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Find out what was in Dana Point’s 50-year-old…

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• Orange County
• Things to Do

Find out what was in Dana Point’s 50-year-old time capsule

Kevin Estrada with Orange County Parks carries the1966 time capsule during its unveiling on Monday night at Dana Point Harbor.

A map showing the housing tract in Dana Point was part of a time capsule that was buried in 1966 and recently opened.

A copy of the San Clemente Sun Post was part of a time capsule that was buried in 1966 and recently opened.

A Dana Point Yacht Club flag was part of a time capsule that was buried in 1966 and recently opened.

A drawing of Dana Cove, now the Headlands and Dana Point Harbor, was part of a time capsule that was buried in 1966 and recently opened.

A copy of the Dana Pointer was part of a time capsule that was buried in 1966 and recently opened.

An aerial view of Dana Point from October, 1965 was part of a time capsule that was buried in 1966 and recently opened.

A photo of Dana Cove, now the Headlands and Dana Point Harbor, was part of a time capsule that was buried in 1966 and recently opened.

One of the most interesting items in the time capsule was a letter to the future from American Legion Post no. 222 Laguna Beach.

Bob Lohrman, 69, Laguna Niguel, from left, Joe Reeves, 64, of Joseph, Oregon, Dan Cludy, 64, of San Clemente Chuck Kemnitz, 64, of San Clemente, 63, Don Hansen, 82, of San Clemente, and Jay Elder, 63, of Washougal, Washington, hold tickets for the Dana Point time-capsule gathering fifty years ago. Elder's mother held on to six tickets they used to attend the event fifty years ago as teenagers.

Jay Elder of Washougal, Washington, left, presents a program from the 1966 rock placing ceremony to Barbara Force Johannes, right, president of the Dana Point Historical Society. Elder's mother held on to six tickets that he and five friends used to attend the event fifty years ago.

Attendees study the contents of a time capsule fifty years after it was sealed. A barbecue Monday night marked the opening of the historical artifact.

Historian Chris Jepsen, of the Orange County archives, talks about removing objects from the fifty-year-old time time capsule in Dana Point, pictured at far left.

A 1965 photo shows surfers and a crane beginning work on Dana Point Harbor. The photo was included inside the time capsule unveiled Monday night.

A time capsule photo was taken in 1932 of a class at Serra School in Capistrano Beach during the depression. The caption explained that students were fed by teacher Mrs. Edward Reeder and Mrs. E. L. Doheny.

Chris Jepsen, archivist at the Orange County Archives holds the steel tube time capsule that was embedded in a rock in Dana Point 50-years ago in 1966.

Image from a dedication ceremony for the still-under-construction Dana Point Harbor and the placing of a time capsule on August 29, 1966. From left to right: Miss San Clemente, Valerie Zagwolksi; Miss Dana Point, Nancy Buenger; Miss Laguna Beach, Marsha Bennett; and Miss San Juan Capistrano, Selena Forster.

These are some of the items from the Dana Point steel tube time capsule that was enclosed in a rock 50 years ago.

Jay Elder of Washougal, Wash., holds a ticket for the Dana Point time capsule gathering 50 years ago at left and the online ticket for Monday's event at right. Elder's mother held on to six tickets, which he and four friends used to attend the event 50 years ago.

Hundreds gather for the unveiling of a time capsule sealed fifty years ago in Dana Point. A barbecue Monday night marked the opening of the historical artifact.

Attendees line up to study the contents of a time capsule fifty years after it was sealed. A barbecue Monday night marked the opening of the historical artifact.

DANA POINT – Jay Elder and four buddies stood next to an 8-ton rock at Baby Beach on Monday. The rock, marked by a 4-foot-deep hole, had been the resting place for a time capsule commemorating the start of construction of what would become Dana Point Harbor.

The pals laughed, joked and held out their yellow cardboard-like tickets, valid for a free barbecue, that they never really thought they’d use.

