santa monica yacht club fire

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Fire destroys historic California Yacht Club building in Marina del Rey

Two firefighters injured in the fire were treated at a hospital and released., by lauren coronado and jonathan lloyd • published december 12, 2023 • updated on december 12, 2023 at 9:54 pm.

Two firefighters were injured in a fire that destroyed a building at the historic California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey.

The fire was reported around 11:30 p.m. in the 4400 block of Admiralty Way. The injured firefighters were released from a hospital Tuesday morning.

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Flames tore through the clubhouse. No other injuries were reported. None of the boats in the marina appeared to be damaged.

Members said the club holds a special place in their hearts. Jeff Jackson recorded video of the fire from his nearby condo.

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"It doesn't feel like a yacht club at all," Jackson said. "I call it my "Cheers" bar because it's just so warm and inviting. I was crushed just thinking about it. Such a great place... It's a very personal club. And I think anyone who is a member knows what I'm speaking of and the warmth and love we feel for them and they feel for us.

"It just breaks my heart. I don't know what they're going to do for Christmas."

Steve Hathaway arrived at the scene early Tuesday. He said the club became a significant part of his life after his family helped build it in the 1960s.

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"Heartbreaking. This has been my home for 40, 50 years," Hathaway said. "It's been a home for so many people. It tears me apart to see this."

The clubhouse and offices are open Wednesday through Sunday, but the docks and grounds are accessible at any time, according to the club's website . It was not immediately clear whether anyone was inside when the fire started.

The club offers dining and space for social events.

The yacht club was founded in 1922 in Wilmington Harbor near San Pedro. The current club in Marina del Rey was built in 1967.

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Fire guts historic California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey

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Firefighters worked overnight Monday to extinguish a blaze that erupted at a historic yacht club in Marina del Rey.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department received a call around 11:30 p.m. Monday for a structure fire at the California Yacht Club in the 4400 block of Admiralty Way, said Fred Fielding, a Fire Department spokesperson.

Crews arrived to find heavy smoke and fire engulfing the two-story building, fire officials said.

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Video from news outlets showed large flames consuming the structure as smoke billowed overhead. Multiple firetrucks and firefighters were called in to help contain the blaze.

Two firefighters suffered moderate injuries and were taken to a hospital, Fielding said. The extent of their injuries and their status was not immediately known.

The blaze was knocked down just before 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, said Jeremy Stafford, supervising fire dispatcher at the L.A. County Fire Department.

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The cause of the fire remains under investigation, Stafford said.

The California Yacht Club was started in 1922 by yachtsman from the Los Angeles Athletic Club and other yacht clubs, according to the club’s website .

Representatives for the club did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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Alexandra E. Petri is a former Los Angeles Times staff writer who covered trends and breaking news. She previously covered live news at the New York Times. A two-time reporting fellow with the International Women’s Media Foundation, she graduated from Penn State with a degree in journalism and international studies.

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Flames engulf California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey; 2 firefighters injured

MARINA DEL REY, Calif. (KABC) -- Two firefighters were injured while battling flames that engulfed a yacht club that has been a local landmark in Marina del Rey for decades.

The fire was reported around 11:30 p.m. Monday at the California Yacht Club on Admiralty Way, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Fire crews arrived on scene to heavy fire and smoke billowing from the building, and it was quickly upgraded to a 2nd alarm fire before it was eventually extinguished.

The injured male firefighters were taken to the hospital with moderate injuries, but additional details about their injuries were not known. They have since been released.

The California Yacht Club started back in 1922. The former owner told Eyewitness News that his father helped build the Marina del Rey building over 50 years ago.

"It's been a home for so many people. We are so heartbroken right now... It tears me apart to see... It's just terrible," said Steve Hathaway.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

No other injuries were reported and no boats were damaged.

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• MARINA DEL REY
• LOS ANGELES COUNTY
• BUILDING FIRE
• LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT
• FIREFIGHTER INJURED
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Massive fire destroys 60s-era yacht club in Marina del Rey

Two firefighters were hurt while battling a raging fire that destroyed a decades-old yacht club in Marina del Rey overnight. Carlos Herrera reports for the KTLA 5 News on Dec. 12, 2023. https://ktla.com/news/local-news/massive-fire-destroys-60s-era-yacht-club-in-marina-del-rey/

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Decades-old Marina del Rey yacht club goes up in flames

Marina del rey yacht club burns down.

