15 minute read
Sailing
Orange County Yacht Clubs and Why They’re Great
By: KATHERINE M. CLEMENTS Dana Point Yacht Club.
One of the best ways to experience Orange County is by water, and the coastal cities that line the county are filled with boating enthusiasts and their favorite yacht club homes. Here are a few yacht clubs for boaters looking for a home to house their vessel or a community to join.
Huntington Harbour Yacht Club
The HHYC was formed in October of 1965 and is a welcoming place for boating and non-boating enthusiasts alike. Since 1966 the club has been a member of the Southern California Yachting Association, attaining senior membership in 1981. The club is also a current member of the United States Sailing Association and has a sailing school that trains more than 40 young sailors each year while also maintaining a competitive sailing program that has produced a good number of nationally ranked sailors, including crewmembers on the American entry in the America’s Cup racing series. In addition, traveling members of the HHYC are welcomed to clubs all over the world.
“Evenings are for our members and their guests to enjoy casual dining and drinks in the Commodores Lounge, said HHYC Club Manager Frank DiLapo in an email from Sept. 5. “Sunday’s the Club host Breakfast by the Bay, this meal period is open to the public. It is a wonderful opportunity for those who would like to learn more about the Club and experience this special place. The Club’s event calendar is chock full of celebratory parties for members’ enjoyment, many including live dance music. Finally, we are also respected for our robust Huntington Harbour Sailing Foundation, where we teach local children self-esteem and teamwork while introducing them to sailing. We have over 50 boats in inventory, including Sabots, CFJs, Lidos, and a new fleet of Cubes and Bics; many are available for our members to check out.”
The HHYC welcomes new members all year round and is happy to provide additional information about the club upon request.
According to SCYA, the Membership costs are:
Initiation fee: $850
Dues: $900 for a family, $575 for a single, and $50 for a junior member.
For more information, visit https:// www.hhyc.org/.
Newport Harbor Yacht Club
The NHYC, established in 1916, is located on the Balboa Peninsula and is part of the SCYA. It offers a physical and social environment for its members to pursue yachting, yacht racing, and sportsmanship.
NHYC also represents the Newport Harbor Sailing Foundation which has provided training and instruction to youths since 1997.
This private club welcomes reciprocal visitors who can provide a current membership card from the yacht club. The club offers different dining facilities as well as the Pirate’s Den Bar. In addition, the venue has showers and restrooms available 24 hours a day.
The club is known for several signature races between Feb. and March, including the Islands race, Newport to Cabo Race, Baldwin Cup Team Race, and the Long Point Race Week.
In addition, they offer a junior sailing program.
NHYC is currently accepting new members. However, new members must be nominated by a current member. Initiation fees and monthly dues are confidential.
For more information, visit https:// www.nhyc.org/default.aspx?p=dynamicmodule&pageid=383257&ssid=318178&vnf=1. ed in 1952 and has remained a spirited part of the SoCal yachting community with events and activities that include the entire family. Members get access to wine dinners, live music, and a lineup of busy cruise and race schedules.
A DPYC is known for its annual Richard Henry Dana Charity Regatta, a harbor event that brings together the yacht club community to benefit the Dana Point 5th Maritime Regiment Support Group.
The club has a junior sailing program, competitive racing opportunities from local fleets to championship regattas, cruising fleet activities with organized outings to destinations in SoCal and beyond, fishing excursions with monthly educational angler meetings, dining a bar facilities, and even has a wine club.
The DPYC welcomes visitors and offers guests slips for incoming sailors and is also a member of SCYA. In addition, it’s a great venue that holds private events such as weddings, galas, and celebrations of all types with its oceanfront ballroom.
According to SCYA.org, the club is accepting membership applications. Call the office for details at (949) 496- 2900.
For more information, visit https:// www.dpyc.org/. HHYC club event.
Dana West Yacht Club
DWYC is a SCYA Senior Club that offers its members and guests various services and activities. DWYC is known for its annual three-day charity regatta, Sailing for Life, which supports the American Cancer Society.
