1961 - Seal Beach Yacht Club was organized in February 1961 by nine local businessmen headed by Naval Architect Daniel M. Callis . These men, interested in traditional Corinthian yachting and impressed with the ideal year around yachting location of Seal Beach, immediately incorporated and elected Mr. Callis as Commodore. He was later succeeded by Robert McClure, Chief of Police of the City of Seal Beach, who finished out the year. A limited race schedule was instituted and the membership rose to 65.

1962 - In 1962, with Loyd Clark as Commodore, the activities of the Club nearly doubled. Racing events increased and a large CAL 20 fleet was developed.

1963 - Tom Orr was elected Commodore in 1963. Under his direction the general meetings were moved to the Huntington Beach Club after two years of various temporary meeting locations. This was also the year that our application for Affiliate Membership in the Southern California Yachting Association (SCYA) was granted.

1964 - In 1964, under the command of Commodore Ray Boeger and with the acquisition of the Commodore's Room at the Edgewater Inn, the Club experienced substantial growth. Membership increased to 192 - about 12 regattas, including the Pop Top Series got under way - the first Isthmus Cruise was sponsored and our float won the Sweepstakes Trophy in the Naples Christmas Parade of Lights.

1965 - In 1965, with Ron Hazlehurst as Commodore, the Club was granted Associate Membership in the Southern California Yachting Association (SCYA). Eighteen regattas were held and for the first time a junior program was set up to teach young members the fine points of sailing. We were also selected as a sponsor for several classes in the upcoming 1966 Midwinter's. Our first annual Commodore's Ball was held in the Commodore's Room and for the second time we won the Sweepstakes Trophy in the Christmas Parade.

1966 - Hugh Wherritt served as Commodore in 1966. With a continued steady growth pattern, the Club was able to sponsor over 23 regattas - a number of Power Fleet functions, make its first entry in the semi-finals of the Congressional Cup - enter a number of National Cup events, including the "Adams Cup" where our women's crew came within a quarter point of winning in the semi-finals at the Richmond Yacht Club - sponsored the start of the Catamaran Transpac and hosted the Al Rogers Trophy Race. The year was climaxed by our second Commodore's Ball and for the third time our entry won the Sweepstakes Trophy in the Naples Christmas Parade of Lights.

1967 - 1967 was the year of two Commodores. Bill Moran for the first half of the year, then succeeded by Ed Feo . Under their direction, the Club continued to grow and consolidate its gains. The Club took part in a number of national cup events, sponsored 23 regattas as well as the quarter-finals of the Sear's Cup. A small but active power fleet was formed and, under the direction of Ed Feo, a planned effort was started to acquire our own clubhouse. A fourth straight Sweepstakes Trophy in the Christmas Parade and a most successful Commodore's Ball climaxed the year.

1968 - In 1968, with Vern Baker as Commodore, the Club sponsored over 22 regattas and was again very active in the SCYA Midwinters. A number of sites were considered for a new clubhouse but no commitments were made. A third place trophy in the Christmas Parade and another very successful Commodore's Ball rounded out the year.

1969 - Commodore Victor Stern directed the Club in 1969. We had entries in several national events, sponsored 18 regattas as well as both the quarter-finals and the semi-finals for the National Women's Championship, the "Adams Cup". Our Commodore also served as General Chairman for the NOSA Ensenada Race, the largest long distance sailing race in the world. A permanent site for our clubhouse was acquired with the signing of a lease for facilities in the Edgewater Hyatt House. Remodeling began July 1, and was finished in time for the first Commodore's Ball to be held in our own club room.

1970 - Heading up the Flag for 1970 and guiding the Club through its first full year in our new facility was our first power boat Commodore, Chuck LaTourrette . For the first time we were able to have after-race hosting in our own clubhouse for the Midwinters, our Opening Day Fleet Review Parade and other racing and cruising events. Also for the first time we had a National Champion with Dick Alfring in "Bandit" taking first place in the CAL25 Nationals. Special events; such as the August Luau and cruises to Catalina Island were a smashing success.

1971 - In 1971, we again had two Commodores. Charlie Nelson took over the Flag for the first part of the year before being transferred to Hawaii. Dick Lowman then assumed command and was the driving force behind the negotiations for acquiring our present facility at 255 Marina Drive.

