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A Century of Camaraderie: Catalina Island Yacht Club Marks 100 Years

AVALON– The Catalina Island Yacht Club (CIYC) kicked off its 100th season in grand style on May 25th. A resounding cannon shot marked the raising of the American flag, setting the tone for a momentous occasion. Supervisor Janice Hahn’s office presented Commodore John Wells with a proclamation honoring the club’s rich history. Harbor Master Orne Carstarphen of the Avalon Harbor Department concluded the ceremony with a celebratory water cannon salute. The festivities continued with an Opening Day parade featuring a colorful display of dinghies traversing the harbor. This centennial year promises a calendar packed with special events, including participation in the city’s Fourth of July parade and a grand gala at the iconic Avalon Casino.

Catalina Island, a haven for boaters and beachgoers alike, boasts a rich maritime tradition. Nestled in the heart of Avalon Bay is the CIYC, a historic landmark that has served as a social hub and a welcoming harbor for generations.

From Humble Beginnings to Enduring Legacy (1893 – Present)

The CIYC’s story stretches back to 1893, when the Banning brothers, who owned most of Catalina Island at the time, established the island’s first yacht club. This initial iteration catered primarily to the Bannings themselves and other island residents who shared a passion for sailing. However, the club didn’t last long.

A decade later, in 1903, residents reignited the dream of a dedicated yacht club. This time, they founded the Sophia Yacht Club on the approximate site of the present-day CIYC. This marked the beginning of a more enduring institution.

Over the years, the club has weathered storms (both literal and figurative). Expansions and renovations have taken place, most notably in 1924 when the current clubhouse was built. The Catalina Island Yacht Club has persevered, evolving into a cornerstone of the island’s yachting community.

Today, the CIYC stands proudly on Casino Way, its white facade and iconic blue trim a familiar sight to boaters cruising into Avalon Bay. Stepping inside the clubhouse, visitors are greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. Nautical decor adorns the walls and large windows offer panoramic views of the harbor, creating a perfect setting to unwind after a day spent exploring the island’s coves and coastline.

Membership in the CIYC comes with a host of privileges. The heart of the club is the spacious main dining room, where members can enjoy delicious meals with breathtaking views. For a more casual setting, the club also features a bar and lounge area, perfect for socializing with fellow members.

The Catalina Island Yacht Club extends its reach beyond its dedicated members. The club frequently hosts social events and regattas, drawing in the broader yachting community and celebrating the sport of sailing. Additionally, the CIYC maintains a strong commitment to the island itself. They support local businesses and organizations, fostering a spirit of community within the island’s yachting scene.

The Catalina Island Yacht Club has undeniably played a pivotal role in shaping Catalina’s maritime heritage. As they look towards the future, they remain committed to providing a welcoming space, fostering camaraderie and preserving the island’s rich nautical traditions. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of boats and the captivating allure of the sea, the Catalina Island Yacht Club offers an invitation to connect with the island’s vibrant yachting community and soak in the stunning scenery of Avalon Bay.

For more information, please visit https://www.catalinaislandyachtclub.com/ .

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Catalina Island Yacht Club (CIYC)

by Marie Rogers | May 19, 2023 | Yacht Club Members

Catalina Island Yacht Club (CIYC) catalinaislandyachtclub.com 30 Casino Way Avalon CA, 90704 (310) 510-0022 Fax (310) 510-2340

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Catalina Island Yacht Club

Members of the Catalina Island Yacht Club in Avalon, organized by Art Sanger and James Jump, erected the current club building in 1924 using some of the pilings of the Sophia Yacht Club that burned in the great fire of 1915. The club has been in continuous operation, maintained by members, since its completion except during the war years of 1942-1945 when it was used by the Merchant Marine as a training center. Although the classic design resembles some Coast Guard facilities, its tower is only ornamental. Members of one of the oldest and most unique yacht clubs in Southern California have included many well-known Hollywood personalities including Jack Warner, Rudolph Valentino, Tom Mix, James Cagney, and Johnny Weismuller.

Avalon, Catalina Island, Los Angeles County Photographer: Andrew Schmidt

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Boating to Catalina Island: Everything You Need to Know

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Last Updated on January 20, 2023 by Boatsetter Team

Catalina Island is a west coast boater’s paradise just off the coast of Southern California near San Diego . The island offers secluded locations to anchor, marinas to dock for island explorations, and many places to see local wildlife. Other island experiences include swimming through a giant kelp forest and deep sea fishing for several pelagic fish species . Catalina Island is one of the most popular destinations for boaters in the Southern California area.

