In 1973, Southern California’s boat building industry reached its zenith, with Costa Mesa serving as the epicenter for fiberglass sailboat production. According to historical records, there were 46 boat builders in Costa Mesa alone, collectively producing an impressive 24,000 vessels that year1. The broader Orange County region housed nearly 100 boat manufacturers during the mid-1970s, creating a robust marine manufacturing ecosystem1.

Boat Building Industry in Costa Mesa and Surrounding Areas (1973)

The Fiberglass Revolution in Costa Mesa

The early 1970s represented the golden age of fiberglass boat construction in Southern California. Costa Mesa earned the nickname “Mecca” among sailing enthusiasts due to its concentration of innovative boat builders2. This period followed the experimental 1960s when manufacturers refined fiberglass construction techniques, leading to higher quality vessels and increased production capacity by the early 1970s5.

Major Fiberglass Boat Manufacturers

The overwhelming majority of Costa Mesa boat builders specialized in fiberglass construction. These companies dominated the market:

Jensen Marine (Cal boats) produced models like the Cal 2-30 and Cal 3-30, designed by C. William Lapworth. The company built solid fiberglass hulls with straightforward interiors and continued production of the Cal 2-30 until 19735.Their facility in Costa Mesa formed part of the industrial core that made the region famous for boat building.

Columbia Yachts, founded by Dick Valdes and Maury Threien, established itself as a major player in the fiberglass sailboat market1. The company contributed to Costa Mesa’s reputation by mass-producing affordable cruising sailboats with modern designs.

Ericson Yachts competed directly with other major production builders like Pearson, Cal, and Columbia. Their operations in Costa Mesa benefited from the concentration of marine industry suppliers and skilled labor in the area2. The company produced archetypal fiberglass sailboats that defined the era.

Islander Yachts occupied a similar market position, focusing on fiberglass cruiser-racers that appealed to the growing recreational sailing community2. Their presence in Costa Mesa further cemented the city’s status as a boat building hub.

Coastal Recreation, Inc., founded in 1968, specialized in designing and manufacturing fiberglass sailboats. Their lineup included the Balboa and Aquarius series, with an emphasis on trailerable cruising boats. By 1973, they had introduced models like the La Paz 25, adding to Costa Mesa’s diverse boat building portfolio4.

MacGregor Yacht Corporation began in the late 1960s with the Westwind model and expanded to include swing keel boats ranging from 17 to 24 feet1. Under Roger MacGregor’s leadership, the company would become one of the few survivors of Costa Mesa’s boat building era, continuing operations into the 21st century.

Specialty and Performance Builders

Beyond the mainstream production builders, Costa Mesa hosted numerous specialty manufacturers:

Westsail focused on heavy-displacement fiberglass cruising boats designed for offshore sailing. Their rugged construction methods contrasted with the lighter racing-oriented designs of other Costa Mesa builders1.

Flicka and Dana builders produced smaller fiberglass cruising boats with traditional aesthetics, catering to sailors seeking classic appearances with modern construction techniques1.

Clipper Marine and American Mariner represented additional fiberglass production builders that contributed to the industrial ecosystem1.

Here is a detailed summary of the companies, their products, years of production, founders, and what became of them:

Wooden Boat Construction

While fiberglass had largely supplanted wood as the primary boat building material by this time, some wooden boat construction persisted:

Hudson Boat Works is mentioned in a comment as a builder of wooden launch boats in Costa Mesa, though details about their 1973 operations are limited1.

Hodgdon Bros appears in vessel registration data from 1973, suggesting they may have had some presence or influence in the region, though their main operations were historically based in Maine3.

