It is my utmost honor to serve as the Commodore of Southwestern Yacht Club this year. I welcome you and yours to the “friendliest yacht club” in Southern California. Since 1925, our members have been united in their passion for yachting and boating through their Corinthian spirit. Notwithstanding if you enjoy sailing, power boating, fishing, rowing, or just simple comradery, you will find a group of like-minded members at our club. The 2023 Board of Directors and I welcome you to enjoy our traditions of Corinthian yachting, sportsmanship, fun and giving back to our community.
Southwestern Yacht Club is now in its 98th year and we have a long history of Corinthian yachting in San Diego. In 1925, Southwestern Yacht Club was established by a group of San Diego yachtsmen with a mutual love of yachting and the sea. The original clubhouse started near downtown at the foot of Grape Street. The club briefly moved to Harbor Drive, then in 1951 found it’s current and permanent home on Qualtrough Street in the quaint neighborhood of La Playa. Today we enjoy our state-of-the-art clubhouse along with a 385-boat marina at an ideal location for boaters, close to the entrance of San Diego Bay and walking distance to Shelter Island and the Point Loma area. Our clubhouse restaurant and bar are open 7 days per week and boasts a friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy the chartroom bar, dining room and a 270-degree view from our fully furnished outdoor deck overlooking the marina and Shelter Island.
Southwestern not only provides core member services, but we support many activities that relate to boating and the local community. The club is extremely proud to have one of the most successful junior programs in Southern California with more than 70 total boats, a large junior facility, and multiple classes of boats. The Southwestern junior program has produced generations of highly skilled, highly motivated top-notch sailors including world champions and Olympians. Southwestern was the first in the country to include competitive angling in its junior program, something which has now been duplicated at many clubs around the country. The club also runs a series of yearly events involving fishing, sailing, and auctions all in support of Elder Help of San Diego, for whom we are extremely proud to be the largest single donor. The club also hosts many local artists and authors throughout the year.
At the forefront, Southwestern is a member-driven club. The nearly 30 volunteer committees manage, organize, and largely run a majority of the activities and core services of the club. From monitoring club finances, long range planning, facility improvements, social events, running sailing or angling events, the members truly run the club. As a new member, I encourage you to jump in with both feet and get involved right away.
I welcome you to come in, take a look around, meet the members and let us show you why Southwestern Yacht Club is truly the friendliest yacht club.
Debbie Kahler
Commodore