Use this comprehensive boating guide to discover why boating to Catalina Island is a world-renowned experience enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike.

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Can You Take Your Own Boat to Catalina Island?

Catalina Island is a boater’s dream come true, allowing visitors and residents of Southern California opportunities to take their own boat or boat rental out to this fabulous island destination. 

So pack up your boat with all the necessary supplies and head out to Catalina Island for a day full of history, outdoor activities, and more.

How Long Does it Take to Boat from San Diego to Catalina?

Before preparing the boat and heading out to Catalina, knowing how far the island is away from San Diego, California, is crucial. The distance may be shorter than you expect.

Catalina Island is approximately  87 miles  from San Diego, California. It takes  about one hour  to get there by boat, so plan accordingly. 

When is the Best Time to Visit Catalina?

Catalina Island is a popular destination all year long; however, the best time to visit is in the spring and fall if you want to enjoy calm weather. The summer is also an excellent time to explore Catalina Island by boat; however, this time of year, it can get overcast and rain in the afternoon. 

Keep in mind that the summer months are the busiest for the island due to events such as a marathon and jazz festivals. On the other hand, the winter months are cold, and storms make the seas rough, which causes the waters to be unbearably choppy.

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Best Places to Anchor Around Catalina Island

Catalina Island’s Harbor Department only allows anchoring 100 yards outside the island’s mooring area. Boats can use anchors from the bow , stern , or two bow anchors. The Harbor Department administers the Two Harbors anchorage area, and vessels can only anchor for less than 14 days.

Just about anywhere around  Catalina Island  offers a breathtaking place to drop your boat’s anchor and relax in the sun. One of the top places to anchor your boat is just north of Pin Rock, but this area is very shallow, so be careful depending upon the tide and the size of the boat you are operating. Pin Rock is near Cato Harbor, which offers more opportunities for anchoring and floating in the waters around the island.

Another great place to anchor around Catalina Island is at Emerald Cove, where you have terrific views of the island and surrounding waters.

It is always best to ensure you are anchoring properly at Catalina Island. For questions or to confirm you are anchoring in a permitted area, contact the island’s  Harbor Department.

Things to Do at Catalina Island

Catalina Island  provides plenty of adventure opportunities where you can head to shore for some island fun. Popular land activities include:

• Scuba diving
• Riding around and exploring the hills
• Shopping district
• Spending the day at the beach
• Searching for the Bison left behind after a movie filming

Spending the day in Catalina Island puts you close to some fantastic wildlife, including dolphins and sea lions, which can be seen through the crystal clear waters. Golfing is also a popular activity on the island, located in Avalon Canyon, the oldest course west of the Mississippi. Mini golf is also available for those who do not want to test their golfing skills on a full-sized course.

The iconic Casino is another excellent place to explore and learn about the history of this exciting island.

Catalina Island Marinas

Catalina Island is home to a few  marinas  offering supplies and gas. Marinas serving boaters visiting the island include the City of Avalon Harbor Department, Avalon Marine Dock, Avalon Harbor Marine, and Two Harbors Enterprises.

Ready to explore Catalina Island ? With a Boatsetter boat rental , getting to Catalina Island has never been easier. Enjoy a day out on the water with your friends on a catamaran, sailboat , yacht, deck boat, fishing boat, and many other boat types.

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• Yachtfisher to Catalina Island
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310-510-0022

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30 Casino Way,Avalon,CA,90704,United States

Business name : Catalina Island Yacht Club

Santa Catalina Island has been inhabited for at least 8000 years. At the time of first European contact in 1542, it is thought that the Native Americans living on Santa Catalina Island called their island Pimu and themselves Pimungans (or Pimuvit).

In 1542 the Pimungans greeted the Spanish galleon that bore the explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo to their shores. Thus began the start of the Spanish discovery of the Island.  In 1602, on November 24, the eve of St. Catherine’s Day, the ship of the second Spanish explorer, Sebastian Viscaino, sighted the Island. Viscaino renamed it Santa Catalina in honor of Saint Catherine.

In the years following Catalina was used by otter hunters, smugglers, and ranching, mining and military operations.  In 1846, Santa Catalina Island was awarded to Thomas Robbins  by Mexican Governor Pio Pico as a Mexican land grant.

