The Catalina Island Yacht Club opened its 100th season Saturday, May 25, with a bang. Among the highlights was a cannon shot fired as the American flag was raised to begin the opening ceremony. A proclamation from Supervisor Janice Hahn’s office honoring the Club was presented to Commodore John Wells.
The ceremonies were concluded with a water cannon salute courtesy of Harbor Master Orne Carstarphen of the Avalon Harbor Department. An Opening Day dinghy parade through the harbor was held following the ceremony. Other special 100-year activities included participation in the city’s Fourth of July parade and a Gala at the Avalon Casino.
The Catalina Island Yacht Club is one of the oldest and most unique yacht clubs in Southern California, with a history rich in lore and tradition of the Island. In 1924, Tuna Club members yielding to the imploring of their wives, decided that the island needed a social, family club to complement the Tuna Club’s emphasis on sport and trophy fishing.
They turned up thirty yachtsmen willing to pay the $100 initiation fee and dues, plus $400 on a promissory note. Hollywood legends became frequent members of the club. These included James Cagney, Johnny Weismuller, Darryl F. Zanuck, Tom Mix, world famous violinist Jascha Heifetz and may more.
On August 24, 1924, the Catalina Island Yacht Club held its first Opening Day in the newly completed clubhouse, under the leadership of Commodore James Jump. The club has operated continuously ever since, except for a brief period during the war years of 1942-45, when it was occupied by the Merchant Marines and was used as a training facility.
In addition to having an active year-round social calendar and being a member in good standing of the Southern California Yachting Association, the Club’s charitable Foundation provides donations exclusively to many Island organizations.