A yacht club in Marina del Rey was destroyed in a massive fire.

LOS ANGELES - Two firefighters were hurt and a Marina del Rey staple is in ruins after a raging fire ripped through the California Yacht Club. 

Officials with the Los Angeles County Fire Department said the fire broke out around 11:30 p.m. Monday at 4469 Admiralty Way and it was reported by employees. 

Crews called for additional resources during the firefight and the flames were knocked down in two hours. 

Two firefighters were hurt battling the flames and were hospitalized with moderate injuries. They were both treated and were released on Tuesday morning. 

Marina del Rey yacht club goes up in flames

Two firefighters were hurt while battling flames at the California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey.

"It just crushes me because the staff, the people associated with the club are first-class citizens," said Jeff Jackson, a member of the California Yacht Club. "It just breaks my heart because I don’t know what they’re going to do for Christmas. I just feel terrible for their families because I know this is a special place for them too." 

SUGGESTED: Fire rips through WWII-era blimp hangar at Marine Corps Air Station Tustin

A fire ripped through the California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey on the evening of Dec. 12, 2023.

The yacht club was built back in 1967. It was relocated to Marina del Rey after it was founded in Wilmington Harbor, near San Pedro, in 1922.

The cause of the fire was under investigation. 

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Historic california yacht club building in marina del rey destroyed by fire, report says.

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The clubhouse for a Southern California yacht club dating back to the 1960s was reportedly destroyed in an early morning fire on Tuesday.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department said on X just after midnight that crews were fighting the fire at a two-story commercial building at the address of the California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey.

2ND ALARM STRUCTURE FIRE | FS 110 | 4469 Admiralty Way #MarinaDelRey | At 11:30p.m. #LACoFD units were dispatched and are on scene of a two story commercial building with smoke and fire showing. Units are in defensive mode. #HarborIC — L.A. County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) December 12, 2023

NBCLA reported that two firefighters were hurt while responding to the fire and then released from a hospital.

While the clubhouse was destroyed, no boats in the marina appeared to be damaged, according to NBCLA.

The California Yacht Club’s website said the club was founded in 1922 at Wilmington Harbor near San Pedro and then relocated to Marina del Rey in the 1960s. The current club facility was built in 1967.

This story is developing. Stay with KCRA 3 for updates.

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California Yacht Club Says New Clubhouse Will Take Several Years to Build, Activities Continue After Devastating Fire

A Temporary Pavilion Will Soon Serve in the Interim

By Zach Armstrong

The California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey lost nearly everything in December. One night, its two-story clubhouse was consumed by a seaside fire that incinerated an impressive collection of historical artifacts, boating trophies and other memorabilia. But the nautical community’s resilience proved itself. Various events and programs, including pickleball and a recent Super Bowl watch party, have continued on the club’s six-acre property while its members’ yachts still sit in the adjacent docks. 

By June, Senior Vice President John Myers says the club hopes to give members a closer sense of normalcy with an elevated pavilion-style facility featuring a full-bar, restaurant, bathrooms and event space. This structure will serve in the interim while the club works out development plans for a new official clubhouse. Nothing short of a cumbersome process is anticipated. Once insurance provides an estimate on losses, the club can determine a design strategy while working with L.A. County and the California Coastal Commission for approvals.

An approximate timeline is hard to determine, said Myers, but will likely take several years.

The old clubhouse held a decades’ worth display of cherished relics that showed the club’s rich history. Notable items that perished in the December fire include the King of Spain Trophy which was acquired from King Alfonso XIII in 1929 and photographs of past club leaders. An internal team is salvaging items that survived the blaze, such as the California Cup, which will likely appear in the new HQ. 

Fellow yacht clubs have shown strong comradery, said Myers. Many of them offered support to CYC after the winter fire; possibly leading to donations of memorabilia once official development plans for a new clubhouse are in motion. Having a membership of international travelers also proved to be a useful perk. As they travel to other clubs, they can use their connections to ask for gifts. Myers also said the club is open to starting “new traditions.”

