The Navy Yacht Club Long Beach was established under the authority of Naval Station Instruction 1710.9, dated 23 October 1967, for the express purpose of encouraging Corinthian sailing and boating, promoting safety, traditions, customs and competition in yachting and to provide a competitive sailing identity through which members could participate in local, state and national competitive events.

In the two years preceding, as Port Services Officer, Naval Station Long Beach, LCDR John P. Larson, USN, originated and brought into being a sailing facility, a new form of recreation for the Navy in this area. Later in the fall of 1967, LCDR Larson called a meeting of a group of sailing enthusiasts for the purpose of organizing the present club. The By-Laws were approved on 8 November of that year with an interim slate of officers elected as follows: Commodore - Rear Admiral Ralph Weymouth; Vice Commodore - LCDR John P. Larson; and Rear Commodore - CAPT Charles Gardner.

During this early organization period, Mr. Robert M. Allan, Jr., as a member of the Fales Committee, an organization of influential civilians devoted to the acquisition of boats and facilities for the support of Naval Sailing programs, actively supported the establishment of the club.

The initial equipment and facilities used by the club were provided through a grant from the Naval Recreation Fund and included four Coronado 25’s and ten Coronado 15’s, a floating dock and a 16’x 32’ trailer flanked by a concrete slab and enclosed by a chain-link fence. From this humble beginning, the facilities have continued to expand. In 1969, Commodore Driscoll requested establishment of a Navy Marina for privately owned boats; in 1970 Commodore Sernmens was instrumental in having docks and fingers donated and installed, thus providing slips for 30 boats. A three-ton jib boom was installed in 1972, and the Marina Club House, which provided heads and showers and a meeting room, was dedicated the same year. It must be remembered, however, that these facilities and equipment were the property of and were under the control of Special Services (recently renamed Recreation Services.) They were available for use by all military personnel, not just club members. 

Glimpses of a few of the events over the years only touch on the rich tradition of NYCLB and the deep personal commitment on the part of so many people who have made our Club such a success.

1967 -- Club founded in November, facility construction began in December. Four Coronado 25’s ordered and named after four of the commands of John Paul Jones - Alfred, Alliance, Ariel and Providence.

1968 -- Wednesday noon races started and the Winter Day Sailor Series. Dues were 25 cents a month. First flag pole installed and a new patio roof installed. NYCLB initiated an annual race home from Oxnard (no spinnakers). KHYC sailed in. 23 boats started first Navy Day Regatta.

1969 -- Several seaplane buoys installed for moorings. 117 members. A fifth Coronado 25, Serapis, was purchased and all five raced to Ensenada. 39 entries in Navy Day Regatta. Seaman Henry Sprague represented NYCLB, winning the Congressional Cup.

1970 -- The new Marina (52 slips) was dedicated in August. First Club cruise to Catalina. Coronado 25 rabbit races on Thursday evenings. NYCLB joined Yacht Club Association of Los Angeles - Long Beach Harbors and was accepted as Affiliate Member of SCYA. Club sponsored sails on Mrs. Daniel’s 90 ft. schooner “Sal Lee”..

 1971 -- Seventy-five boats in Commodore’s Invitational. Hosted Cal 40s for Mid-Winter regatta. First Salty Saturday Race in April. Twenty new slips. Family cookouts on patio became popular. Initiated intra-club Independence Day Regatta (held in August). Membership reached 200.

1972 -- Marina Clubhouse dedicated on 21 June. Cruises to KHYC and Bahia Corinthian. Parking lot and jib boom installed. Coronado 25’s replaced by Catalina 27’s. New Year’s Eve party in the new clubhouse.

1973 -- NYCLB became incorporated. Naval Station downgraded to Support Activity - no longer home port for ships. Newsletter became the SCUTTLEBUTT, Membership records stolen from Gillespie’s car - recovered next day, including Goppert’s briefcase.

1974 -- Ocean racing participation increased significantly. Club sponsored sailing symposium was a great success. Clarence Shaw organized Junior Sabot Program. Junior sailing scholarships established. May Salty Saturday set aside for Single-handed Race. 180 people at 4th of July picnic. Lady Skipper’s Race initiated in October with chili fest after.

1975 -- NYCLB upgraded to Associate member of SCYA. Full cruising calendar (by Calmer) now a tradition. Club hosted Cal 25 Nationals. Quantum jump in cookouts and social activities, thanks to a new gas-fired BBQ grill.

1976 -- Marked by successful racing, cruising and social programs, not to mention a Bicentennial Dinghy Parade, hosting West Coast Sailing Championship ace, and the after-effects of a fire in the clubhouse.