The club offers youth sailing programs year-round, a highly active cruising program, and competitive racing and is represented in regional regattas, championships, and international races. In addition, DWYC has fishing tournaments for anglers and a calendar always full of events. DWYC hosts events such as karaoke, weekly game nights, sports viewings, dinghy poker, and parties with live music, dancing, costumes, and prizes.
According to SCYA.org, Membership: Non-boat wait list; Initiation: $650/flag. Dues: $816 per year.
For more information, visit https:// dwyc.org/.
The Must-See Destinations While Sailing the SoCal Coastline
By: KATHERINE M. CLEMENTS
Ahoy sailors, welcome to Orange County, Southern California, a region lined with 40 miles of Pacific coastline and almost perfect weather year-round making it a treasure for those going through the boating seasons. The coastline is home to six coastal cities and even though they don’t all offer overnight docking; they are only a maximum of 50 minutes apart from start to finish and each city offers its own special coastal attractions. So, dock your boat and pick north or south; there is something fun in each direction.
Newport Harbor
HARBORS WITH OVERNIGHT GUEST SLIPS:
Dana Point Harbor
Dana Point, also referred to as the dolphin and whale capital of the world, offers a variety of recreational amenities, boater facilities, dockside dining, and shopping opportunities. If you feel like staying local, the harbor is a calm location filled with restaurants shops that operate to the sound of boats swaying in their slips. Or you can go on a whale watching tour. If you want to venture out of the harbor, Dana Point has several beaches to visit including Salt Creek Beach, Doheny State Beach, Dana Strands Beach, and Baby Beach, all different, all enjoyable. Dana Point is home to the Lantern District which often hosts festivals and fairs along Del Prado Avenue, and is lined with new, young restaurants. year that generate lots of local and tourist foot traffic, such as the annual Festival of Whales which is held in March. The Dana Point Harbor has activities on and off the water, making it the perfect place to dock and enjoy some fun and food while passing through.
The Dana Point Harbor offers guests slips for overnight docking, allowing boaters from far and wide to dock and go experience not only the harbor, but the city as well. Guest slips are managed by The Marina at Dana Point, and it is recommended that reservations be made in advance. Reservations can be made at (949) 496-6137.
Visiting boaters have the choice of anchorage or guest slips. Anchorage is available within the Harbor in the East anchorage (near bait barge) or the West anchorage, adjacent to the Ocean Institute and Baby Beach. OC Sheriff Harbor Patrol monitors anchorages. For additional information, please contact DP Harbor Patrol at (949)248-2222.
Dock your boat overnight at the Newport Harbor and go explore the city. Newport Beach is home to Balboa Island, a harborside community filled with shops, restaurants, and the Balboa Fun Zone. Surf lovers will feel at home at The Wedge, a powerful surfing location powered by the waves that crash into the jetty. Check out the Balboa Peninsula, known as the three-mile stretch with Newport Harbor on one side and sandy California beaches on the other.
The Newport Harbor is the largest recreational harbor on the west coast. Its large size means there are activities for boaters just about everywhere. Boaters can explore the Back Bay of Newport Harbor where the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and Ecological Reserve draw naturalists and scientists from all over the world. Here you will find where more than 35,000 migratory birds and more than 200 endangered species make their home across 1,000 acres of coastal wetlands. In addition, the area offers hiking and cycling trails as well as aquatic adventures for nature lovers and passionate outdoor enthusiasts. Newport Harbor prides itself on being accessible for overnight docking and allowing visiting boaters to explore its city.
The marina features 23 boat slips from 40-55 feet with a maximum continuous stay of 30 days. Charges are based on the slip or boat length, whichever is greater. Check in is at 1 p.m. and check out is at 11 a.m. The marina offers free WiFi, guest laundry, shower, and restroom facilities, outdoor fitness circuits and basketball courts, and a bayfront nautical themed playground and picnic area.
To learn more about availability and reservations, contact the Harbor department at (949) 270-8159 or email dockmaster@newportbeachca.gov.