Those tickets came from Elder’s mother, Frani Elder, who had put them in her pocketbook for safekeeping 50 years ago, at the ceremony on Aug. 29, 1966.

“We were just kids, and there were a lot of guys in suits from the Orange County Board of Supervisors and some officers from the Army Corps of Engineers talking about building a harbor and burying a time capsule,” said Jay Elder, 63. “It was boring, and I was paying more attention to Miss San Juan Capistrano. My mom gave me and the guys that ‘pay attention’ look. Then they buried the time capsule and gave everyone a free ticket to a barbecue in 50 years.”

Elder said his mother saved those tickets because she figured the boys – then 13 and 14 – would lose them. Not long ago she reminded Elder about the upcoming barbecue.

Jay Elder had long forgotten it. Frani went to her file drawer and pulled out a folder marked Dana Point, Aug. 29, 1966. Inside, there were newspaper articles, the original program with the speakers’ names and the five tickets. Frani Elder died on July 7.

“Today’s for mom,” said Jay Elder, who with his buddies – all of whom, as teens, worked as deck hands for Don Hansen at the San Clemente Pier – were among more than 1,000 people at Baby Beach to celebrate the time capsule unveiling.

The event was sponsored by the Dana Point Historical Society and OC Parks. It included comments from Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Lisa Bartlett, a Dana Point resident and former city councilwoman, and other city and state officials.

The 4-foot stainless steel capsule held more than 200 items donated by 65 groups or individuals. It was buried at Puerto Place near a stairway that goes down along the base of the first jetty. A few months ago, it was unearthed and examined for its contents.

Chris Jepsen, historian at the OC Archives, wanted to make sure the items were intact, so he inspected each one. In some cases, he had to use chemicals to pull papers and photographs apart.

Highlights of the contents included:

the original plans for a proposed harbor at Dana Point-San Clemente written by R.L. Patterson in 1949;

a San Clemente Sun Post News article about awarding a contract for breakwaters, June 28, 1966;

and an American Legion Post No. 222 (Laguna Beach) letter to the future.

“That’s a real grabber,” Jepsen told a group looking through the artifacts laid out at booths on the grass at Baby Beach. “Instead of just wishing whoever opened it a good life, they projected if this is what it’s like now, this could be how it is in the future. This was put into the context of the 1960s and what it would all mean in 2016.”

They asked questions like: “Will TV continue its irritating commercials on the quality of soaps, deodorant, toothpaste, cigarettes, etc.?” “We see near-nudity on the beaches and our streets. What will we see in the year 2016?”

For Elder, Dan Cludy, 64, Chuck Kemnitz, 64, Joe Reeves, 64, and Bob Lohrman, 69, the event was a 180-degree turn from the ceremony 50 years ago, where all they could concentrate on were the pageant contestants and going to the beach.

“Now this is significant,” said Elder, who later became a tugboat captain and a harbor master at Avila Beach. “It makes me reflect on the last 50 years and where I started and where Dana Point started. We grew up in the harbor and all got careers that evolved from the harbor. The harbor is the anchor of the community.”

Contact the writer: 714-796-2254 or [email protected] or Twitter:@lagunaini

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• Yacht Clubs / Sailing Associations

YACHT CLUBS / SAILING ASSOCIATIONS

The following yacht and sailing clubs are based in Dana Point Harbor.

Aventura Sailing Association

Dana Point Yacht Club

Dana West Yacht Club

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All things sailing in Dana Point Harbor

Racing in dana point.

There are many ways to get involved in sailboat racing in Dana Point. Whether you own a sailboat and want to participate or wish to join another crew, we've outlined a few options for you to get involved.

Farkle Race every Thursday at 2 p.m.