1976 - In 1976 the club was led by Commodore Ron Kennedy , who also led the club in many races in his Coronado 45, "Wind-Wagon". His leadership gave the club many activities and races which made this year second to none. These included invitationals, the "Around the Island" series, inside regattas, the SCYA Midwinters, our "White Cane Regatta" for blind children, and the Multi-Hull Transpac. Our Junior activities reached a new high, building to 39 members of the Jr. Fleet, with John Matzinger as Chairman and his son, Richard as Junior Fleet Captain.

1978 - Under the leadership of Commodore " Hamm Ward ", 1978 was a year of expansion. Spearheaded by John Matzinger, the upstairs floor was enlarged by 50%. A ladies group contingent to Seal Beach Yacht Club was formed, calling themselves the Sea Belles.

1979 - The 70s drew to a close under the stewardship of Commodore Dick Comstock . 1979 was marked by a burst of membership growth - over 25 percent. It was agreed to close the membership at 400.

1982 - The year of the Club's 21st birthday (1982) was under the command of Commodore George Schaadt . Our lease for the Club was renewed for an additional five years. Work was started on major remodeling of not only the new addition below, but all new carpeting, drapes, bookcases, etc.

Other things that changed throughout the year were: the membership was increased from 400 to 500 through action of the Board of Directors. This was in response to a long waiting list of potential members. A Ham Radio Operations Committee was started at the club. Their title is " HAMROC ".

1985 - Commodore Jim Wolfelt started 1985 with a Job Fair to provide our newer members an opportunity to meet this year's Officers and Chairmen and get involved with this year's programs. We had a full calendar of racing, cruising and social events. Our membership was maintained steady at 500 regular members.

1991 - 1991 was a terrific year for Seal Beach Yacht Club, full of racing, cruising and parties. The 30th year started off with the Commodore's Ball held on the Queen Mary. At the change of watch ceremony, Dwight Reed was installed as Commodore.

During the year, Seal Beach Yacht Club's members contributed to the community in new ways as well as old. We participated, along with five neighboring yacht clubs, the Charity Regatta and hosted the accompanying Hamburger Bash. It was a lot of work but a substantial benefit to the Children's Clinic. Jeanne and Bill Boyd were awarded the- Founder's Trophy for their contribution to the Charity Regatta over the past several years.

Once again, many of our members turned out with their boats to support the Seal Beach Rough Water Swim. They braved the predawn waters to assist and protect the swimmers. A new project was started under the direction of Carol Miller and Sea Belles. Our members made, quilted blankets and supplied stuffed animals for officers of the Seal Beach Police Department to give to children contacted under traumatic circumstances. Appreciation was extended to the Club by the Police Department at our December General Meeting.

The Sea Belles, chaired by Karen Hartman, continued the tradition of service to SlBYC. This year, Birthday Night was reestablished as a monthly event. Under the hand of Marian Pincombe, each month was a terrific success. A theme was picked each month and often the bridge officers' pictures were decorated with items from eye patches to "muscleman" bodies. The dinnnner and wine-tasting put on by the Sea Belles in October was an elegant evening enjoyed by all who participated. This year, SlBYC returned to the practice of keeping a stock of accessories on hand at the Club.

A "Ship's Store" was established, Millie Adams taking on the responsibility of getting it started. With a display case downstairs showing off the gear and the bar handling the money, items were easier to purchase. Jackie Gerard took over the responsibilities mid-year, bringing the program to even greater heights.

The Race Management Team was active during the year. In addition to the regular schedule of racing, two inter-club races were implemented, Port Royal to Seal Beach and Marina del Rey to Seal Beach. In a bold move, the Team assigned each of the bridge officers the responsibility of Principle Race Officer for one of the three club races. There were four Catalina Island events this year, the Sweetheart Cruise to Avalon in February and, later in the year, the Western Barbecue, August "Lu-Wow" and Oktoberfest at he Isthmus. Each was enjoyed by those who made the trip to the Island.

In September, a summer storm passed through Alamitos Bay and jolted our clubhouse with a bolt of lightning. No fire or structural damage, but much of the radio equipment was lost. Two members brought honor to SlBYC by serving as commodores of area yachting associations, George Hively of the Southern California Yachting Association and Peggy Gregory of the Yacht Club Association of Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors. We continue to discuss with and wait on the City regarding a lease and expansion of Club facilities. There were moments of optimism during the year but the realization of the plan is still in the future. Seal Beach Yacht Club continues to be known throughout southern California as a friendly, hard working club. Its members agree but additionally enjoy the dedication, good spirit and affection we share. Indeed, the future looks bright ahead!