1977 -- We had increased activity and participation in both racing and cruising. Ruel Cameron, in TAHUNA, entered the TRANSPAC Race. Highlight of the year was our 1Oth Anniversary Party in October.

1978 -- In addition to a successful racing, cruising and social calendar, NYCLB joined the Southern California Youth Yacht Racing Association. Announcement made that Long Beach will again become homeport for ships. A five-year plan for our club was completed and approved.

1979 -- This could be called the year of the cruise (one a month through the season) or the year of the family (Don and Dee Bastin were named Yachtsman and Lady Mariner of the Year). New dimensions were added to the SCUTTLEBUTT with pictures and personal articles. Hosted our first international race series with the Japanese. Hosted the first SBORA Nationals. (First USMC Commodore).

1980 -- Bareboat charter cruise to the British Virgin Islands. Revised and updated the By-Laws. Hosted new PHRF open event for ladies, the Footin’ Foxes Race. First annual 4th of July Parade and hors d’oeuvres contest.

1981 -- NYCLB coming out year. Hosted SCYA dinner meeting at Allen Center in April. Held first Opening Day Ceremony.  Held dinner meeting afloat on Buccaneer Queen. Held expanded 4th of July Boat Parade and Picnic. Membership increased to 248 members. (First Coast Guard Commodore).

1982 -- NYCLB upgraded to Regular Member of SCYA. Student membership program was established for NROTC members at USC and UCLA to provide sail training for future Navy Officers. Organized a chapter of the International Order of the Blue Gavel for Staff Commodores. NYCLB entry in Lipton Cup placed seventh out of nineteen entries. Marina expanded with a new dock and fifty additional slips. Clubhouse showers upgraded from two to four.

1983 -- Several members participated in management of SCYA sponsored Olympic Classes regatta. Racing: We raced C1 5’s against HMAS Sydney and lost; but against the Japanese destroyer “Sawakaze” we won. WINNERS: Ladies Invitational clean sweep, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. Reciprocal cruising schedule expanded to include Dana Point YC and Dana West YC. USNSA Secretary Bob McWethy was guest speaker at November dinner meeting.

1984 -- The major event for 1984 was the Olympics. NYCLB was well represented with SCYA volunteers who helped make the sailing events the success they were. This year’s C-15 program included races against the Australian from “Sydney” which turned out in favor of NYCLB.

1985 -- Major facility expansion and improvement was completed this year. We now have 350 slips available, new concrete pilings and many renewed docks. Our club hosted thirteen different yacht clubs from Southern California who cruised in to visit and 155 boats with 515 guests. Our own members enjoyed a very active racing, and cruising year as well.

1986 -- Membership peaked at 273. The first Member’s Day Brunch was held. In addition, an outstanding Opening Day, 4th of July, and several Pot-Luck dinners rounded out a busy social calendar. The club sponsored the first Christmas parade of Lights for the benefit of the crews of the various Navy ships in port. And, progress continues with feet of lead in the renovation of the clubhouse.

1987 -- 0ur twentieth anniversary year was ablaze with activity. The membership roll contained a broader representation of the various uniformed services than in past years: Retired members continue to be the main force in providing leadership and continuity in the operation of the club. The Cruise program set new records under the leadership of Mike Elliott and Ray Vida. The Cruise-in agenda brought 216 boats from 16 different yacht clubs. The Cruise-out agenda sent 116 NYC boats, 232 members, on reciprocal cruises from Marina Del Ray to San Diego. For the first time, NYC assisted Metropolitan Yacht Club of Oakland, California in staging the San Francisco to Catalina Race. For his work as the NYC Chairman, John Larson, Membership Card number 1, was nominated for, and received, the LA-LB Harbor Association’s Yachtsman of the Year Award for 1987.

1988 -- NYCLB members participated in a full calendar of racing, cruising, and social events. With five other area yacht clubs, we co-sponsored the Charity Regatta for the benefit of the Children’s Clinic of Long Beach. In July, we again assisted the Metropolitan Yacht Club of Oakland to Catalina Race. LT Mike Turner and crew on the USC-NROTC’s 41 foot ketch Sea Traveler winning their class in the Oakland to Catalina race. On 3 November ground breaking took place for the new 2-story clubhouse building and construction began. (First Woman Commodore).

1989 -- A year of increasing activity and broadening exposure. A new Marina Facility was finally completed. Our trophies, plaques and burgees highlight the new clubhouse decor. A pictorial gallery of Staff Commodores honors our past. Bobby Novodvorsky was selected as the Los Angeles / Long Beach Yachtswoman of the Year. Our successful 1st annual Lady Skippers invitational race offers an opportunity for future regional exposure. The 4th of July and Christmas Parades continue to show the innovative talents of our membership.

