mission bay yacht club san diego ca

Mission Bay Yacht Club

The Mission Bay Yacht Club boasts a storied history, steeped in the rich maritime heritage of the region. In its early days, sailboats had to be specially designed with flat bottoms to navigate the shallow waters of Mission Bay. Among the first vessels to grace these waters was the Flapper, a 12-foot catboat that became the pioneering class for racing activities. As the club evolved, a diverse array of boats, including some from the esteemed San Diego Yacht Club, formed a handicap fleet, competing in races timed to coincide with the tides. By 1931, the Skimmer emerged as the premier vessel in the area, capturing the attention of sailing enthusiasts. Each year, the Mission Bay Yacht Club pays homage to its humble beginnings during Opening Day festivities. The commodore takes to the waters aboard “Scanties,” the club’s original Flapper class boat generously donated by its first commodore, Tom Scripps, around 1968. This cherished vessel, meticulously restored over the years, symbolizes the club’s enduring commitment to its heritage. In the Asher Pier Race, a special class established for the occasion, the commodore invariably emerges victorious, further perpetuating the legacy of the club’s founders.

It was the visionary leadership of individuals like Tom Scripps and Leo Carroll, the first handicapper, that laid the groundwork for the club’s remarkable growth. Their innovative ideas for handicap and one-design racing paved the way for the sophisticated programs and facilities enjoyed by members today. Thanks to their foresight and passion, the Mission Bay Yacht Club has nurtured world and national championship sailors across various classes, leaving an indelible mark on the sailing community.

The club’s dedication to Corinthian sailboat racing remains steadfast, evidenced by its robust calendar of regattas throughout the year. Whether seasoned champions or novice sailors, participants converge on Mission Bay to test their skills in spirited competition. Renowned for its idyllic setting, the Mission Bay Yacht Club serves as a coveted venue for national and world championship sailing regattas, earning accolades such as the prestigious title of “One-Design Yacht Club of the Year” from the US Sailing Association—a testament to its enduring legacy of excellence.

The Mission Bay Yacht Club, a significant fixture in maritime history, was officially established in 1927. Its inaugural commodore was Thomas O. Scripps, who played a pivotal role alongside his brother-in-law, Austen T. Brown, in founding the club. The inspiration for the yacht club came unexpectedly in 1925 during a visit to Coronado’s Tent City. There, Brown and Scripps came across a flapper—a type of boat popular at the time and commonly built by Phillips and Stewart, a prominent boat building company in Los Angeles. This particular flapper was moored in a sorry state in front of the San Diego Yacht Club.

Upon inquiry, Brown learned that the boat belonged to a widow of a naval officer and was available for sale. Given its dilapidated condition, Brown acquired it for just $50.00, a stark contrast to its original selling price of $150.00. The duo transported the boat to Mission Bay and embarked on a challenging restoration project. They began by clearing out moss and soon realized the extent of the damage; it was nearly beyond repair. Despite the daunting condition, they persevered in their restoration efforts until the flapper was once again fit for the sea, marking the beginning of the Mission Bay Yacht Club’s storied existence.

Brown’s passion for sailing was evident in his regular weekend excursions on the waters of Mission Bay. Driven by a competitive spirit, he eagerly sought out opportunities to race against fellow sailors. Despite being the sole owner of a flapper on Mission Bay at that time, Brown faced formidable opponents with much larger vessels. Regardless of the outcome, Brown remained undeterred by the size disparity of his competitors. As Thomas O. Scripps reminisced, Brown’s primary concern was not whether he won the race but rather whether he had improved upon his previous performance, reflecting his unwavering dedication to the sport he loved.

In their endeavor to establish a formal yacht club, Brown and Scripps sought the guidance of Alonzo de Jessop, Scripps’ uncle, who proposed the inclusion of a race committee chairman within the club’s structure. At the time, there was a notable surge in real estate development around Mission Bay, presenting Brown and Scripps with an opportunity to garner financial support for their envisioned yacht club. They devised a plan to enlist real estate investors as financial backers in exchange for lifetime membership privileges within the club.

Their efforts involved engaging with various individuals, including members of the San Diego Yacht Club who possessed significant expertise in maritime matters. Additionally, they reached out to residents of Pacific and Mission Beach to rally support for their initiative. With the groundwork laid, Brown and Scripps convened an organizational meeting, which received an enthusiastic response from the community. This overwhelming support culminated in the formal establishment of the Mission Bay Yacht Club, marking the realization of their shared vision.