Here is an alphabetical list of competitors to a boat builder in Costa Mesa around the peak building period of 1973

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Competition for Boat Builders in Costa Mesa

1. American Mariner
2. Aquarius
3. Arthur Marine
4. Balboa Motorhomes
5. Brunswick
6. Bangor Punta Marine
7. Cal Boats/Jensen Marine
8. Californian Trawlers
9. Calgan Marine Powerboats
10. Campbell Yachts
11. Clipper Marine
12. Columbia Yachts
13. Coastal Recreation, Inc.
14. Crystaliner Corporation
15. C & L Craftworks, Inc.
16. Dana Boats
17. Duffy Boats
18. Ericson Yachts
19. Fiberglass Shop
20. Fishing Boats Unlimited
21. Flicka Boats
22. Fleming Yachts
23. Formosa Boat Building Co.
24. Fuji Yacht Builders Ltd.
25. Glasspar
26. Hodgdon Bros
27. Hudson Boat Works
28. Islander Yachts
29. Jensen Marine
30. Lancer Yachts
31. Lockley Newport Boats:
32. Luhrs Marine Group
33. MacGregor Yachts
34. Mediterranean Yachts
35. Maurer Marine, Inc.
36. Newport Boats
37. Pacific American Industries
38. Sam L. Morse
39. O’Day
40. Owens Yacht Company
41. Pacific Seacraft
42. Premier Motorcoach Innovations
43. Sea & Ski Marine
44. Skipjack Boats
45. Sam L. Morse Co.
46. Trail-Mite
47. Viking Yachts
48. W.D. Schock Corp
49. Willard Marine
50. Westsail Corporation
51. Westerly Marine
52. Wells Marine
53. Wizard Boats

In the 70s, if you could build a fiberglass boat the boat could be sold for a profit. There was high consumer demand to replace wooden boats with fiberglass ones. The problem was having the know how, and getting the resources to complete the build. The above list represents about half of the businesses that fought for raw materials and human resources in Costa Mesa during the 70s. Businesses with space and even homes with yards, rented space to boat builders. For example:

Larry Pardey built the storied Seraffyn in a metal shed behind a printing business in Costa Mesa. Larry’s connection to the Costa Mesa area stemmed from his work and passion for boatbuilding. After moving from Canada, he sought employment in Southern California’s vibrant sailing and boatbuilding community, which was thriving during the 1960s35. This shed location marked the start of his dream to sail the world, with Seraffyn becoming the foundation of the philosophy “Go Small, Go Simple, Go Now” that inspired countless sailors through his voyages with Lin and their writings245.

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Aquarius (Coastal Recreation, Inc.)

• Products: Trailerable fiberglass sailboats, including the Aquarius 21 and Aquarius 23.
• Years of Production: 1968–1981.
• Founder: Coastal Recreation, Inc.
• Fate: Acquired by Laguna Yachts, later shut down in 1986

American Mariner

• Products: Sailboats (e.g., American Mariner 24)
• Years of Production: 1970s
• Founder: Unknown
• Fate: The company ceased operations in the late 1970s.

2. Arthur Marine

• Products: Balboa series of trailerable sailboats (e.g., Balboa 20)
• Years of Production: Late 1960s–1970s
• Founder: Richard Arthur
• Fate: Merged with Coastal Recreation, Inc.; ceased operations after Coastal Recreation’s closure in 1981.

3. Balboa Motorhomes

• Products: Compact fiberglass motorhomes
• Years of Production: 1968–1974
• Founder: Jensen Marine (Jack Jensen)
• Fate: Discontinued during the 1973–1974 energy crisis.

4. Brunswick

• Products: Pleasure boats (e.g., Sea Ray, Bayliner)
• Years of Production: Founded in 1845; boat division established in 2000
• Founder: John Moses Brunswick
• Fate: Still operating as Brunswick Boat Group.

5. Bangor Punta Marine

• Products: Acquired multiple marine brands (e.g., Cal Boats, O’Day Yachts)
• Years of Operation: 1960s–1984
• Founder: Diversified conglomerate
• Fate: Acquired by Lear Siegler in 1984.

6. Cal Boats/Jensen Marine

• Products: Fiberglass sailboats (e.g., Cal 40, Cal 20)
• Years of Production: 1957–1989
• Founder: Jack Jensen
• Fate: Acquired by Bangor Punta in 1968; ceased production in 1989.

7. Californian Trawlers

• Products: Fiberglass trawler yachts
• Years of Production: Late 1970s–1990s
• Founder: Marshall “Duffy” Duffield
• Fate: Acquired by Carver Yachts.