1994 - Ten years after he joined the club, Mike Ferreira took over the helm of the organization. He usually ended his Burgee articles with the line “see you around the club,” and you did. Almost every weekend, one could find Mike at the club conversing with members and prospective members, making them feel welcome, making this one of the most energetic years for the club.

This was the year that the clubhouse expansion started. Yes! Finally it started. We put all our pictures, trophies, burgees and race equipment into storage for the duration of the build-out . The Board even approved the purchase of the new upstairs bar (30 feet long!).

Sally Dalley and the Race Management Team continued to put on a super race program. This was the year the Outlaw Regatta was made an official inter-club race.

Hamroc, under the direction of Ed Koran, continued to be very active and helpful to the club. This year they supplied the communication for the Seal Beach Rough Water Swim.

Thanks to Harold Alexander, SLBYC continued to provide on-the-water safety for Seal Beach's Rough Water Swim participants. Another major community project was hosting the Charity Regatta of Long Beach. This year, under the chairmanship of Carol Miller, we raised over $18,00 for the Long Beach Children's Clinic.

With our Jr. Staff Commodore Mill McComas recovering from major bypass surgery, the Bule Gavel jumped in and gave a helping hand with the Opening Day events. Opening Day was highlighted by the participation of 10 SCYA yacht clubs performing the club's first surprise mock wedding. It seems that Mike was the first single Commodore of Seal Beach Yacht Club. SLBYC was honored in Santana magazine with a full-page article, complete with pictures.

Sea Belles were very busy this year, hosting events such as the Mother's Day Brunch, South Coast Trio, sweet shoppe, Birthday Night and the return of the Luau. In fact, they accumulated over $8,000 to purchase needed club items.

Our Membership team, Dave and Lynn Woolrage, pulled out all the stops and brought in a record 62 members.

Since this is a volunteer club, we like to recognize those outstanding individuals who contribute to the organization. This year, SLBYC's Member of the Year was Millie Adams. Also recognized was Jerry Dalley for outstanding sportsmanship.

1995 - During his tenure as Commodore Howard G. Newman, Jr. led the Club through the arduous task of reconstruction. The long waited remodeling was to become reality during this year.

During the early spring the finishing touches were put on the tenant improvement plans by the Facilities Development Committee. The Board of Directors gave their approval to the improvements that were presented by the Committee. All during the summer Commodore Newman kept an almost daily vigil at the Clubhouse. He worked closely with the contractor, the architect and the developer to get the project completed to everyone's satisfaction, on time and under budget.

Director Don Wilkins supervised the installation of the new galley equipment he had obtained for the Club's use. Donna Reed used her skills in interior decorating to coordinate the colors and accessories inside the Clubhouse. Staff Commodore Bill McComas worked with the developer and the city to keep the project moving. When the job was done we had a new exterior deck with gas BBQ's and glass wind screen. A 30 foot long granite-topped bar is the centerpiece of the upper deck, and an elevator was installed for the use of our members who require assistance.

Two new restrooms were added upstairs and two new restrooms were added downstairs. The old bar area downstairs was turned into a general purpose room. The Club's lower deck also houses the HAMROC Radio Shack and the new and complete galley. The construction could not have been completed without the "sweat equity" supplied by many of our members. The fixing, patching, painting, cleaning and furniture moving was all accomplished by our volunteer members. The Club's Staff Commodores organized a dedication ceremony that was held at the Club on November 18th.

2000 - Commodore Jim Lium ushered in the new millennium with his first mate, Mary. Their theme was "Team 2000" and that was evidenced by the progress made all during the year. This was the first year of the newly created "Race Only Membership." This program produced 67 members, many of whom converted to regular membership before the end of the year. Membership under the guidance of Dennis Braidwood reversed the downward trend. Our numbers increased by 20% (to over 400 regular memberships). The Racing Program continued to be very successful with over 40 races. The Seal Beach to Dana Point Race produced a new record of entries with over 100. In the Newport to Ensenada Race SIBYC won 3rd in entries and 2nd in trophies won.