While CYC lost some of its members, Myers says its community largely hasn’t gone anywhere and remains excited for future events. An upcoming Easter brunch, women’s paddle tennis and yoga are just some of what CYC members will be enjoying. Sailboat racing has also reconvened with the Sunset Series starting April 17 and running through Sept. 4.

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Massive fire destroys historic yacht club in marina del rey, the overnight fire gutted the historic yacht club and sent two firefighters to the hospital with moderate injuries, officials said..

Rachel Barnes , Patch Staff

MARINA DEL REY, CA — A massive fire erupted overnight at a historic yacht club, gutting the two-story building and injuring two firefighters, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The fire department received a report of the fire at about 11:30 p.m. on Monday at the California Yacht Club in the 4400 block of Admiralty Way. A department spokesperson told the Los Angeles Times they arrived to find heavy smoke and flames engulfing the building.

Firefighters knocked down the flames at about 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Two firefighters were transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries. The extent of their injuries and their status was not available.

Find out what's happening in Marina Del Rey with free, real-time updates from Patch.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, officials said.

California Yacht Club was founded in 1922 in the Wilmington Harbor near San Pedro before it moved to Marina del Rey in 1967, according to the club's website.

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Subscriber only, crime and public safety | 2 firefighters injured while battling blaze at historic yacht club in marina del rey.

Firefighters put out the blaze in about two hours, but what caused it was not yet known.

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Searching for Answers: California Yacht Club Destroyed by Fire

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Investigators searched Tuesday for the cause of a fire that destroyed the California Yacht Club, a fixture in Marina del Rey for half a century.

The early morning blaze injured two firefighters and left longtime club members and patrons devastated by the sight of a local institution left largely in rubble.

The flames were reported shortly before midnight Monday at the California Yacht Club in the 4400 block of Admiralty Way, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The fire quickly went to a second alarm as on-scene commanders summoned more resources to the scene.

Two firefighters suffered injuries described as moderate while battling the flames and were taken to a hospital. Both were treated and later released.

The yacht club was founded in 1922 in Wilmington Harbor near San Pedro and the current facility in Marina del Rey was built in 1967, according to the club’s website.

Jeff Jackson, a Marina del Rey resident and longtime member of the club, shot cell phone video of the fire from his nearby 14th-floor condo. He told reporters the club was a welcoming gathering place.

“It just breaks my heart,” Jackson said. “I don’t know what they’re going to do for Christmas. … It doesn’t feel like a yacht club at all. It just feels like — I call it my `Cheers’ bar because it’s just so warm and inviting and as soon as you walk in the door, it’s `Hi J.J., how are you? How are the kids?’ And so it’s a very personal club. And I think anyone who is a member knows what I’m speaking of and the warmth and love we feel for them and they feel for us.”

Jackson said the club had recently switched to new owners, who were considering plans for remodeling the building.

A man who said he was the club’s former owner told OnScene.TV his father helped build the structure in the 1960s.

“This has been my home for, you know, 40 years, 50 years,” he said. “… It’s been a home for so many people. We are so heartbroken right now.”

According to reports from the scene, two employees may have been inside the building when the fire broke out, possibly near the kitchen. The cause of the blaze, however, remained under investigation.

The fire was restricted to the building, and no boats were damaged.

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Published on December 12th, 2023 | by Editor

Fire destroys California Yacht Club

Published on December 12th, 2023 by Editor -->

A massive fire decimated the California Yacht Club located in Marina del Rey, CA.

The fire was reported around 11:30 pm on December 11, with crews arriving to find heavy smoke and fire engulfing the two-story building. Two firefighters suffered moderate injuries before the blaze was knocked down just before 1:30 am on December 12, 2023.

Among the prominent California clubs, it has been a frequent host to national and international regattas, with recent events including the J/70 World Championship, US Junior Women’s Championship, Martin 242 North American Championship, and CFJ National Championship.

The club was started in 1922 in Los Angeles harbor by a group of dedicated yachtsman – most from Los Angeles Athletic Club and the rest active in other early yacht clubs of the day. But when the USA went to war in 1941, the club’s facilities were taken over by the Coast Guard.