1990 -- Another full year of racing, cruising, and social activities kept NYCLB members busy. We continue to co-sponsor the Oakland-Catalina race with MYCO. Followed by our own homeward bound race. Our members have participated in race management seminars; women’s sailing convention; our women’s invitational has become part of the women’s championship of LA/LB Harbor. We help sponsor the LB Charity Regatta each September. Ron Tornan is establishing a JR Sailing program. We continue hosting cruise-ins of other local yacht clubs, as well as cruising away to visit local clubs. We finish each Salty Saturday with a social activity at Marina Clubhouse. Truly fine activities, all.

1991 -- This year saw some significant changes for the Club…Some good news and some bad news. The good: Released, furnished, and occupied our first dedicated office; our By-Laws were modified to permit some dependent membership, and to allow spouses to hold membership and office (see the accompany By-Law changes; and the newly renovated shower and laundry facilities were brought on line. The bad: “A” dock blew away in the last storm of the calendar year, leaving a few of us in temporary slips and requiring a monumental effort on the part of our MWR colleagues to stabilize the situation. New trophies were added to our perpetual list for Race Committee Boat participation and for most miles logged in our cruising program.

1992 -- During our 25th year, NYCLB again showed that it is one of the leading clubs in Southern California, Staff Commodore Bill Lewis was selected as the LA-LB Harbor Association’s Yachtsman of the Year. This was the second time that one of NYCLB’s members has so been honored in the five-year history of the award. In October we hosted the Southern California Yachting Association’s Annual “Old Timers” dinner, with over 150 guests. The Racing Fleet was very active. Participating in our Salty Saturday Series, our Club Invitational, numerous local Invitational and the Catalina Series. Jr Staff Commodore Bob Fort, in Sceptre participated and trophied in the Oakland-Catalina Race. Numerous club members assisted Betty Larson (who chaired the committee) in the duties of the Catalina end of the Oakland-Catalina Race and the Homeward Bound Race. Bobby Novodvorsky became the first Associate Member to serve on the clubs Board of Directors. In the Marina in 1992, the addition of numerous pilings to the marina and the start of construction on the new sail loft.

1993 -- It was a very active year for NYCLB, in spite of the fact that the Oakland to Catalina race had to be canceled for lack of participation.  That race has been rescheduled to be conducted on odd numbered years to avoid conflict with other events. The year featured an outstanding cruising program crowned by the Coronado Yacht Club trip (seven yachts), with the return cruise to include the Dana West Yacht Club weekend (too many NYCLB boats to count). Inaugurated was the first annual hosting of NOSA’s Argosy Race layover. NYCLB’s Race Committee did an outstanding job of providing assistance to, and facilities for NOSA’s committee at the finish and the following start. Our club has the talent to produce a truly outstanding evening for the 100 plus sailors involved. It is expected that this event will grow in participation, and may have found a permanent home at the Navy Marina. NYCLB closing of the marina on the horizon, NYCLB will continue to be a viable yacht club and provide the same quality service to our members in the years to come.

1996 -- The past year has been an eventful one for the club. In order to assure a viable and active membership into the future, the By-Laws were changed to allow broader eligibility for membership to include Coast Guard Auxiliary, DOD civilians, and veterans. With the impending marina closure, members were concerned with the problem of relocating elsewhere, hopefully with slip fees comparable to those we have enjoyed at the Navy Station. After months of rumors and negotiations with the City of Long Beach, the Navy marina slip renters were offered slips at the Downtown Marina (which has a high vacancy rate) at our present slip rent for a period of three years. Beginning in October, many marina occupants started moving to the Downtown Marina. Some club members chose to locate in other marinas, such as Cabrillo Marina in San Pedro. The search for a meeting place for the club resulted in the identification of a building on the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station that we would be allowed to share with other groups. At the present time, the only other group using the facility is the WWII Submariners. The facility, a former brig, has a kitchen, some storage, bathrooms, and has been renovated to some extent. Unfortunately, the club will not be in a position to offer reciprocal privileges to other yacht clubs without our own marina and co-located facility. We will continue to host regattas and other events as in the past. In 1996 we again hosted NOSA Argosy race finish at Long Beach along with an excellent and well received steak dinner prepared and served by our members. The men’s team again won the Gator Regatta at NYCSD, but because we were unable to field a women’s team, under the new rules, we could not win the overall team trophy. Although our membership dwindled a little in 1996 (as did many SCYA clubs), we still have a large number of members, and a good group of active volunteers to continue NYCLB into a new era beginning with the Club’s 30th anniversary.