Dana Point Harbor is home to the longest-running weekly sailboat race on the Pacific Coast. The tradition started 32 years ago with just a handful of local racers who wanted to race every week. They named it the "Farkle race." Now in its third decade, legend has it they've never missed a race. Rain or shine, there are always at least a dozen participants. If you own a sailboat, just show up at the green buoy on Thursday for a 2 p.m. start. Use channel 68 to hear the course and ask any questions. If you wish to crew on a boat, learn more about the rules or just find out how to get involved, fill out the form below with your name, email phone number and a message, and someone will contact you. There are occasional informational meetings to share this great weekly tradition.

Dana Point Charters also offers a great option for those wishing to try this experience on a private charter. Visit their website at  www.DanaPointCharters.com or call 949-485-3452 .

PHRF Races at Dana West Yacht Club and Dana Point Yacht Club

Both yacht clubs in Dana Point offer Performance Handicap Racing Fleet-sanctioned races throughout the year, and also host their own annual charity regattas. Typically, you must be a member of PHRF to race, but Dana West Yacht Club allows non-PHRF members to race in their annual charity regatta. If you wish to crew on boats participating in these regattas, please fill out the contact form below to learn how to get involved.

Dana West Yacht Club racing website  https://dwyc.org/racing/

Dana Point Yacht Club racing website  https://dpyc.org/On_the_Water/Racing

Association of Orange Coast Yacht Clubs

Member clubs.

Dana Point Harbor Youth Foundation is a non-profit corporation created to support the next generation of sailors through provision of boats, scholarships, and training. As a 501(c)3, DPHYF raises money throughout the year to fulfill our mission. Contributions to DPHYF are tax deductible.

President: Michelle Kraus Treasurer: Stephanie Spilker Secretary: Jeff DeLaurie Board Members: Donna Carter, Kevin Mullen, Bill Prestridge

EIN: 20-8700302

11th Annual Jeffrey Adam Memorial Regatta

May 7, 2023.

Dana Point Yacht Club 24399 Dana Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629 (949) 459-4776

Regatta is open to sailors of ALL AGES!

RSVP by April 21st!

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Year-round, on the water activities off historical Dana Point

DWYC members enjoy the Pacific Ocean every month of the year with a full calendar of races, cruises, fishing and youth sailing events.

Click to learn more on any of the categories, and send us a message if you need more information.

Pick your fun!

From the annual charity regatta benefitting american cancer society, to scya midwinters, and fishing tournaments, dwyc loves to be on the water doing what boaters in southern california enjoy the most..

Places to go and people to see! Whether it’s rafting in Dana-lina, visiting neighboring harbors or extended cruises, our fleet is on the go!

Youth Sailing

Participation is  OPEN  to both the youth of the DWYC and the surrounding communities, with options for sailors of all ages and skill levels, including serious competitors and recreational sailors. 

Dana West Anglers

The Anglers are open to all members,  both boaters and non-boaters, and it promotes fun fishing experiences  through tournaments and other activities.

Reciprocal Clubs

YC welcomes members from all SCYA member clubs, as well as yacht club that are members of the Yacht Clubs of American that includes over 800 clubs in the USA. 

We invite visitors to check the Burgee Log . If your club’s burgee is not listed, please consider scheduling a burgee exchange with a flag officer when you visit.

Dana Point Harbor is a quick few minutes to get to the start line several times a year. We offer a double-handed series, as well as an evening race in the fall; and our fleet is active in all harbor race series.

Charity Regatta

An annual 3-day PHRF spin and non-spin sailing series, is the crown of our club’s charitable fundraising efforts with Live and Silent Auctions, our famous Dinghy Poker Run and multiple land-side events during weekend.

Visiting Yachties

DWYC offers visiting yachtsman a place for the evening or two on a 60′ side-tie that is first come-first serve by reservation through our dockmaster. Complete the “contact us” form or call the office to make a reservation.