After World War II, the facilities were so run down that CYC was forever gone from its birthplace. However, a group of previous CYC members and other prominent yachtsmen were encouraged by the development of Marina del Rey and reactived California Yacht Club in 1961.

Former owner Steve Hathaway noted that his father helped build the club in the 1960s. “It’s been a home for so many people. We are so heartbroken right now… It tears me apart to see… It’s just terrible,” said Hathaway.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Comment : This one is personal as Scuttlebutt was founded at California Yacht Club with two generations of the Leweck family having photos and trophies that perished in the flames. – Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt

Excerpt from Los Angeles Times on December 15, 2023:

The blaze engulfed decades’ worth of boating trophies, historical artifacts and cherished memorabilia at the California Yacht Club. Fire crews attempted to control the blaze as heavy smoke and flames consumed the two-story building. By the time they had subdued the fire two hours later, only the skeletal remnants of the clubhouse were left standing.

John Myers, senior vice president of the club, said the blaze had been reported by an employee working late in the clubhouse Monday night (Dec. 11). The fire spared the remainder of the facilities on the ground, including the docks and the yachts moored there. But the clubhouse, and particularly its second floor, was all but wiped out.

The second floor once housed a collection of the club’s prestigious racing trophies, kept on display for members and visitors. The fire melted all but a single salvageable California Cup. Most notably, the priceless King of Spain Trophy, acquired in 1929 from King Alfonso XIII, was lost.

Additionally, the club lost cherished photographs of every past commodore, a significant position within a yacht club. Members said they didn’t know if anyone had digitized the images of the commodores or of the club’s founders.

The main topic among members now is what’s next for the club. Dakoske Koslu noted that the club’s ownership changed over the last few years, and many are unsure and concerned about the club’s continuation after the fire.

Tags: California Yacht Club , CYC fire , tragedy

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Santa Monica Daily Press

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California Yacht Club celebrates the beginning of sailing season in style

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Just three months after a devastating fire all but destroyed their exquisite clubhouse building, the California Yacht Club celebrated the opening day of sailing season in style over the weekend. Blessed with a beautiful sunny day, members and guests were treated to a mardi-gras-inspired party, with a bountiful banquet, activities and entertainment on Saturday evening.

However, on the night of December 11 last year, at least five fire trucks and a substantial number of firefighters were dispatched to the location of the clubhouse at Marina Del Rey. The blaze was so intense that two firefighters were injured as they tried for two hours to bring it under control.

According to John Myers, Senior Vice President of the California Yacht Club , arson was soon ruled out and the cause was traced back to an electrical issue in the building’s kitchen. Originally built in 1967, most of the interior has been gutted and tragically many paintings and antique memorabilia was lost.

“Since then we’ve been slowly and painstakingly picking up the pieces, working through insurance, but also really starting to get on with what we have to do,” says Myers adding, “Fortunately, nothing besides the clubhouse was damaged, so we still have our outdoor paddle tennis and pickleball courts and we’re actively encouraging the outdoor activities this summer.”

Those who are keen sailors in Santa Monica might already know that a couple of sizable regattas have already taken place. However, this weekend is regarded as the “official” start to the season as the date marks a traditional time when the sea ice had melted sufficiently on the East Coast to allow sailing to once again take place. It is often accompanied by the use of large, loud canons at yacht clubs around the country to signify the “breaking of the ice.” Thankfully though, the only ice you’ll find here is in your gin and tonic.

Myers explains that a temporary clubhouse will be erected on the west side of the site, where part of the parking lot is currently. The asphalt surface will have some serious wooden decking laid over the top to level everything out. “This way, we’re going to be able to enjoy stunning sunsets every single evening,” he says.

Myers himself had only been in his role at the Yacht Club for a couple of weeks when the tragic incident happened, but he firmly believes the community, along with every member, will be galvanized by the efforts to repair and replace everything.

“If I was a betting man, I think this thing will be finished in about three and a half year’s time. There’s still a long way to go, working with the county and coastal commission, plus long-term lease extension discussions,” he says. But Myers is optimistic, saying that great efforts are being made during this time to rescue and restore as much of the old building as possible before demolition begins, plus the addition of new features. “That old building didn’t even have an elevator, so that’s going to change,” he laughs. 