8. Calgan Marine Powerboats

• Products: Fiberglass sailboats under license from Cal Yachts (e.g., Cal 20, Cal 25) and original designs like the Crown 28.
• Years of Production: 1962–1979.
• Founder: Al Nairne.
• Fate: Ceased operations in 1979.

9. Campbell Yachts

• No specific information available.

10. Clipper Marine

• Products: Trailerable fiberglass sailboats (e.g., Clipper Marine 21, Clipper Marine 26)
• Years of Production: Late 1960s–1970s
• Founder: William Crealock
• Fate: Ceased operations in the late 1970s.

11. Columbia Yachts

• Products: Affordable fiberglass sailboats (e.g., Columbia 22, Columbia 50)
• Years of Production: 1961–1982
• Founders: Richard Valdes and Maury Threien.
   It was started by Richard Valdes and a friend as Glas Laminates, a small producer of camper tops, shower stalls, and portable chemical toilets.
• Fate: Acquired by Whittaker Corporation; ceased operations in the early 1980s.

12. Coastal Recreation, Inc.

• Products: Trailerable sailboats (e.g., Balboa and Aquarius series)
• Years of Production: 1968–1981
• Founder: Unknown
• Fate: Acquired by Laguna Yachts; later shut down.

Crystaliner Corporation

• Products: Fiberglass boats, including fishing vessels and patrol boats.
• Years of Production: Active from the mid-20th century.
• Founder: Unknown.
• Fate: No current information on operations; likely closed.

C & L Craftworks, Inc.

• No specific information available in the search results.

Dana Boats

• Products: Small fiberglass cruising sailboats.
• Years of Production: Mid-to-late 20th century.
• Founder: Unknown.
• Fate: Likely ceased operations.

Duffy Boats

• Products: Electric-powered boats for leisure cruising.
• Years of Production: Founded in 1970; still operating.
• Founder: Marshall “Duffy” Duffield.
• Fate: Continues to produce electric boats with a focus on sustainability.

Ericson Yachts

• Products: Fiberglass sailboats, including racer-cruisers (e.g., Ericson 30, Ericson 35).
• Years of Production: 1963–1990.
• Founders: Handy and Jenkins; later owned by Pacific American Industries (1968) and CML Group (1971).
• Fate: Ceased operations in 1990; some designs reproduced by Pacific Seacraft.

Fiberglass Shop

• No specific information available in the search results.

Fishing Boats Unlimited

• Products: Custom fishing boats (“Fishing Weapons”) and marine services
• Years of Production: Operating for over 40 years (since approximately the 1980s)
• Founders: Family-owned business (specific founders not named)
• Fate: Still operating as of 2025 at 624 Terminal Way, Costa Mesa
• Current Operations: Provides installation and service of control and steering systems; maintains Southern California’s only state-of-the-art hydraulic testing and repair facility4

Flicka Boats

• Products: Flicka 20, a compact cruising sailboat designed for bluewater sailing.
• Years of Production: Mid-to-late 20th century.
• Founder: Unknown.
• Fate: Likely ceased operations; Flicka designs remain popular among sailors.

Fleming Yachts

• Products: High-end luxury trawler yachts for long-distance cruising.
• Years of Production: Founded in the late 1980s; still operating.
• Founder: Tony Fleming.
• Fate: Continues to operate as a leading builder of luxury yachts.

Formosa Boat Building Co.

• Products: Fiberglass cruising sailboats, including the Formosa 51 and other heavy-displacement designs.
• Years of Production: 1960s–1980s.
• Founder: Unknown (based in Taiwan).
• Fate: Ceased operations; Formosa boats remain popular among cruising sailors.

Fuji Yacht Builders Ltd.

• Products: High-quality fiberglass cruising yachts, including the Fuji 35 and Fuji 45.
• Years of Production: 1970s–1980s.
• Founder: Unknown (based in Japan).
• Fate: Ceased operations; their boats are still highly regarded.

• No specific information available in the search results.

