by Brian Randall
For the Islander
More than 184 participants aboard 80 boats converged on Two Harbors for the 2nd Annual Southern California Yachting Invitational, a weekend that blended spirited competition, creative camaraderie, and charitable giving into one of Southern California’s most unique boating events.
Founded by West Coast Yacht Club, Cerritos Bahia Yacht Club, and Shoreline Yacht Club, the Southern California Yachting Invitational was created to strengthen friendships among neighboring yacht clubs while raising money for charitable organizations in an exciting team-based competition.
Building on the success of its inaugural year, the founding clubs welcomed two new participants to this year’s event—Huntington Harbor Yacht Club and Little Ships Fleet Yacht Club—expanding both the competition and the fellowship that has become the hallmark of the Invitational.
Throughout the weekend, yacht club members competed not only for bragging rights, but for the opportunity to direct the event’s charitable proceeds to their club’s selected nonprofit organization. Thanks to the generosity of participants, raffle supporters, and auction donors, the Invitational raised $3,320, all of which will benefit the Long Beach Sea Scouts, the charity selected by this year’s winning club.
After tallying the weekend’s points, Cerritos Bahia Yacht Club claimed the championship title and earned the honor of presenting the $3,320 charitable donation to the Long Beach Sea Scouts on behalf of all clubs that participated.
“The Invitational is about much more than winning,” organizers noted. “It’s about bringing yacht clubs together, creating lasting friendships, and using our passion for boating to give back to our communities.”
One of the most anticipated highlights of the weekend was the always-popular Dinghy Hop, where participating clubs transformed their dinghies into floating themed venues complete with matching decorations, costumes, appetizers, and signature refreshments.
Among this year’s standout themes were:
- West Coast Yacht Club’s “Redneck Yacht Club,” featuring humorous décor, country-inspired attire, and creative Southern-style refreshments.
- Little Ships Fleet Yacht Club’s Bora Bora,” featuring tropical flair, Hula Dancers, Spam Rapa, and a Shark bite drink creation.
- Huntington Harbor Yacht Club’s “Island Patriot” featuring eagles and Red White and Bite Cups, along with a Golden Eagle Drink creation.
The themed dinghy stops kept participants traveling throughout the harbor while meeting members from every participating club and enjoying each club’s unique creativity and hospitality.
The fun continued throughout the weekend with a variety of friendly team competitions, including a rubber raft relay, an island-wide scavenger hunt, giant Team Jenga, and Corn Hole, all of which contributed points toward the overall club championship.
As the sun set on Buffalo Park, participants gathered for a catered dinner provided by Avalon Smokehouse, where stories from the day’s adventures were shared and new friendships continued to grow.
The evening concluded with an energetic 50/50 raffle and a raffle featuring donated items from generous supporters. These fundraising efforts proved instrumental in helping the Invitational raise the charitable proceeds awarded to the winning club.
With another successful year in the books, organizers believe the Southern California Yachting Invitational has firmly established itself as more than just another boating rendezvous. It has become a celebration of cooperation, community service, and the enduring traditions of Southern California yachting.
As the trophies were presented and the final cheers echoed across Two Harbors, participants were already looking ahead to next year’s Invitational, eager to reunite with old friends, welcome new clubs, and continue a tradition where everyone leaves a winner—especially the charities that benefit from the generosity of the Southern California boating community.
If your club is interested in being selected for next year’s event, please reach out to Brian Randall Commodore of West Coast Yacht Club at Westcoastyachtclub.com.
Brian Randall is the commodore of the West Coast Yacht Club.