southern california yacht club burgees

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Yacht Club Burgees

On the following pages are the yacht club burgees historically enrolled with the Register.

It is generally accepted that any new burgee or change to an enrolled burgee will not be accepted by the Register if it too closely resembles another enrolled burgee.

Kindly contact us in the event of changes.

 D - L

Burgee Exchange at The California Yacht Club

Here is Mark Sanders with Tim Clarke, Rear Commodore of The California Yacht Club, in the very elegant clubhouse in Marina Del Rey exchanging burgees.

California Yacht Club was started in 1922 in Los Angeles harbor by a group from Los Angeles Athletic Club. They built a magnificent clubhouse with an anchorage of several hundred sail and power boats.

In 1941, America went to war and CYC’s facilities were taken over by the Coast Guard. Members continued to fly the Club burgee, but after World War II, the facilities were so run down that CYC was forever gone from its birthplace.

After searching for many years for an appropriate new venue, encouraged by the development of Marina del Rey, and sensing the need for a major club there, they reactivated California Yacht Club in 1961.

October 1, 1966, saw the great move to the exciting and beautiful new clubhouse. An armada of the Club’s fleet moved into the 230 slips at the present site at the head of Marina del Rey’s main channel. The completed new facilities were formally dedicated on June 10, 1967.

California Yacht Club has members sailing in every major regatta in the world. Its 1,250 members range from neophyte Juniors just gaining their sea legs to Olympic champions.

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WCYC - WEST COAST YACHT CLUB

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The West Coast Yacht Club Est. 1931

There are many ships, but the best ship of all is friendship, 2024 charity fishing tournament is almost here.

The date is approaching fast and we’re making preparations. Don’t miss out!

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We're Located in Dana Point

Dana Point Harbor is a beautiful and bustling port-side community, offering many amenities to both residents and guests.  

Cruise SoCal with WCYC!

Being centrally located in Dan Point, it's an cruise to all the best SoCal locations from San Diego and Ocean side, out to Catalina, and northward to Newport, Long Beach and beyond! 

Sail with SCYA Under Our Burgee

As a member of the Southern California Yachting Association, you can sail in any SCYA race under our burgee. 

For more about SCYA visit syca.org

We're a MVP US Sailing ORGANIZATIONAL Member!

Interested in joining or supporting US Sailing?  If so, as a member of WCYC you can join US Sailing and receive a discount on your individual or family US Sailing Membership ! 

In July 1931, eight young men formed what is now the West Coast Yacht Club.  Inasmuch as the charter members were building boats in their backyards, a sawhorse was selected as the keynote of the club burgee.  A combination of the school colors of the University of California, Los Angeles and the University of Southern California were chosen for the burgee, resulting in a sky blue sawhorse superimposed upon a field of cardinal and gold. 

Since the inception of The WCYC, its burgee has been flown by members on cruises to many of the romantic ports on the Pacific and The Atlantic Oceans and The Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas, including such places as Alaska, New Zealand and The Panama Canal.

West Coast Yacht Club is a cruising club with cruises and events scheduled throughout the year. Sailing members can enter any  Southern California Yachting Association (S.C.Y.A.)  race under our burgee. Our Members are very active, participating in cruises and various other activities on the water, guaranteeing that you will get more use out of your boat, whether sail or power, by joining WCYC.

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click on photo for  p a n o r a m a   view

want to crew - looking for crew     |     for-sale / wanted    

link to prepaid social events

location :  The San Luis Yacht Club is located on the Avila Pier in Avila Beach, which is tucked in the northern bight of San Luis Obispo Bay, on the Central Coast of California.

weather :  Situated on a South facing beach with the prevailing winds and swell from the Northwest, t he San Luis Yacht Club enjoys the greatest weather on the Central Coast. 

history :  The San Luis Yacht Club was established in 1937 with emphasis on boating activities.