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Catalina Island Boat Tours & Charters

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There are a variety of boating tours & charters available on Catalina Island. Everything from glass-bottom boats, semi-submersible submarines, motor boats, kayaking, jet skis, fishing charters, sailing charters, parasailing and more. One of the most popular boating activities is the semi-submersible sub, were you can get down at eye level with the sea life, without getting wet. Both the Catalina Island Company and Catalina Adventure Tours offering an semi-submersible sub experience.

Catalina Island activities on water are vast, it’s really just a matter of what you want to do, because it is all available to you.

If you're interested in visiting Two Harbors, check out the  Discover Two Harbors' Cyclone boat , which runs seasonally (May - September) between Avalon and Two Harbors.

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Sophia Yacht Club, Santa Catalina Island was formed in 1903 by boatmen and other fishing enthusiasts in Avalon. The club was identified by the initials SYC. It was named after Miss Sophia Watmough Tutt (1887-1903), daughter of wealthy mining engineer, Charles Leaming Tutt (1864-1909), a boater and frequent visitor to Catalina Island from Colorado Springs, Colorado. On February 24, 1903, Sophia Tutt died of heart failure while on a visit to Avalon. She was 16. She is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Colorado Springs. Her father died six years later in 1909 at age 44 at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York.

[ NOTE: Several references erroneously claim J. C. Tutt of Denver was the man who founded the Sophia Yacht Club.]

In 1913, the club requested a site from the Santa Catalina Island Company on the new Pleasure Pier, but their request was denied. By 1915 they had a clubhouse in Avalon (away from the water), complete with a reading room and landscaping. They had a caretaker and a billiard table, but they wanted a facility on the water. On June 6, 1918, the club voted to change its name to the Catalina Motor Boat Club. Its first meeting was held on February 3, 1919. Although the newly named club, which included James Jump, constructed pilings, caps and flooring on a beach site approved by William Wrigley, Jr., new island company owner, the club house was never built. Money ran out. Boat builder, J. E. “Pard” Mathewson built his boat shop at the location, but the Avalon fire of 1915 destroyed the facility.

The club was a major influence in the formation of the Catalina Island Yacht Club in 1924.

• O. I. Danielson , President
• Tad Gray, Vice Preident
• George C. Farnsworth , Secretary
• Chris Ringsin, Treasurer
• Charles L. Tutt, Commodore
• Edwin H. Brewster, Vice-Commodore
• John E. Hundley, Rear Commodore
• George C. Farnsworth , Fleet Captain
• Charles A. Fisher, lst Lieutenant
• Herbert W. Allen, 2nd Lieutenant

On June 6, 1918 the Sophia Yacht Club voted to change its name to the Catalina Motor Boat Club.

Catalina Island Yacht Club Eighty-Fifth Anniversary 1924-2009

In the News~

[1] : “Word has been received here of the death of Miss Sophia Watmough Tutt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Tutt of Colorado Springs, at Avalon, Catalina Island, California yesterday. Miss Tutt was obliged to leave Colorado on account of heart trouble going to California about two years ago. Her parents were at the bedside when she passed away. She was 16 years of age. The body will be brought to this city for interment. Notice of the funeral to be given later.”

July 3, 1903 [LAH]: “Avalon, July 2. — A large number of passengers came over on the Hermosa this noon, and nearly all will remain over the Fourth... The Sophia Boatman's Club has taken the Fourth of July entertainment in hand. The members have raised money for purses and will endeavor to make this the record Fourth at Avalon. The following program will be presented: Mowing races, beginning at 10 o'clock; wheelbarrow race, potato race, ladies' swimming race, men's swimming race. In the afternoon there will be launch races, pneumatic mattress race, a race between glass bottom boats, a tug of war with five row boats on each side, a fat man's race and a sack race. In the evening all the launches, glass bottom boats, yachts and other craft will be brilliantly illuminated and go out to sea to meet the late boat, escort it in and afterward maneuver around the bay. Captain Clarence Jargstorff will have the direction of the aquatic events and E. L. Doran and Thomas Manning have been named for judges. Arrangements have also been made for a dinky or punt race for a cup between members of the South Coast Yacht Club.”

February 22, 1916 [TI/Avalon]: “If the present plans are accepted the Sophia Yacht Club are to have elaborate quarters and a location near to the former location of the bath house. It is planned to build an eighty foot structure and in which will be work rooms for members, rest rooms for visitors, and a reception room for displaying mounted specimens. For many years the launchmen who compose the S.Y.C. have tried to locate their headquarters on the waterfront so that their guests and patrons could be entertained. That the proposed site 'has been worth waiting for' is the consensus of opinion among those in the boating and party fishing business.”

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