Glasspar

• Products: Fiberglass powerboats and sailboats; pioneers in fiberglass construction.
• Years of Production: Founded in 1947; active through the mid-to-late 20th century.
• Founder: Bill Tritt.
• Fate: Ceased operations; influential in the development of fiberglass boatbuilding.

Hodgdon Bros

• No specific information available in the search results.

Hudson Boat Works

• No specific information available beyond producing diesel-powered wooden launch boats in Costa Mesa during the mid-to-late 20th century.

Islander Yachts

• Products: Performance-oriented fiberglass sailboats (e.g., Islander 36).
• Years of Production: 1950s–1986.
• Founder: Joseph McGlasson.
• Fate: Ceased operations in 1986 due to market downturns.

Jensen Marine (Cal Boats)

• Products: Fiberglass sailboats, including the iconic Cal series (e.g., Cal 20, Cal 40).
• Years of Production: 1957–1989.
• Founder: Jack Jensen.
• Fate: Acquired by Bangor Punta in 1968, later sold to Lear Siegler, and eventually ceased production in 1989. The Cal brand remains iconic among sailors.

Lancer Yachts

• Products: Fiberglass sailboats and motorsailers ranging from 25 to 65 feet. Known for “Power Sailers” that combined sailing and motorboat capabilities.
• Years of Production: 1974–1986.
• Founder: Richard Valdes (former president of Columbia Yachts).
• Fate: Sold to Bally Manufacturing in 1983, then to Newport Offshore Yachts. Production ceased by 1986.

Lockley Newport Boats

• Products: Small fiberglass sailboats and dinghies.
• Years of Production: Mid-to-late 20th century.
• Founder: Unknown.
• Fate: Ceased operations; specific details are unavailable.

Luhrs Marine Group

• Products: Sportfishing boats and yachts under brands like Luhrs, Mainship, Silverton, and Hunter.
• Years of Production: Early 20th century–2012.
• Founder: Henry Luhrs.
• Fate: Filed for bankruptcy in 2012; some brands were acquired by other companies.

MacGregor Yachts

• Products: Trailerable sailboats (e.g., Venture series, MacGregor 26) with innovative features like swing keels and water ballast systems.
• Years of Production: Late 1960s–2013.
• Founder: Roger MacGregor.
• Fate: Ceased operations in Costa Mesa in 2013; Roger MacGregor retired, and the company relocated under Tattoo Yachts.

Mediterranean Yachts

• No specific information available in the search results.

Maurer Marine, Inc.

• No specific information available in the search results.

Newport Boats

• Products: Sailboats (specific models not detailed in search results)
• Years of Production: Likely 1960s-1980s during Costa Mesa’s boat building peak
• Founders: Not specified in search results
• Fate: No longer operating; mentioned among the many boat builders that disappeared from Costa Mesa2

Pacific American Industries

• Products: Parent company of Ericson Yachts after acquiring it in 1968.
• Years Active: Late 1960s–1980s.
• Fate: Ceased operations or transitioned out of the marine industry.

Sam L. Morse Company

• Products: High-quality fiberglass cruising sailboats like the Bristol Channel Cutter (28 ft) and Falmouth Cutter (22 ft), designed by Lyle Hess.
• Years of Production: Founded in the late 1970s; ceased operations around the early 2000s.
• Founder: Sam L. Morse.
• Fate: Closed; designs remain popular among bluewater sailors.

O’Day Corp.

• Products: Sailboats, including the popular Daysailer, Mariner, and O’Day 22.
• Years of Production: 1958–1989.
• Founder: George O’Day, an Olympic and America’s Cup sailor.
• Fate: Sold to Bangor Punta in 1966, later owned by Lear Siegler. The company ceased operations in 1989.

Owens Yacht Company

• Products: Wooden and fiberglass cruisers and runabouts; developed the Owens Cutter and Flagship Marine engines.
• Years of Production: 1930–1965.
• Founders: Charles Owens Sr. and his brothers.
• Fate: Sold to Brunswick Corporation in 1961, renamed Concorde Yacht Division, and went out of business in the early 1970s.