moorings :   SLYC has one mooring available for vessels up to 56 feet, from April 1 through October 31.  Daily rental is ($15). 

pacnap : Points Arguello and Conception Navigation Award Program.  Click for more details about this exciting award.

reciprocal clubs :  Most yacht clubs in the Southern California Yachting Association (SCYA) who reciprocate with other yacht clubs in the area will do so on a formal basis.   This is typically done through an exchange of reciprocal cards, which are approved and issued on an annual basis.   This activity is  between two specific clubs who wish to offer the mutual exchange use of their facilities.   These reciprocal privileges are not intended to entitle guests "wholesale" use of the other's facility.

sailing classes: :  The San Luis Yacht Club has partnered with Cuesta College to provide Sailing Classes.  This class offers sailing classes for participants, ages 16 and up. Classes cover basic sailing theory, parts of the boat, crew communications, tacking, jibing, sail trim, man overboard, docking, safety, and more. Classes are taught in accordance with the American Sailing Association (ASA).

burgees :  It is a tradition of Yacht Clubs all over the world to have its members exchange burgees with visiting yacht clubs at ports other than their own.  The San Luis Yacht Club has exchanged burgees with many clubs in the far reaches of the globe.  Contact a board member or Bob Rollins our "keeper of the burgees" to find out more about the exchanging of burgees.

membership : The application process occurs at the beginning of the calendar year, provided that there are openings.  Two sponsors are required to apply for membership.  Applicants should demonstrate an interest in participating in and promoting the development of yachting, cruising, racing, and seamanship.  

Contact:  Membership Committee Chairman, Jr. Staff Commodore Barry Stewart |  805-720-6468

Below are links to important SLYC documents that prospective new members should become familiar with : constitution    |   by-laws    |   clubhouse rules

Membership Chair:  Chris Barrett   |  805-878-9508

Below are links to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) , Constitution , By-Laws & Clubhouse Rules for reference:

frequently asked questions (FAQ)    |   constitution    |   by-laws    |  clubhouse rules

reservations :  The Clubhouse is for the use of SLYC members, their immediate families, and guests only.  Application for club reservation is available to members in the 'Members' section.

friends of avila pier fundraising :   The San Luis Yacht Club is actively supporting the efforts of the Friends of Avila Pier (FOAP) organization that was formed by volunteers from the Avila Beach community for the sole purpose of assisting in the raising of funds to maintain, renovate and preserve Avila Pier.

Recent Updates

• July 2024 Minutes posted (8-12-2024)
• June 2 2024 Race Photos posted (06-04-2024)
• June 2024 Foghorn posted   (06-01-24)

' second wind' reservation calendar    

link to full weather page

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BURGEES, ENSIGNS, FLAGS and PENNANTS

By Judy Hills, ACBS roving reporter, member of RDC Triangle Chapter

Have you ever given thought to the burgees, ensigns, flags and pennants that we fly on our boats?  Did you consciously select yours or did you just copy what you saw someone else doing?  What do you know about nautical flag etiquette and usage?  This article addresses this topic.

According to the US Power Squadron, “Flags are often too small…The national ensign flown at a flag staff on the stern of your boat should be one inch on the fly (long end) for each foot of overall length.”

Flag —One class of flags is called the “international maritime signal flags.”  According to Wikipedia, there is a signal flag “for each letter of the alphabet, and pennant for numerals.  Each flag (except the R flag) has an additional meaning when flown individually, and they take on other meanings in certain combinations.”  For more information on the meanings of international maritime signal flags click on this link:  http://www.marinewaypoints.com/learn/flags/flags.shtml   It is more common to see the international maritime signal flags displayed on sailboats than pleasure power boats.

Did you know?

