mission bay yacht club camps

Mission Bay Yacht Club

The Mission Bay Yacht Club boasts a storied history, steeped in the rich maritime heritage of the region. In its early days, sailboats had to be specially designed with flat bottoms to navigate the shallow waters of Mission Bay. Among the first vessels to grace these waters was the Flapper, a 12-foot catboat that became the pioneering class for racing activities. As the club evolved, a diverse array of boats, including some from the esteemed San Diego Yacht Club, formed a handicap fleet, competing in races timed to coincide with the tides. By 1931, the Skimmer emerged as the premier vessel in the area, capturing the attention of sailing enthusiasts. Each year, the Mission Bay Yacht Club pays homage to its humble beginnings during Opening Day festivities. The commodore takes to the waters aboard “Scanties,” the club’s original Flapper class boat generously donated by its first commodore, Tom Scripps, around 1968. This cherished vessel, meticulously restored over the years, symbolizes the club’s enduring commitment to its heritage. In the Asher Pier Race, a special class established for the occasion, the commodore invariably emerges victorious, further perpetuating the legacy of the club’s founders.

It was the visionary leadership of individuals like Tom Scripps and Leo Carroll, the first handicapper, that laid the groundwork for the club’s remarkable growth. Their innovative ideas for handicap and one-design racing paved the way for the sophisticated programs and facilities enjoyed by members today. Thanks to their foresight and passion, the Mission Bay Yacht Club has nurtured world and national championship sailors across various classes, leaving an indelible mark on the sailing community.

The club’s dedication to Corinthian sailboat racing remains steadfast, evidenced by its robust calendar of regattas throughout the year. Whether seasoned champions or novice sailors, participants converge on Mission Bay to test their skills in spirited competition. Renowned for its idyllic setting, the Mission Bay Yacht Club serves as a coveted venue for national and world championship sailing regattas, earning accolades such as the prestigious title of “One-Design Yacht Club of the Year” from the US Sailing Association—a testament to its enduring legacy of excellence.

The Mission Bay Yacht Club, a significant fixture in maritime history, was officially established in 1927. Its inaugural commodore was Thomas O. Scripps, who played a pivotal role alongside his brother-in-law, Austen T. Brown, in founding the club. The inspiration for the yacht club came unexpectedly in 1925 during a visit to Coronado’s Tent City. There, Brown and Scripps came across a flapper—a type of boat popular at the time and commonly built by Phillips and Stewart, a prominent boat building company in Los Angeles. This particular flapper was moored in a sorry state in front of the San Diego Yacht Club.

Upon inquiry, Brown learned that the boat belonged to a widow of a naval officer and was available for sale. Given its dilapidated condition, Brown acquired it for just $50.00, a stark contrast to its original selling price of $150.00. The duo transported the boat to Mission Bay and embarked on a challenging restoration project. They began by clearing out moss and soon realized the extent of the damage; it was nearly beyond repair. Despite the daunting condition, they persevered in their restoration efforts until the flapper was once again fit for the sea, marking the beginning of the Mission Bay Yacht Club’s storied existence.

Brown’s passion for sailing was evident in his regular weekend excursions on the waters of Mission Bay. Driven by a competitive spirit, he eagerly sought out opportunities to race against fellow sailors. Despite being the sole owner of a flapper on Mission Bay at that time, Brown faced formidable opponents with much larger vessels. Regardless of the outcome, Brown remained undeterred by the size disparity of his competitors. As Thomas O. Scripps reminisced, Brown’s primary concern was not whether he won the race but rather whether he had improved upon his previous performance, reflecting his unwavering dedication to the sport he loved.

In their endeavor to establish a formal yacht club, Brown and Scripps sought the guidance of Alonzo de Jessop, Scripps’ uncle, who proposed the inclusion of a race committee chairman within the club’s structure. At the time, there was a notable surge in real estate development around Mission Bay, presenting Brown and Scripps with an opportunity to garner financial support for their envisioned yacht club. They devised a plan to enlist real estate investors as financial backers in exchange for lifetime membership privileges within the club.

Their efforts involved engaging with various individuals, including members of the San Diego Yacht Club who possessed significant expertise in maritime matters. Additionally, they reached out to residents of Pacific and Mission Beach to rally support for their initiative. With the groundwork laid, Brown and Scripps convened an organizational meeting, which received an enthusiastic response from the community. This overwhelming support culminated in the formal establishment of the Mission Bay Yacht Club, marking the realization of their shared vision.

With the collective effort of its members, the newly formed Mission Bay Yacht Club successfully raised $2,000 in funding. Utilizing these resources, they embarked on the construction of their inaugural clubhouse—a modest structure consisting of four walls and a roof, elevated on stilts. This rudimentary clubhouse was erected on Crown Point, secured through a fifty-year lease agreement with the State of California. This pivotal milestone marked the establishment of a physical hub for the club’s activities, providing a gathering place for members and serving as a symbol of their dedication to fostering a vibrant maritime community on Mission Bay.

