From learn-to-sail days and open houses to potluck dinners, Southern California yacht clubs and groups are presenting opportunities for the public to learn more about what they offer. John Caldwell, Commodore at Seal Beach Yacht Club, suggests trying a club on for size by attending a dinner or joining a cruise.
In Long Beach, Calif., several yacht clubs and groups require membership for entry, The Grunion Gazette reported. John Caldwell, Commodore at Seal Beach Yacht Club (SLBYC), said in many cases, it is because of their tax status as a not-for-profit.
But there are ways to join activities before committing to membership—generally by establishing your guest status with the club by calling prior to visiting, The Grunion reported. Caldwell suggests trying a club on for size by attending a dinner or joining a cruise.
Alamitos Bay Yacht Club’s Commodore David Schack said his club hosted an open house on June 8. The open house included membership incentives, tours of the clubhouse, sailboat rides and complementary food and drinks.
“We have a couple of great ways non-members can get involved; both involve our sailing program,” he told The Grunion. “One way is through our junior sailing program where we will be offering learn-to-sail programs through to advanced sailing. New this year is an adventure program which will include kayaking, paddleboarding and fun sailing days including pirate day, destination sailing, try-a-boat, and a lot more fun stuff.
“The other way non-members can get involved is through our adult learn-to-sail program, which is a great way adults can get out on the water, learn how to sail, and have fun.”
Shoreline Yacht Club (SYC) Commodore 2019 Einar Lorentzen said most of their activities are not open to the public, but they have two items that are: a pancake breakfast on July 4 and this summer’s beginning sailing classes taught on Cal 20s, The Grunion reported.
Cerritos Bahia Yacht Club (CBYC) mostly caters to boat owners in the adjacent marina near the Golden Sails—and the club welcomes guests who are interested in joining. Commodore Jay Warner told The Gunion, “We have many activities planned ranging from golf tournaments, a Del Mar Opening Day trip, multiple club cruises to Catalina Island as well as Dana Point, Cabrillo, and Newport Beach.
“We have coordinated a September weekend trip to Cabrillo Way Marina the same weekend as the Los Angeles Harbor Boat Show. In October, we get together and cruise out for the Great Pacific Air Show in the waters off Huntington Beach. These are just a few of the events and activities we have on the 2019 calendar.”
Long Beach Singles Yacht Club welcomes guests. According to Commodore Bruce Clark, “The next dock party is on gangway 22 on June 15. “Bring your own beverage and a potluck item that will serve 10. Often members bring musical instruments and a combo plays old time songs.”
Long Beach Rowing Association is hosted “Learn to Row” day June 1, The Grunion reported. The free event included a tour of the boat house and history of the club and the 1932 Olympic Marine Stadium, expert instruction on the rowing machine on how to refine your stroke, and an opportunity to get in a boat and row in a sculling (two oars) or sweep (one oar) boat on the water.
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