Pacific Seacraft

• Products: Bluewater cruising sailboats, including the Crealock series (Pacific Seacraft 37, Dana 24).
• Years of Production: Founded in 1975; production continues today.
• Founders: Mike Howarth and Henry Mohrschladt.
• Fate: Filed for bankruptcy in 2007; assets moved to Washington, North Carolina. Currently operating under new ownership.

Premier Motorcoach Innovations

• Products: Custom RV conversions and repairs.
• Years of Production: Established in 1972; still active.
• Founder: Unknown.
• Fate: Continues operating as a custom coach builder.

Sea & Ski Marine

• Products: Marine service provider offering boat repairs and trailer maintenance.
• Years of Operation: Unknown; likely mid-to-late 20th century.
• Fate: No information on current status; likely closed.

Skipjack Boats

• Products: Fiberglass sportfishing boats (e.g., Skipjack 20, Skipjack 24).
• Years of Production: Late 1960s–present.
• Founder: Jack Cole.
• Fate: Still operating, producing high-quality fishing boats.

Sam L. Morse Co.

• Products: High-quality cruising sailboats like the Bristol Channel Cutter (28 ft) and Falmouth Cutter (22 ft), designed by Lyle Hess.
• Years of Production: Late 1970s–early 2000s.
• Founder: Sam L. Morse.
• Fate: Ceased operations; designs remain highly sought after by bluewater sailors.

Trail-Mite

• Products: Compact fiberglass travel trailers.
• Years of Production: Likely 1960s–1970s.
• Founder: Unknown.
• Fate: Likely ceased operations.

Viking Yachts

• Products: High-end sportfishing yachts and luxury motor yachts.
• Years of Production: Founded in 1964; still operating.
• Founders: Bob and Bill Healey.
• Fate: Continues as a leading yacht manufacturer with global recognition.

W.D. Schock Corp.

• Products: Sailboats, including the Lido 14, Harbor 20, and Santana series.
• Years of Production: Founded in 1946; still operating.
• Founder: William D. Schock.
• Fate: Continues to produce high-quality racing and recreational sailboats.

Wells Marine

• Products: Specialized in marine equipment and services.
• Military Contracts: Secured $18.21 million in Army contracts by 1987, making it one of Orange County’s top defense contractors.
• Relevance in 1973: Likely involved in marine-related manufacturing or services that positioned it for later military contracts.

Westsail Corporation

• Products: Heavy-displacement cruising sailboats (e.g., Westsail 32, Westsail 42).
• Years of Production: Early 1970s–1981.
• Founders: Lynn and Larry Pardey popularized the brand through their voyages on Seraffyn and Taleisin.
• Fate: Ceased operations in the early 1980s; many boats remain in use today.

Westerly Marine

• Products: Custom high-performance racing yachts and commercial vessels.
• Years of Production: Founded in 1970; still operating as of today.
• Founder: Unknown.
• Fate: Continues to operate as a custom boatbuilder.

Wells Marine

• Military Contracts: Secured $18.21 million in Army contracts by the late 1980s.
• Relevance in 1973: Likely involved in marine-related manufacturing or services that laid the groundwork for future defense work.

Willard Marine

• Products: Fiberglass trawlers and military/commercial vessels.
• Military Contracts: Transitioned to producing military patrol boats and commercial vessels after its founding in the 1950s.
• Relevance in 1973: Active as a builder of durable fiberglass boats, which later evolved into military applications.