• The word for the scientific study of the history, symbolism and usage of flags is vexillology.
• The position of honor on a ship is the quarterdeck at the stern of a ship, and thus ensigns are traditionally flown either from the ensign staff at the ship’s stern, or from a gaff rigged over the stern.
• The general rule that no flag is flown higher than the national flag does not apply onboard a ship.  A flag flown at the stern is always in a superior position to a flag flown elsewhere on the ship, even if the latter is higher up. (Wikipedia—maritime flag). 
• If you take your boat to international or foreign waters, the traditional United States ensign should be flown.
• You should avoid flying more than one ensign from a single halyard or antenna.
• Massachusetts and Maine are the only two states with their own maritime flags (special versions of the state flags for use afloat).
• There is an international burgee registry. http://www.burgees.com/burgeeframe.htm
• To learn more about maritime flag etiquette: http://www.usps.org/f_stuff/etiquett.html
• If you are into vexillology and want to see some really weird flag designs, check out https://www.reddit.com/r/vexillology/ or click here to see vexillology Youtube videos. Click here to check out the National Maritime Museum’s historical collection of flags.

So, having a little fun with our vexillology topic, if you or your ACBS Chapter were to design a flag, what would it look like? 

Send  your pictures, reports, announcements, and boat biographies to  [email protected]

Nice informative piece, thx. One concern: I recently ordered and attempted to fly the ACBS burgee on my ’55 Chris-Craft Continental 22′ and discoverd that the height measurement (~13″) is way too long for my canted mast (pins are about 9″ apart). Has ACBS considered a more “runabout” size for a burgee?

I contacted the company that we purchase the burgees from. The company offers a 10″ size which should place the grommet holes about 9″ apart. If you would like me to order one for you, let me know if you prefer cotton or nylon and slanted or straight. The cost is $39.

This added information came from Gene Porter: “Your yacht ensign info is inaccurate or remiss in that it fails to note that the yacht ensign must never be flown in international or foreign waters since it has no standing as a national ensign. [from the Power Squadron web site]

This is particularly applicable in such areas as the Thousand Islands where US boats frequent Canadian waters, too often flying illegal flags.

Thank you, Gene. One of the advantages of being in this organization is that information is shared from many sources. The website committee invites comments and discussions. It helps us all be more informed.

I fly the flag and ensign that was actually shipped from Century in June of 1959 when my Gray V8 powered 16 ‘ Resorter was delivered to Ithaca NY, she has only had two owners and moved 15 miles North still on Cayuga l and is now used mostly for sunset rides, she saw many hours as a competition ski boat as her original owner was a skier for many years she has also made the trip from Sodus Bay NY across Lake Ontario to the St. Lawrence seaway twice a year for many years to his cottage on the St Lawrence.

Great article but I believe you left out an important fact about the U S ensign. Congress in 1914 or 1916, please don’t hold me to the dates, pasted a law that made the United States Power Squadrons flag an official flag for U S yachts. Bob Korts Member USPS since 1960.

Did you know original ensign flags had sewn stars not embroidered stars like we see today. The stars were cut out of fabric and sewn around the edges.

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Staff Commodores

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Encinal Yacht Club

Alameda, Calif. | San Francisco Bay | 1890

Posted by admin on August 17, 2013

Alameda, Calif. | San Francisco Bay | 1890 | www.encinal.org

Copyright © 2024 Southern Yacht Club

Ahoy There!

The Catalina Island Yacht Club is one of the oldest and most unique yacht clubs in Southern California, with a history rich in the lore and tradition of the Island.

In 1893, the Banning brothers, original owners of the Island, formed the first yacht club on the Island, the Catalina Yacht Club, primarily for the use of Islanders like themselves. For reasons unknown, the Club failed, and it was a decade later, in 1903, that boating residents of the Island attempted another organizing effort; this time founding the Sophia Yacht Club on the approximate site of the present Club. SYC’s purpose was to provide a dinghy landing and gathering point for boat owners, and the Club was apparently quite active until the great fire of 1915, which razed the town and its bayside facilities.