Shutterstock image Newport Harbor
MUST SEE LOCATIONS IN EACH CITY WHILE SAILING THROUGH SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA:
Huntington Harbour:
Shutterstock image While the Huntington Harbour does not offer overnight guest slips, it is only a 27-minute drive up PCH from the Newport Harbor. Huntington Harbor is a nice break from the bustling downtown of Main Street. The Harbour has a quaint seaside setting with picturesque scenery. It was built in the 1960s and is located on the northwest corner of Huntington Beach, bordering Seal and Sunset Beach. It is home to five man-made islands with more than 500 stunning bayfront homes of all shapes, sizes, and themes. The Harbour also serves as the perfect place to enjoy outdoor water activities. Visitors can explore the Harbour by renting a private charter, an electric boat, a standup paddleboard, or a kayak. In addition, Huntington Harbour has plenty of places to eat and drink, including breweries.
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is another city that doesn’t have any harbors or marinas but is only 24 minutes up PCH from the Newport Harbor. Once you get to Laguna, you have endless options for entertainment. Laguna is an art-focused city filled with boutiques that sit between the sand and PCH. Laguna is home to many beaches and parks including Crystal Cove State Park, Heisler Park, Crescent Bay Point Park, and Victoria’s Beach. The Beaches are home to tide pools, coves, and even a Pirate Tower built in 1926. The city is perfect for foodies as it has loads of dining locations from casual to gourmet, ice cream shops to candy stores.
Although these must-see cities don’t have guest docking, they are easily accessible. A quick taxi, public transportation, or Uber ride can get you there in minutes.
Seal Beach
Seal Beach is the northern most city along the Orange County coastline and although it has no marinas or harbors for visiting sailors to dock at, it is only a 28-minute drive from the Newport Harbor. Seal beach has remained a quiet beachy town compared to its neighboring cities and its Main Street in Old Town is an adorable area to walk and browse shops and restaurants without crowds. Once you make your way to the end of Main Street, you will find yourself at the Seal Beach Municipal Pier, one of the longest wooden piers in California jutting out from the center of the city.
San Clemente
San Clemente is the southernmost coast city in Orange County known for its hills, mountain views, and Spanish-styled architecture. The city is a 12-minute drive south from the Dana Point Harbor where mountains meet beaches. The San Clemente Beach Trail is a costal walk alongside the Metrolink train tracks that will lead you to the San Clemente Pier where you can enjoy lunch at Fisherman’s. San Clemente is a famous surfing destination drawing visitors and locals to the San Onofre State Beach for big, beautiful swells. When you’re ready to leave the beach just walk up Del Mar Street for good food and cute boutiques.
ON THE HORIZONS
By: JORDAN B. DARLING
Channel Islands to Ma-
rina del Rey Race (Sept. 24)
CHANNEL ISLANDS— The Channel Islands Yacht Club and the Del Rey Yacht Club are teaming up to host the Channel Islands to Marina del Rey Race on Sept. 24. The race is an almost 45-nautical mile course that starts near the Channel Islands Harbor north entrance and takes sailors around Platform Gina and ends near the Marina del Rey south entrance. The race is open to boats with a valid PHRF Southern California rating. A $50 entry fee is due by Sept. 17 at 6 p.m. On Sept. 23, racers and family can participate in the “Beefeaters” Steak Dinner at CIYC at 6:30 p.m. for $25 a person. There is a breakfast available on race day at 8 a.m. for $8 a person, and then a continental breakfast and awards ceremony at DRYC on Sept. 25. Registration for meals and the race are due by Sept. 17 at 6 p.m. Late entries for the race will be accepted with a $25 late fee. For more information or to register for the race, see https://www.regattanetwork.com/event/23716.