Wizard Boats

• Products: Early manufacturer of “laminated plastic craft” (fiberglass boats)
• Years of Production: Founded in 1947; end date unclear
• Founders: Not specified in search results
• Fate: No longer operating; credited with helping make Costa Mesa the “fiberglass capital” and introducing the nation to fiberglass boatbuilding
• Legacy: Played a significant role in establishing Costa Mesa as a hub for fiberglass boat manufacturing, influencing the industry’s development in the region1

Boat Designers

1. Peter Barrett
2. Bill Crealock (notable offshore designs)
3. George Cuthbertson & George Cassian (Baltic and C&C designs)
4. Bill Lee
5. Bruce Farr (high-performance racing designs)
6. Lyle Hess (Balboa 26, Bristol Channel Cutter)
7. Bruce King
8. Bill Lee (“Fast is Fun” designs)
9. C. William Lapworth (Cal series designs)
10. Alan Payne (Columbia meter line designs)
11. Shad Turner (Aquarius and Balboa designs)

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Notable Boats Built in Costa Mesa During the 1970s

1. Balboa 20, 21, 23, 26, 27 (Coastal Recreation)
2. Aquarius 21, 23 (Coastal Recreation)
3. Columbia 9.6, Columbia 50 (Columbia Yachts)
4. Cal 20, Cal 40 (Jensen Marine)
5. MacGregor 26
6. Westsail 32 (Westsail Corporation)

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Costa Mesa was a hub for fiberglass boat manufacturing during the 1970s, with over 46 builders operating at its peak in 1973, producing durable and iconic vessels that are still sought after today for their quality and performance.

The Broader Southern California Context

Within a 50-mile radius of Costa Mesa, additional significant boat builders operated:

Catalina Yachts, described as “nearby to the north,” established itself as a major producer of fiberglass sailboats that would eventually outlast many of its Costa Mesa competitors1.

Hobie Cat, located “a short distance down the coast,” pioneered fiberglass catamaran construction and created a new sailing category with their beach-launchable designs1.

Luhrs, primarily a power boat builder, maintained operations near Costa Mesa, diversifying the region’s marine manufacturing capabilities1.

Industry Decline

The vibrant boat building scene in Costa Mesa would face significant challenges in subsequent years. By 1974, the number of boat builders in Costa Mesa had already declined to 22, less than half the previous year’s total1. This contraction stemmed from multiple factors:

Environmental regulations, particularly California’s stringent air pollution laws, made fiberglass manufacturing increasingly costly and difficult2. The chemical processes involved in fiberglass layup released volatile organic compounds that became subject to tighter restrictions.

Economic cycles impacted the recreational boating industry every decade or so, eliminating companies that couldn’t adapt to changing market conditions2. The cyclical nature of luxury goods manufacturing proved challenging for many boat builders.

The shift of manufacturing to lower-cost regions accelerated the decline of Costa Mesa’s boat building industry. By the 2010s, few manufacturers remained, with MacGregor Yachts being among the last significant builders before relocating operations to Florida in 20131.

Conclusion

The boat building industry within 50 miles of Costa Mesa in 1973 represented a remarkable concentration of marine manufacturing expertise, with 46 builders in Costa Mesa alone and nearly 100 across Orange County. While the search results don’t provide a comprehensive categorization of all builders by material type, the evidence suggests the vast majority specialized in fiberglass construction, with minimal wooden boat building and no specifically identified metal boat builders.

This industrial ecosystem, described as producing more sailboats than anywhere else on earth, employed thousands of workers and established Southern California as a global leader in recreational boat manufacturing1. Though this manufacturing center would eventually diminish due to regulatory, economic, and competitive pressures, 1973 represented a high-water mark for Costa Mesa’s boat building heritage.

Yacht Club Development and Boat Building Legacy in Costa Mesa Region

In 1973, the coastal areas near Costa Mesa were home to several established yacht clubs that served the region’s active boating community. At least three major yacht clubs operated in proximity to Costa Mesa by 1973.

These were Balboa Yacht Club (founded 1922), Dana Point Yacht Club (which “inaugurated a full schedule of racing activities” in 1973), and Seal Beach Yacht Club (established 1961). These clubs were part of regional organizations such as the Association of Orange Coast Yacht Clubs, suggesting a developed network of boating institutions. This yacht club presence and the Association coincided with Costa Mesa’s remarkable boat building peak.

The three previously mentioned yacht clubs—Balboa, Dana Point, and Seal Beach—continue to operate, maintaining traditions like the Governor’s Cup (at Balboa YC) and other significant regattas134.

