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.