Little Ensenada International Race (Sept. 30)
SAN DIEGO— The Southwestern Yacht Club will host the 58th International Yacht Race from Coronado Roads to Ensenada on Sept. 30. The regatta is open to ocean racing sailboats 24 feet or greater whose skippers are part of organizations affiliated with US Sailing. The race will start at Coronado Roads near the TG-1 federal mooring buoy at 10:55 a.m. and finish approximately two nautical miles west of Hotel Coral Marina in Ensenada. Awards will be presented on Oct. 1 at 3 p.m. at Hotel Coral. There will be several takehome trophies and a list of perpetual trophies given out at this time. There will also be a paella party after the awards ceremony. Participants must have the proper immigration forms to participate. There is a $100 entry fee that will need to be submitted online by 5 p.m. on Sept. 27; see https://www.regattanetwork.com/ event/25239#_home to register. Contact Race Chair Ian Trotter for more information at: ian@chulavistaphoto.com.
CYC Fall Sport/Small Boat Regatta (Oct. 1-2)
CORONADO— Coronado Yacht Club will host the Fall Sport/Small Boat Regatta the first weekend of October at Glorietta and San Diego South Bay. The regatta is limited to three fleets for sport or small boats whose skippers are in good standing with yacht clubs or sailing organizations recognized by US Sailing. Previous boats that entered the regatta have been Beneteau 36.7; Moth; F18; Laser; 420; FJ; J70; J24; Hansa; Martin 16; Harbor 20. The race will be split between two venues, Hansa, Martin 16 fleet, and possibly a Harbor 20 fleet based in Glorietta Bay, while all other boats will race in San Diego South Bay. The racecourse will be windward-leeward. Trophies will be given to the top three finishers of each class on Sunday after the races have concluded. There will also be an afterparty at CYC. The regatta is $50, and the entry can be made online no later than Sept. 30 at 3 p.m. Entries can be made at: https://www.regattanetwork.com/clubmgmt/applet_club_ events.php?CLUB_ID=622. In the begining Lido 14 course students are put in pairs as they learn the basics of sailing.
By: JORDAN B. DARLING
NEWPORT BEACH— Orange County is a sailing hub. The coastline is dotted with several beachy towns that fit the laidback California aesthetic and beautiful coastal waters, which are within an hour of most residents. With such easy access to the coast, it is no wonder so many people look to get out on the water and test out their sailing skills.
And one of the best ways to learn a new skill is to take a lesson or two from experts. Orange Coast College School of Sailing and Seamanship offers several accessible classes for sailors, whether they are just learning or looking to improve their skills.
While the school also offers college credit for some sailing courses and career programs for those interested in careers out on the water, they also offer courses open to the community.
“We offer a comprehensive program of sailing, powerboating, and seamanship classes for our community,” said Sailing Program Coordinator for OCC Mette Segerblom. “From beginning sailing to offshore cruising, powerboat training, navigation, and more. We also have a program for professional mariners working to build job skills or obtain a Coast Guard License.”
Classes take place in two locations, at their waterfront campus from the Sailing Center on the bay side of Pacific Coast Highway, and the school also works with Newport Beach to utilize Marina Park for lessons.
Classes are a mixture of short classroom sessions paired with on-the-water lessons. They utilize Lido 14 and Harbor 20s at the waterfront campus and 14-foot Quests and J/22s at Marina Park.
“Students will learn basic sailing skills and gain confidence through dockside lectures and hands-on experience sailing either the Lido 14 dinghy or Harbor 20 keelboat,” said Segerblom. “Topics will include sailing theory, points of sail, basic terminology, tacking, gybing, safety, knots, and docking.”
Several courses are offered for students like a Beginning Sailing course taught on a Lido 14. This is a 16-hour course split into four or five class meetings in a group of up to 20 students. Two students take to a boat and are coached by an instructor from a coach boat following along.
There is also a Harbor 20 level one course which is 15 hours split between three to five class meetings. The class has a maximum of three students, and the instructor is on board with the students during the lesson.
Aside from sailing, OCC also offers an intro-level powerboat course which lets students learn about basic powerboat handling and get their California Boater Card.
Whatever the level, there is something there for everyone to learn how to get on the water safely.
“We are happy to talk to students about their prior experience and help them find the best class option for them – our office phone number is 949-6459412,” said Segerblom.
For more information about OCC’s sailing program or to register for classes, visit their website at https://occsailing.augusoft.net/index.cfm.