Enduring Legacy Despite Industry Decline

While the boat building industry experienced dramatic contraction—from 46 builders in 1973 to just 22 by 1974 and “less than a handful” today—the growth of yacht clubs suggests that some enduring impact had been made on the lifestyle of the area. The continued operation of the three previously mentioned historic yacht clubs established before or during the boat building boom indicates sustained interest in recreational boating in the region. And many more clubs were added.

Here’s a structured breakdown of current yacht clubs near Costa Mesa, California, grouped by distance increments and including founding years, concluding with San Diego Yacht Club:

0–10 Miles from Costa Mesa

By the late 20th century, commercial maritime activities had largely disappeared, replaced by marinas, yacht clubs, and waterfront homes. Two man made islands (Balboa and Lido) were part of the broader transformation of Newport Harbor from mudflats into a recreational boating hub. Today, Newport Harbor is recognized as the largest recreational harbor on the West Coast, accommodating over 9,000 vessels and attracting millions of visitors annually. Here are the 5 notable yacht clubs within 10 miles of Costa Mesa.

1. Balboa Yacht Club (BYC)
   • Location: Corona del Mar (4 miles)
   • Founded: 1922
   • Highlights: Historic racing club, hosts the Ensenada Race and Governor’s Cup.
   • BYC has an outstation on Catalina Island, in Whites Cove, west of Avalon.
   • Balboa Island was initially a mudflat called “Snipe Island.” It was developed by William S. Collins between 1908 and 1909, when he dredged the harbor and piled sand and silt to create the island15.
2. Newport Harbor Yacht Club (NHYC)
   • Location: Newport Beach (5 miles)
   • Founded: 1919
   • Highlights: Platinum Club of America, home of the Congressional Cup.
   • Hobie Cat sailboats were tested at Newport Beach during their development phase. Hobie Alter utilized Newport Beach as a key location for sourcing materials and refining designs for his revolutionary beach catamarans, including the Hobie Cat 14.
   • Newport Beach provided ideal conditions for testing small catamarans, including calm waters inside the harbor and open ocean access outside the breakwater.
3. Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club (BCYC)
   • Location: Corona del Mar (5 miles)
   • Founded: 1958
   • Highlights: Premier junior sailing programs and holiday boat parades.
4. Lido Isle Yacht Club (LIYC)
   • Location: Newport Beach (6 miles)
   • Founded: 1928, Activated 1947
   • Highlights: Exclusive waterfront community with youth sailing focus.
   • Lido Isle Yacht Club plays a significant role in organizing and participating in the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, one of Southern California’s most iconic holiday events. The parade starts at the east end of Lido Isle and showcases beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes sailing through Newport Harbor.
   • As a young man, Roger MacGregor served as commodore for this yacht club. His daughter, Laura Sharp will serve as commodore in 2026.
   • Lido Island was developed in the 1920s, after Newport Beach’s incorporation in 1906. It was built by dredging and filling low-lying mudflats in Newport Bay.
   • Lido Island was designed as a residential area with upscale homes, catering to wealthier residents and vacationers.
5. American Legion Yacht Club
   • Location: Newport Beach (5 miles)
   • Founded: 1950
   • Highlights: Veteran-friendly atmosphere and casual events.

11–20 Miles from Costa Mesa

6. Dana Point Yacht Club (DPYC)
   • Location: Dana Point (18 miles)
   • Founded: 1967
   • Highlights: SCYA’s Yacht Club of the Year, oceanfront dining.
7. Dana West Yacht Club (DWYC)
   • Location: Dana Point (18 miles)
   • Founded: 1965
   • Highlights: Gourmet dining and family cruises to Catalina Island.
8. Huntington Harbour Yacht Club (HHYC)
   • Location: Huntington Beach (15 miles)
   • Founded: 1964
   • Highlights: Community-focused events and waterfront dining.

21–30 Miles from Costa Mesa

9. Long Beach Yacht Club (LBYC)
   • Location: Long Beach (25 miles)
   • Founded: 1929
   • Highlights: Hosts the Congressional Cup and Transpac Race.

