burgee Santa Margarita Yacht Club
of Camp Pendleton

History of Santa Margarita Yacht Club
2011
By Linda Lee Loftis, Secretary

Archived History


December 2010, the SMYC 2011 Bridge and Board assumed their new duties. The gala event took place at Mr. Chin’s Szechwan, in San Marcos. After a wonderful meal and a delightful time of conversing with good friends, the formalities began. Our club has shown bright, as members brought Christmas gifts and donations for gifts to military children. The stack along the back wall was impressive.

The Oceanside Parade of Lights on Saturday evening had two SMYC boats, Clint, Jennifer and Evelyn Summers on DONE DEAL and Bill and Marybeth Thayer with Linda Loftis on WILAKUK V. The Fog hung around till about 1830 when it just disappeared. 18 boats headed out into the turning basin to start the parade. The parade went off without a hitch except the three kayaks paddling around not paying attention. The big boats had to be on their toes. DONE DEAL took 2nd place in sailboat and WILAKUK V took 3rd.

Club Night Out at DINI’S BY THE SEA, a beachfront restaurant in Carlsbad, was once again a
great success. 38 members and guests gathered just before sunset for fun, fellowship, food and drink. We were especially pleased to welcome some of our newer members to the event.
Our next mobile feast is “Meet the Neighbors” at OYC. We have a great guest speaker, John Pohle and family, who will relate their three-year adventure sailing from Sacramento to New Zealand.

The first Ladies Bingo for 2011 started on February 12 with a Valentine theme. It was a glorious day in the marina while nine ladies created a raucous time playing Bingo. Audrey Hall walked away with the blackout” Mystery Prize” - a gift card to “Ruby’s Diner”.

Opening Day at Santa Margarita Yacht Club is always a great occasion. The pomp and ceremony of opening the club for the boating season with honored guests from other yacht clubs, all dressed in blue blazers, white slacks and white shoes – with many ladies wearing brimmed hats, is quite a special event. There will be – was a short ceremony with a Marine Corps Band and Color Guard, our own new Sea Scout Ship holding the flag of all the Services as each hymn is played, and a splendid potluck brunch, lovingly prepared by our members!
Congratulations to the SMYC 2010 reward recipients: Race participant of the Year Jim Lackey, Cruiser of the Year Luis and Rene Arce 3, and Yachtsman of the Year Daniel Walker

Youth Award 2010 due to successful fundraising, the SMYC was excited to be able to Offer two Youth Awards this year. The awards are $100 certificates to be used at the Del Mar Marina. It is a great pleasure to see the Sea Scouts active within our club. Therefore, we decided to present the awards to Lukas Stauffer und George McMahon. We are looking forward to seeing them enjoy the Del Mar Marina.


April 30th was a busy day at our clubhouse. We started the day with the second series of small boat races. The sailors experienced many wind changes during the races. But that did not stop Gary Hall and Linda Loftis from keeping the lead in most of the races. Following the races was the General Membership Meeting and Barbeque/Potluck. This event had a great turnout. As usual, the club members shared their best appetizers, salads, side dishes and desserts.

June had some sunny spots, namely our Luau at SMYC. The roasted pig was the centerpiece for a lavish selection of food and refreshments. We had an outstanding turnout, not only from SMYC, but from OYC and its raft-up members as well. My sincere thanks go to Jennifer Summers and all the volunteers for such a successful event. We had 75 participants for dinner.

The 4th of July Extravaganza, hosted by SMYC and the Marina, was once again a great success, thanks to the tireless efforts of many wonderful volunteers. The two chefs, Bill and Harvey and delicious side dishes, provided by members and guests, filled a long table and were eagerly consumed by the hungry crowd. Brian contributed a large cooker full of his award-winning Chili which transformed ordinary Hot Dogs into Chili Dogs and resulted in a rapid “sell-out”. The Wiedemanns and Bordiers opened their Ice Cream Stand early and had the “dessert first” principle working great. The Ice Cream Charity Event was very successful.

July 8, 9 and 10 SMYC hosted the United States Power Squadron District 28 for its 2nd Annual Raft-up and BBQ, held on the Saturday. About 45 members from both organizations participated with good fun for all with great barbecued food, nautical games and a raffle.

August 19th was a perfect night for a movie under the stars. 18 members and guests showed up for the event. Drinks and snacks were plentiful. And happy chatter abounded. Everybody enjoyed the show. A speedy and efficient “Clean-Up” concluded the lovely evening.

On August 27, our General Membership Meeting was held at SMYC – it was well attended with 40 plus present. A good exchange of ideas and information were shared. Nominations for our 2012 Bridge and Board of Directors were also presented. Bill Wiedemann introduced Shelly Dew, a representative of the North Coast Hospice, who explained the workings of her organization and thanked SMYC for its contributions. Following the meeting, we shared a sumptuous potluck dinner. Good food and camaraderie were enjoyed by all.

The Commodore’s Luncheon held on July 24th at the Claim Jumper Restaurant in Carlsbad was the place to be at noon on Sunday. Management gave us the veranda area and their best waitress and service and food were excellent. Nine of our Staff Commodores and guests along with our Commodore and spouse totaling 15 were present. Great conversation, order from the menu, separate checks and the gratuity figured in: What could be better? Our thanks to S/C Audrey Hall for pulling it all together!



September began with a closed Harbor for Labor Day weekend. This was caused by abnormal waves coming in from the South Pacific. During the weekend, Silver Gate Yacht Club was scheduled to visit with us for its raft-up. That didn’t stop the fun! We continued on with the scheduled Luau and it was still a success, with suckling pig and all the trimmings. About 65 attended, including 11 members from SGYC who had driven up by car for a fun afternoon at SMYC.

Our 2012 Elections came off without a hitch in October. 35-40 members came ready to vote. Congratulations to Commodore Elect Joe Nunez, his Bridge and Board of Directors on their 2012 election. This should be a strong year for SMYC.

SMYC Ladies finished their fourth and last bingo for 2011 while out on the water, the small boat racers finished their series. Vivian Mason won the mystery prize, a gift certificate from the Beach Break Restaurant. All the ladies went home winners. Racers and bingo players all enjoyed snacks together at the end of the day. Watch your emails for next year’s Bingo dates.

At the IOBG Annual Meeting and Convention in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, P/C Bill Thayer exchanged burgees with Commodore Dan Hofgarten of the Windsor Yacht Club and Commodore Sharon Amlin of the Sun Parlour Boat Club. P/C Bill Thayer presented them to Commodore Loie Powell at the SMYC October Board Meeting.

In November, we had the traditional Oorah Regatta, sailing Capri 16.5s in our beautiful little harbor. Our teams will face competition from San Diego Navy Yacht Club and Long Beach Navy Yacht Club. After 5 races, trophies will be awarded to 1st and 2nd place getters.

In December the SMYC Christmas Party and Change of Watch was held at OYC.