1997 -- We survived 1997! The club’s prospects look bright for the year ahead and possibly for years to come. The move from the old facility to storage and ultimately to our present location at Seal Beach Weapon Station was accomplished with the help of many hardworking and dedicated members. The present clubhouse looks very nautical and inviting. This has been achieved with the help of our partners, the Sub-Marine Vets WWII. With the move, some of our activities suffered from attendance but I feel certain things will improve with time and the possibility of another relocation. In the latter part of 1997, NYCLB made contact with the Long Beach Maritime Foundation regarding the prospect of having our clubhouse on-board the USS NEW ORLEANS. Both parties agreed this would be a good plan and talks proceeded to make this a reality. The Foundation requested a decommissioned ship fromthe US Navy that would be permanently berthed in the Long Beach Harbor and are waiting final approval from the Navy Department. Our club members have recognized the fantastic opportunity this would be for the club and have willingly supported the Foundation with their contributions. This would make NYCLB the only yacht club in the world on a navy ship. In September, the club held its first MEMBER’S APPRECIATION DAY at the Seal Beach facility on the water at the beach house. This turned out to be our first mini cruise-in to Seal Beach Weapons Station and plans are to continue this event. With all these changes going on the club also experienced the first non-military female commodore - and survived even that!!

1998 -- The year started with the traditional, “Commodore’s Invitational Race”. This is one of the Long Beach/Los Angeles area’s performance handicapped racing series. In April our members were in attendance at the annual “Ensenada Race”. Ron Toman in PASSAGES won first place in his class claiming a well deserved trophy. His efforts also earned him the NYCLB’s READY FOR SEA PERPETUAL trophy. Interest in social activities were generally at a very good level. Highest attendance of the year was undoubtedly at Opening Day. Who can forget the thrill of seeing a flight of 3 marine F-1 8 fighters fly over in the middle of the ceremony? The club continued with the MEMBER’S APPRECIATION picnic held on the beach house at Seal Beach Weapons Station. Unfortunately, various bureaucratic delays prevent the arrival of the USS New Orleans during 1998. But we are very fortunate to have the Seal Beach Naval Weapon Station provide NYCLB a good home until our ship does come in.

1999 -- Well, we are still here at Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station. Throughout the past year we have had some highlights for the 1999 yachting season. The club is holding on to a membership of about 130 members. Yes we have lost a few but we also have new members joining throughout the year. We now realize that the hope of moving aboard the New Orleans is not looking that good. I believe we have a good thing going for us in the use of the building that we call our CLUBHOUSE.

Throughout the year we had some great moments. Our big event was our opening day ceremony. The weather was a little windy and some clouds but no rain. We had a very good turnout from our members and from other yacht clubs. We had about five entries in the Newport to Ensenada race. It was a slow race this year but most stuck to the idea of just finishing. In the summer we held a dock party over at Cabrillo Marina hosted by Mary Hunt aboard “MAME” with a very turnout. We are planning to have this event again next year. The 4th of July party was on H dock at Shoreline Marina, again another great time and a fantastic view of the firework display held near the Queen Mary. We had a Bar-b-Que. dinner at the clubhouse with a very good turnout also. We continued hosting a member’s appreciation picnic. We are going through a time here at the club that I believe we will see a change in the coming years for the good. It takes members like the ones we have to pull us into the new millennium. I thank all the members of the GREAT club.

2000 -- We didn’t start the new millennium with a bang. Mother nature played whimsical tricks on us. First the day broke beautiful, warm and clear for the Commodore’s Invitational Regatta, and as the boats drew near the starting line, the wind died. After an hour and a half’s delay, the boats still drifted fifty yards from the start line with no wind, so we had to cancel the race. Two months later we have Opening Day, in a cold, cloudy blustery wind with the ever-constant threat of rain. Luckily, we had no rain; but the next day a huge rain and wind storm came and flipped the Opening Day tent up on the gaff of our flag pole, shredding the tent, and blowing down the flagpole. Later in the year, the stalwart, Sky Novodvorsky, re-erected the pole – this time anchoring it to the eave of the building. Hopefully this is a permanent fix..
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It became apparent that our chances of getting the former USS New Orleans as a new home was down to what the future would bring. The social scene of the club definitely picked up, not only with cruise outs to Long Beach Downtown Marina, in a joint effort with Long Beach Single Sailors Association, and BCYC, we started a happy hour tradition at Fort Mac Arthur in San Pedro each Friday night. Most come when they can, but we have developed a regular following of 20 –30 people. We put a Burgee on a small post on the table which gives us further recognition, and now the Fort Mac Community Center (where happy hour takes place) has even gone to putting a white table cloth on our table. We also had several dock parties, thanks to Lady Mariner of the Year, Mary Hunt, aboard and around her boat MAME. All this seems to have contributed to a stronger sense of club spirit, and higher membership. We gained more members during the year than we lost, and it is very pleasing to see the newest members just as active as the old ones.