community. The club expects the plans and renderings for the new club facility will be unveiled this summer.

Some of the staff members have left the club since the incident and others have stayed.

“Our staff is smaller now since the fire,” said Wynn. “We have less services being offered at the moment, but many staffers who left the club for other jobs have offered to come back once the club becomes (fully) operational again.”

The cause of the fire is still unknown. There have been different ideas and theories on how the fire started, but there has not been a definitive answer. But there was no foul play, Wynn emphasized.

”Right now, we don’t have a final number on what it’s going to cost to rebuild,” said Wynn. “We have architects and plans on rebuilding. We have members of the community who are donating services to help cut the cost (of our rebuild).”

More information about the club will be released closer to the clubhouse reopening. Wynn said the rebuild will both honor the club's history and heritage and also add modern touches.

Previous coverage: More details released as Panama City monitors St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club fire site

Wynn said the club's experience dealing with insurance after the fire has been good and the matter soon will be resolved. The experience was much better than the ones many people had after Hurricane Michael, he noted.

Wynn also is humbled and gratified by the outpouring of support and dedication from his fellow club leaders and all club members. He knew his one-year term as commodore, which began in January, would be full of challenges. But the club has rallied because the tradition and legacy mean so much.

"People care so deeply," he said.

News Herald Editor Jim Ross contributed to this report

[email protected]

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: After the fire: St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club focused on revitalizing this coming summer

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Summer Sailing Camps for Kids in Marina del Rey

Sailing camps for kids is a unique way to get your kid out in the great outdoors this summer! Several local yacht clubs and recreation centers offer all-day youth programs in the summer. Beginner classes typically introduce terminology, boat rigging, water safety, and basic sailing skills.  Advanced classes for older children build on that foundation. Research your options below in advance, since spots are limited.

California Yacht Club

The California Yacht Club’s Summer Program for youth ages 8–18 offers three two-week sessions June through August, weekdays, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. CYC member and non-member pricing. 310-822-1908.

Del Rey Yacht Club

Del Rey Yacht Club offers two summer sessions, Mondays through Thursdays,  8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., with classes ranging from beginner through double-handed race.  Ages 8–18. DRYC member and non-member pricing. 310-822-5182.

Fairwind Yacht Club

Fairwind Yacht Club collaborates with the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department and Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Los Angeles on a sailing program for underserved youth. The classes function year-round as an after-school activity, as well as a series of six-week summer day camps called Fast & Fun. The latter kicks off in late June. Interested parties can get more information from Valentin Cuella at the Boys & Girls Club of Venice, 310-390-4477.

L.A. County Department of Beaches & Harbors

The L.A. County Department of Beaches & Harbors offers beginning and advanced sailing lessons for ages 11–17. One-week sessions are offered June through August, weekdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 424-562-7889.

Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht Club

SMWYC’s Summer Sail Program runs one-week sessions June through August, weekdays, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., for ages 7–17. SMWYC member and non-member pricing. 310-827-7692.

UCLA Marina Aquatic Center

Among the Aquatic Center’s many water year-round activity classes is a summer sailing camp for kids entering grades 6–10, or ages 11–15. The week-long classes are offered throughout summer, weekdays, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Extended day care available. 310-206-4000.

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Demolition of Cape Coral Yacht Club to begin

The Cape Coral City Council decided on a new look for the yacht club, including a new community center, an outdoor pool, a playground, a restaurant and a parking garage.