The massive, makeshift marquee will feature a similarly-sized dining area and bar and will be used for functions and private events in much the same way as the old venue was. In addition, Myers plans to have smaller, satellite-style events as well, “On busy weekends, I’m hoping to have barbecues and taco stands and other attractions both here [in front of the clubhouse] and in the parking lot.”

The weekend’s festivities attracted a very large crowd, many of whom enjoyed the event from the comfort of their own luxury watercraft. Standing on the impressively manicured grass lawn, the burnt shell of the clubhouse is both a spectacular and sad sight, but it’s clear that the Southern California sailing community remains determined and dedicated to rebuilding, bigger and better.

Scott Snowden

Scott fell in love with Santa Monica when he was much younger and now, after living and working in five different countries, he has returned. He's written for the likes of the FT, NBC, the BBC and CNN. More by Scott Snowden

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Crews battle fire at California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey

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S.B .Yacht Club Hosts Regatta For VNA Health

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On September 7 at the S.B. Yacht Club’s Charity Regatta for VNA Health, guests enjoyed a splendid, full day of socializing, dining, and watching the regatta at the S.B. Yacht Club (SBYC) and on spectator boats. This year marked the 20th anniversary of the event, which over the years has raised more than $2.5 million for the treasured nonprofit VNA Health (formerly Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care).

The day began with brunch at the club, where guests enjoyed ocean views, perfect weather, and steel drum music. In a short program, emcee David Moorman shared his gratitude to VNA for the care his mother received in her last days at Serenity House, remarking that in those darkest days, VNA staff had infinite amounts of strength, resolve, and resources to guide him and his family. 

Throughout the day, I heard many words of praise and gratitude for the care that they and loved ones had received at VNA, a level of care that some noted far surpassed what they had experienced with for-profit institutions. Every year, more SBYC members experience in some regard VNA Health’s services, and, quite fittingly, every year VNA Health is again chosen as the event’s beneficiary.

Commodore Dennis Boneck recognized the event honorees: first responders from a multitude of agencies that serve the S.B. Harbor. Guests were introduced to Project Harmony, a program run by 9-1-1 At Ease International, a nonprofit that offers counseling and therapy to first responders and their families. In Project Harmony, healing is provided through songwriting and music. Two participants, Lois Mahalia and Hannah Griffin, beautifully performed a tribute to the first responders present.

Many guests then boarded one of the 16 spectator boats for a fun couple of hours. I boarded Torqua , Geoff and Alison Rusack’s 86-foot Ocean Alexander luxurious motor yacht, where we enjoyed cruising the harbor, watching the regatta, and socializing in the various deck and cabin lounge areas.

After guests returned to the club, the party continued with a buffet dinner and guests seated at tables on the sand, while Davitt Felder & Band provided great music. Awards were presented to the winners of the three race classes: Dr. Laura Schlessinger, Warrior ; Ole Eichhorn, Spot the 505 ; and Shawn Hughes, Picante .

Funds raised by the Regatta go to VNA Health’s charitable community programs and services.

VNA Health operates a multitude of programs, including home health, hospice (at Serenity House and in-home), and palliative care. Last year, the value of VNA’s charity care was $2.4 million, which included $1.7 million in services for uninsured and underinsured patients in these programs. 

The other $700,000 went to programs it offers beyond the standard ones, such as its Loan Closet, bereavement care, and integrative therapies such as Reiki, pet therapy, and music services. Last year, VNA’s 380-plus employees and volunteers served more than 8,700 patients. 

VNA Health always welcomes new volunteers, including for hospice (full training provided), music services (for those who play an instrument), Loan Closet (for those who like to tinker and fix equipment), pet therapy (owner/pet teams) and veterans’ program (for vet volunteers to connect with vet patients).

VNA Health past board chair Mark Mattingly, Alixe Mattingly, Helen Phillips, and VNA Health Board Chair Ben Phillips | Gail Arnold

SB City Fire Firefighter Brendan McElroy, SB City Fire Engineer Alex Kargbo, singer Lois Mahalia, 9-1-1 At Ease International Co-Founder, CEO, and Executive Director Mike McGrew, singer/songwriter Hannah Griffin, and SB City Fire Captain Bob Kendall | Gail Arnold

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