Click below to check local weather, open a map of our harbor or visit other websites:

DANA POINT HARBOR MAP

SCUTTLEBUTT

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California's Boating & Fishing News

On the Horizon

2023 Walt Elliot Harbor Challenge  (May 7)

LONG BEACH— The Long Beach Yacht Club announced to all ASPBYC Member Clubs that they are accepting challenges for the “ WALT ELLIOTT HARBOR CHALLENGE,”  which will take place on May 7. The Challenge race will be sailed in monohull yachts propelled by sails. Each yacht must be skippered by a member of the club that it represents, and only a club member may helm the yacht during the races for the Cup. Any member club of the ASPBYC may challenge LBYC for the Challenge Trophy. Such challenge shall be in writing, signed by a flag officer of the challenging club, state the name of the challenging club, and submitted to the LBYC Race Office at [email protected] no later than February 28, 2023. The challenge shall state the class or handicap rule under which each yacht must be rated, and if a handicap rule, a rating with which each challenging and defending yacht shall have a rating that is not more than (5 percent) higher or lower. We would welcome a one-design challenge in the Long Beach Sailing Foundation-owned Catalina 37s. The Racing Rules of Sailing will govern the race. For more information, visit  https://www.lbyc.org/default.aspx?p=v35EvtView&type=0&ID=206401 . 

Dana Point Yacht Club Spring Series   (April 8-Aug. 19)

DANA POINT— This Series’s Organizing Authority (OA) is the Dana Point Yacht Club (DPYC). The Dana Point Yacht Club Race Committee (RC) will manage this Series and shall appoint a Protest Committee (PC). The event is governed by the Rules as defined in the 2021-2024 Racing Rules of Sailing. This regatta is open to boats in PHRF Spinnaker, Non-Spinnaker & ORCA classes. PHRF Spinnaker entries must have a current PHRF rating certificate. One-Design classes may be established with five or more entries. Entrants wishing to establish a One-Design class should contact the OA at [email protected]. The entry fee for each Series Race is $40. There is no separate entry fee for the Overall Series.

A competitor’s meeting is scheduled at DPYC for each race on: 

ORS 2 –May 13 at 9 a.m. 

ORS 3 –July 1 at 9 a.m. 

ORS 4 –Aug. 4 at 9 a.m. 

ORS 5 –Aug. 19 at 9 a.m.

Trophies will be awarded following each race, and Overall Series trophies will be awarded following ORS 5 on August 19. All classes will receive take-home trophies for each race and the Overall Series. The overall winner in the PHRF Fleet for each race will be awarded the “Top Gun” flag. In addition, the overall winner in the PHRF Fleet for the Series will be awarded a special “Top Gun” award. For the complete Notice of Race, please visit   https://bit.ly/3UMxinp . 

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An extensive racing history is a prominent part of our heritage. From PHRF or One-Design Racing to the Dana Point Series...

A long standing club tradition that offers the opportunity to bring members together in their own yachts to explore ...

Our club anglers' calendar is highlighted by monthly meetings led by industry professionals, monthly local tournaments, and..

Youth Sailing

Provides the opportunity for youth to become involved in sailing at all levels; from learning to sail to advanced racing.

Social Events

A variety of large scale themed parties planned and executed by our social committee.

Dana Point Yacht Club boasts an outstanding waterfront restaurant and bar with nightly specials and exceptional hospitality.

Led by our Cruise Committee, members anchor their boats together and participate in weekends of fun and relaxation.

Maritime Matters

Monthly speaking series running from October through April featuring a wide range of marine topics.

Our Charitable Events

A long history of charitable events includes our annual Richard Henry Dana Charity Regatta and Marine Family Christmas Party.

Quarterly food and wine event hosted by industry leaders in a casual setting.

International Dinner

Unique, themed dinner based on various cultures and tastes from around the world.

Thursday Night Concert

This live music event features a variety of artists and genres including blues, jazz, pop, and rock n' roll.

Coast Guard Auxiliary Classes

These public education classes cover a variety of topics including Sailing Skills, Coastal Navigation, and Marine Radio.