Costa Mesa, From Building Boats to Building Yacht Clubs

Costa Mesa’s boat building heritage continues to hold cultural significance even as the manufacturing base has largely disappeared. The description of Costa Mesa as remaining “a Mecca for boat owners” despite having lost most of its boat builders suggests that the industry created a lasting cultural impact beyond its economic presence.

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.

Grand Tour

Tour of the Salish Sea in May of 2023. This page outlines key boating destinations and yacht club facilities across the Salish Sea, emphasizing recreational opportunities and amenities for visitors. Here’s a structured summary:

San Juan Islands (Washington)
• Roche Harbor: A picturesque destination on San Juan Island with a Seattle Yacht Club outstation (Henry Island), offering moorage, waterfront restaurants, a fuel dock, and a 19-acre sculpture park. Hosted the 2023 Grand Banks rendezvous.
• Friday Harbor: A hub in the archipelago with hiking, kayaking, and whale watching.
British Columbia Destinations
• Ganges (Salt Spring Island): A top boating destination with marinas, the Salt Spring Island Saturday Market, and proximity to artisanal shops. The Seattle Yacht Club’s Ganges outstation provides moorage.
• Desolation Sound: Features Cortes Bay, home to both Royal Vancouver and Seattle Yacht Club outstations, public moorage, and access to wilderness trails. Nearby Refuge Cove offers provisioning.
• Ladysmith (Vancouver Island): Known for its 5-mile harbor, Ladysmith Yacht Club, and annual events like the Heritage Boat Festival. Ovens Island (owned by the Seattle Yacht Club) allows seasonal public dock use.
• Garden Bay (Pender Harbour): Hosts outstations from both the Royal Vancouver and Seattle Yacht Clubs. The historic Garden Bay Bar and Restaurant, destroyed by a 2020 fire, remains a point of local contention due to redevelopment plans.
• Sydney (Saanich Peninsula): Home to the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea aquarium and a full-service marina near attractions like the BC Aviation Museum.

Jamestown New York and Chautauqua Yacht Club

Topics related to Jamestown, New York, and the nearby Chautauqua Institution include:
1. Chautauqua Institution:
* A historic center for education, culture, and recreation
* Hosts summer lecture series featuring prominent speakers
* Home to the Athenaeum Hotel, a Victorian-era establishment
* Offers various activities including boating, arts, and religious programs
2. Jamestown Attractions:
* National Comedy Center
* Lucille Ball-related sites and her burial place at Lake View Cemetery
* Roger Tory Peterson Institute, dedicated to the renowned naturalist
3. Boating and Recreation:
* Chautauqua Lake offers various water activities
* Chautauqua Sports Club provides boat rentals and other recreational facilities
* Chautauqua Yacht Club hosts sailing events and social gatherings
4. Historical and Cultural Aspects:
* Jamestown’s history in furniture manufacturing, particularly Swedish-designed furniture
* The role of railroads in the city’s industrial development
* The city’s connection to famous figures like Lucille Ball and Roger Tory Peterson
5. Nature and Wildlife:
* Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge for birding and nature observation
* Roger Tory Peterson’s influence on birdwatching and nature studies
6. Educational Programs:
* Chautauqua Institution’s diverse lecture series and cultural programs
* Educational opportunities in various fields including arts, science, and religion
The rich cultural, historical, and recreational offerings of Jamestown and the Chautauqua area, appeal to a wide range of interests from engineering and architecture to wildlife and religious studies.

America’s Cup is Still Relevant for Sailors

From PredictWind’s polars to Garmin’s integrated sensors, the America’s Cup legacy lives on in every boat and app-equipped cruiser (both power and sail). Far from being irrelevant, today’s America’s Cup remains a vital catalyst for progress, proving that the line between elite AC racing and recreational cruising and semi professional race sailing is not a divide—but a continuum.

America's Cup Section.

Remembering Hobie Alter, consulant to Coleman

We honor Hobie Alter who passed away on March 29th 2014 in simple ways. On my sailboat it is with a Coleman ice box. The only finished compartment on the MacGregor 26x sailboats is the place the manufacturer intended for that box, which stores a factory supplied Coleman ice chest. While the Los Angeles area was…

Trump, US Coast Guard, Seattle & Admiral Linda L. Fagan

The reality is that Fagan’s firing has nothing to do with bolstering national security. Just the opposite. It is part of a regressive social agenda to put women back in their place, misogyny being the glue that holds together the many racist, anti-immigration, LGBTQ+ and other hate groups that have been unleashed in America. Firing…

Yacht Design Future

There are several boat designs that can be expected as the move away from fossil fuels continues. These include: In summary, boat designs that can be expected given the move away from fossil fuels include solar-powered boats, hydrogen fuel cell technology, methanol and other fossil-fuel alternatives, wind-assisted propulsion, fuel cell propulsion, non-fossil paraffinic fuels and…

Seasickness

Seasickness is a condition caused by the confusion between different parts of the balance mechanism in the body. It occurs when the brain receives conflicting signals from the inner ear’s vestibular system, which senses motion and gravity, and other sensory inputs like vision. This sensory mismatch leads to symptoms such as nausea, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue3. Seasickness is a common issue for individuals on boats due to the conflicting signals received by the brain when the body registers motion but the eyes perceive stability.

Santa Barbara, California USA

The story of Santa Barbara, known as the American Riviera, begins with the iconic Old Mission Santa Barbara. Founded in 1786 by Spanish Franciscans, this “Queen of the Missions” stands as a testament to the area’s rich cultural heritage. Its twin bell towers and stunning architecture have become synonymous with the city’s character.

The city’s tumultuous history includes Zorro, the 1969 oil spill, the California Oil Spill and the burning of a Bank of America branch in Isla Vista in 1970, a reflection of the era’s social unrest and anti-establishment sentiments.

Venice Italy

Venice, Italy is a captivating city that offers a unique blend of history, art, culture, and stunning architecture, making it an ideal destination for a week-long stay. Here’s why you should consider spending a week in Venice and what you can expect to experience: Attractions and Activities Venice boasts numerous attractions that make it worth…