With the collective effort of its members, the newly formed Mission Bay Yacht Club successfully raised $2,000 in funding. Utilizing these resources, they embarked on the construction of their inaugural clubhouse—a modest structure consisting of four walls and a roof, elevated on stilts. This rudimentary clubhouse was erected on Crown Point, secured through a fifty-year lease agreement with the State of California. This pivotal milestone marked the establishment of a physical hub for the club’s activities, providing a gathering place for members and serving as a symbol of their dedication to fostering a vibrant maritime community on Mission Bay.

Leo Carroll, employed by the Southern Pacific Railroad, assumed the role of the inaugural race committee chairman for the Mission Bay Yacht Club. In a gesture of support and camaraderie, F. T. Scripps, the father of Tom Scripps, presented Carroll with an old ten-gauge, double-barrel shotgun to fulfill his duties. Initially, Carroll removed the shot from the shells, but to his surprise, the gun failed to produce any sound. It was soon discovered that the shot needed to be reinstated for the firearm to function properly.

Despite these initial setbacks, Carroll diligently discharged the gun into the air as part of the race proceedings. However, much to the bemusement of onlookers, the shotgun seemed to defy conventional expectations, resulting in an unexpected shower of bullets. This amusing anecdote serves as a testament to the early days of the Mission Bay Yacht Club, characterized by camaraderie, resourcefulness, and a healthy dose of humor amidst the challenges of organizing maritime events.

Following the conclusion of World War II, the Mission Bay Yacht Club entered a new chapter in its history by securing a lease for three acres of land and three acres of water at El Carmel Point—the site that remains the club’s present location. Initial plans involved relocating the existing clubhouse from Crown Point to El Carmel Point, but upon closer examination of the lease terms, it became apparent that such a move was not feasible due to restrictions on the relocation of improvements.

Undeterred by this setback, the club members collectively resolved to embark on a new endeavor: the construction of a brand-new clubhouse at the designated site on El Carmel Point. This decision marked a significant milestone in the club’s evolution, reflecting its commitment to adapting and expanding in order to better serve its members and the maritime community at large. With determination and unity, the Mission Bay Yacht Club forged ahead, laying the groundwork for a bright future at its new and permanent home.

Amidst this transitional period, Carl and Teddy Ackerman made a significant contribution to the San Diego sailing community by introducing the first Lightning class sailboat, named Tu Tu, to the region. Remarkably, Tu Tu had previously been stationed at Pearl Harbor during the infamous bombing in 1941, adding a layer of historical significance to its arrival in San Diego.

Recognizing the potential of the Lightning class sailboat, two fleets were organized in the San Diego Bay area under the leadership of Carl and Teddy Ackerman. However, it was not long before the Mission Bay Yacht Club, led by Bill Pirie and other dedicated members, secured a charter for Fleet No. 194 at the club. This marked the official incorporation of Lightning class sailboats into the club’s sailing activities.

Despite these advancements, the introduction of larger boats like the Lightning class sailboats to the Mission Bay area was hindered by the need for dredging. This logistical challenge necessitated careful planning and coordination before these vessels could be fully integrated into the club’s operations, underscoring the club’s commitment to ensuring safe and accessible sailing experiences for its members.

Today, with Mission Bay fully dredged and exquisitely developed, the Mission Bay Yacht Club stands as the sole yacht club gracing the bay’s shores. As articulated by Pirie, the essence of the club has long revolved around small boat sailing, although a number of motor boats also find their place among the club’s fleet. Central to its ethos is a strong sense of community and inclusivity, making it a cherished family-oriented institution. Throughout its history, the club has remained steadfast in its commitment to nurturing young sailors, actively encouraging junior participation.

The Mission Bay Yacht Club has earned widespread acclaim for its prowess in small boat sailing, earning respect and recognition on the global stage. Notably, one of the club’s most illustrious members, Earl Elms, has achieved remarkable success as a yachtsman. With an impressive five world championship titles in the Snipe division to his name, Elms stands as a testament to the club’s rich sailing heritage and its enduring legacy of excellence.

Club members take pride in upholding the core vision set forth by the charter members—to establish a Corinthian Yacht Club where individuals from all walks of life can converge on a shared passion: yachting. This egalitarian ethos remains deeply ingrained within the fabric of the Mission Bay Yacht Club, reflecting a commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community centered around the love of sailing.

As articulated by Joe Hill, a respected past commodore of the club, the Mission Bay Yacht Club continues to be comprised of amateur yachtsmen who have joined not for the allure of prestige, but rather for the sheer joy and fulfillment that sailing brings. This collective dedication to the pursuit of sailing for its own sake, rather than for external accolades or status, underscores the genuine camaraderie and sense of kinship that pervades the club’s atmosphere. It is this steadfast devotion to the pure enjoyment of the sport that continues to define and distinguish the Mission Bay Yacht Club as a cherished institution within the sailing community.

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2606 North Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109