Fortunately, the Sophia Yacht Club pilings were spared, and for several years, the area was used as a temporary mooring site for boat repairs and as a primitive dinghy landing. Then, in 1924, Tuna Club members Art Sanger and James Jump, yielding to the imploring of their wives, decided that the Island needed a social club to complement the Tuna Club’s emphasis on sport and trophy fishing. They turned up thirty yachtsmen willing to pay the $100 initiation fee and dues, plus $400 on a promissory note, for improved marital relations with their hitherto neglected wives. Hollywood legends became frequent members of the Club. These included James Cagney, Johnny Weismuller, Darryl F. Zanuck, Walter Huston, Tom Mix, world famous violinist Jascha Heifetz and many more.

Catalina Island Yacht Club has plaques to recognize Hollywood Stars that were Members of the Club. In addition to names above Ed McMahon, Steve Skinner, & Milton “Shorty” Rogers were Members. Ed was most famous as Johnny Carson’s side kick and announcer on The Tonight Show. Steve produced 1,000 hits including the ABC News. Shorty was one of the principal creators of West Coast Jazz. George Schlatter was a member and a longtime producer in Hollywood.  One of his many major hits was “Laugh In”.

On August 24, 1924, the Catalina Island Yacht Club held its first Opening Day in its newly completed clubhouse, under the leadership of Commodore Jump. The Club has operated continuously ever since, except for a brief period during the war years of 1942-45, when it was occupied by the Merchant Marine and used as a training facility. The Club was returned to its Membership in late 1945. The Club presently numbers approximately 180 Members, many of whom own moorings in Avalon Harbor. There is an active year-round social calendar, with emphasis on the Cruising Season from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Club is a member in good standing of the Southern California Yachting Association, and the Southern California Cruiser Association.

CATALINA ISLAND YACHT CLUB

Supports the city of avalon, mission statement.

The Catalina Island Yacht Club brings boaters to a historic clubhouse located in a world-renowned destination. Our mission is to provide our yachting members a comfortable and attractive facility where they and their families can relax, socialize and nurture friendships. We pursue our mission through the effort and generosity of our members and by our dedication to the preservation and enhancement of our unique home in Avalon. We will always be a friend and advocate of Avalon and a protector of Catalina Island.

LOS ANGELES YACHT CLUB (LAYC)

Member of association of san pedro bay yacht clubs (aspbyc).

CLUB BURGEE

CLUB INFORMATION

Los Angeles Yacht Club (LAYC) layc.org

285 Whalers Walk, San Pedro CA 90731 Email: [email protected] Phone: (310) 831-1203

DESCRIPTION

Year club founded: 1901 Year club joined SCYA: 1921

Facilities: 12,000 sq. foot clubhouse with extensive library, trophy displays, ship models, and photos dating back to the club founding in 1901. Angels Gate Bar and Bistro: fabulous food and drink service for Wednesday lunch- eon with speakers (all yachtsmen welcome), Friday evening member and guests dinner, Continental breakfast and grill open for lunch Saturday and Sunday. Best burgers in San Pedro. Juniors game and training room. Multiple rooms for catered events. Social, cruising and racing events scheduled throughout year. Private receptions and excellent catering. Growing fleet of day sail keel boats. Howland’s Landing out-station on Catalina west of Two Harbors with mooring reservation service for members during peak season.

Membership: Members enjoy great fellowship, social activities, fine dining, racing, cruising, and Howland’s Landing. Boat ownership not required. New Community Sailing membership provides ASA certification and use of club-owned keel boats for local day sailing from Cabrillo Marina.

New member inquiries welcome. Comments: NEW racing event added this season is the Fast 50’s regatta in September. We are carrying on with other recent additions including the George Griffith Series, and Mercury Class Pacific Coast Championship. The Tri-Island race is on hiatus this year as it is not a Transpac year where a qualifier race is needed. Continuing regattas include Port of Los Angeles Harbor Cup Intercollegiate Regatta, Mid-Winter Around Catalina, Harbor Series Howland’s Layover.