31–50 Miles from Costa Mesa

10. California Yacht Club (CYC)
    • Location: Marina del Rey (35 miles)
    • Founded: 1922
    • Highlights: Historic racing club with global reciprocity.
11. Los Angeles Yacht Club (LAYC)
    • Location: San Pedro (35 miles)
    • Founded: 1901
    • Highlights: Oldest yacht club in Southern California.
12. Del Rey Yacht Club

• Location: Marina del Rey (47 miles)
• Founded: 1952
• Highlights: Sunday Buffet Lunch by Reservation.

90 Miles from Costa Mesa

13. San Diego Yacht Club (SDYC)

• Location: San Diego (90 miles)
• Founded: 1886
• Highlights: Host of the America’s Cup (1988–1995), world-class racing programs.

Legacy and Lifestyle

The density of yacht clubs near Costa Mesa reflects the enduring sailing culture established during the region’s 1960s–1970s boatbuilding boom. While most boat manufacturers (e.g., Columbia, Islander) have closed, clubs like NHYC and BYC—founded decades before the fiberglass revolution—continue to thrive, preserving Costa Mesa’s maritime identity. San Diego Yacht Club, though distant, anchors Southern California’s racing heritage, linking past and present through events like the America’s Cup.

This legacy lives on through the sailors who still enjoy vessels produced during that era, the yacht clubs that continue to promote sailing traditions, and the community’s recognition of Costa Mesa’s historical importance to recreational boating in Southern California.

The boat-building industry in Costa Mesa during the 1970s significantly influenced the city’s local culture, shaping its identity, economy, and community in several ways:

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1. “Costa Mecca” for Boating

• Costa Mesa became known as “Costa Mecca” in the boating world due to its concentration of boatbuilders, producing 90% of the 40,000 sailboats built annually in the U.S. during its peak years. This reputation brought international recognition to the city and fostered a strong maritime culture among residents and businesses.

From the 1960s to the early 1980s, “Costa Mesa was Costa Mecca” to the sailing business, says industry expert Dan Spurr. Its companies produced about 90% of the up to 40,000 sailboats built each year.

A Second Wind By JAMES S. GRANELLI  Feb. 15, 1998

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2. Economic and Employment Impact

• The boat-building industry employed thousands of workers, contributing to the city’s economic growth and creating a working-class community centered around manufacturing. Streets were often filled with sailboats being transported from factories like Jensen Marine, Columbia Yachts, and MacGregor Yachts[4].
• This industrial activity shaped Costa Mesa’s Westside as a hub for fiberglass innovation and craftsmanship[1][4].

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3. Influence on Local Identity

• The city’s proximity to Newport Harbor and its role as a manufacturing hub for ocean-going vessels deeply tied Costa Mesa’s identity to recreational boating and sailing. Boats like the Cal 40, built by Jensen Marine, became icons of American sailing culture, winning prestigious races like the Transpac[3][4].
• Costa Mesa’s slogan during this time was “Hub of the Harbor Area”, reflecting its maritime significance before it shifted to “City of the Arts” in 1999[1].

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4. Community Pride and Legacy

• The boat-building legacy is celebrated through exhibits like “The Hull Story” at the Costa Mesa Historical Society, which highlights how boatbuilding shaped local history and culture[1][5]. Residents take pride in the city’s contributions to innovative fiberglass construction and iconic boat designs.
• Boats built in Costa Mesa, such as those by Westsail and MacGregor Yachts, remain sought after by sailors worldwide, keeping the city’s legacy alive[3].

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5. Cultural Shift Post-Industry Decline

• As environmental regulations tightened and manufacturing costs rose, many boatbuilders left Costa Mesa by the early 1980s. However, this decline paved the way for a cultural shift toward arts and retail development, transforming Costa Mesa into a broader cultural hub while preserving its maritime roots in historical exhibits and community memory[1][4][8].

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Conclusion

The boat-building industry left an indelible mark on Costa Mesa’s culture by fostering a strong connection to maritime innovation, economic growth, and community identity. Even after most manufacturers left, their legacy continues to shape how residents view their city’s history and contributions to American boating.