Leo Carroll, employed by the Southern Pacific Railroad, assumed the role of the inaugural race committee chairman for the Mission Bay Yacht Club. In a gesture of support and camaraderie, F. T. Scripps, the father of Tom Scripps, presented Carroll with an old ten-gauge, double-barrel shotgun to fulfill his duties. Initially, Carroll removed the shot from the shells, but to his surprise, the gun failed to produce any sound. It was soon discovered that the shot needed to be reinstated for the firearm to function properly.

Despite these initial setbacks, Carroll diligently discharged the gun into the air as part of the race proceedings. However, much to the bemusement of onlookers, the shotgun seemed to defy conventional expectations, resulting in an unexpected shower of bullets. This amusing anecdote serves as a testament to the early days of the Mission Bay Yacht Club, characterized by camaraderie, resourcefulness, and a healthy dose of humor amidst the challenges of organizing maritime events.

Following the conclusion of World War II, the Mission Bay Yacht Club entered a new chapter in its history by securing a lease for three acres of land and three acres of water at El Carmel Point—the site that remains the club’s present location. Initial plans involved relocating the existing clubhouse from Crown Point to El Carmel Point, but upon closer examination of the lease terms, it became apparent that such a move was not feasible due to restrictions on the relocation of improvements.

Undeterred by this setback, the club members collectively resolved to embark on a new endeavor: the construction of a brand-new clubhouse at the designated site on El Carmel Point. This decision marked a significant milestone in the club’s evolution, reflecting its commitment to adapting and expanding in order to better serve its members and the maritime community at large. With determination and unity, the Mission Bay Yacht Club forged ahead, laying the groundwork for a bright future at its new and permanent home.

Amidst this transitional period, Carl and Teddy Ackerman made a significant contribution to the San Diego sailing community by introducing the first Lightning class sailboat, named Tu Tu, to the region. Remarkably, Tu Tu had previously been stationed at Pearl Harbor during the infamous bombing in 1941, adding a layer of historical significance to its arrival in San Diego.

Recognizing the potential of the Lightning class sailboat, two fleets were organized in the San Diego Bay area under the leadership of Carl and Teddy Ackerman. However, it was not long before the Mission Bay Yacht Club, led by Bill Pirie and other dedicated members, secured a charter for Fleet No. 194 at the club. This marked the official incorporation of Lightning class sailboats into the club’s sailing activities.

Despite these advancements, the introduction of larger boats like the Lightning class sailboats to the Mission Bay area was hindered by the need for dredging. This logistical challenge necessitated careful planning and coordination before these vessels could be fully integrated into the club’s operations, underscoring the club’s commitment to ensuring safe and accessible sailing experiences for its members.

Today, with Mission Bay fully dredged and exquisitely developed, the Mission Bay Yacht Club stands as the sole yacht club gracing the bay’s shores. As articulated by Pirie, the essence of the club has long revolved around small boat sailing, although a number of motor boats also find their place among the club’s fleet. Central to its ethos is a strong sense of community and inclusivity, making it a cherished family-oriented institution. Throughout its history, the club has remained steadfast in its commitment to nurturing young sailors, actively encouraging junior participation.

The Mission Bay Yacht Club has earned widespread acclaim for its prowess in small boat sailing, earning respect and recognition on the global stage. Notably, one of the club’s most illustrious members, Earl Elms, has achieved remarkable success as a yachtsman. With an impressive five world championship titles in the Snipe division to his name, Elms stands as a testament to the club’s rich sailing heritage and its enduring legacy of excellence.

Club members take pride in upholding the core vision set forth by the charter members—to establish a Corinthian Yacht Club where individuals from all walks of life can converge on a shared passion: yachting. This egalitarian ethos remains deeply ingrained within the fabric of the Mission Bay Yacht Club, reflecting a commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community centered around the love of sailing.

As articulated by Joe Hill, a respected past commodore of the club, the Mission Bay Yacht Club continues to be comprised of amateur yachtsmen who have joined not for the allure of prestige, but rather for the sheer joy and fulfillment that sailing brings. This collective dedication to the pursuit of sailing for its own sake, rather than for external accolades or status, underscores the genuine camaraderie and sense of kinship that pervades the club’s atmosphere. It is this steadfast devotion to the pure enjoyment of the sport that continues to define and distinguish the Mission Bay Yacht Club as a cherished institution within the sailing community.

Mission Bay Yacht Club (MBYC)

by Marie Rogers | May 19, 2023 | Yacht Club Members

Mission Bay Yacht Club (MBYC) mbyc.org 1215 El Carmel Court San Diego, CA 92109 (858) 488-0501

Total: 750 members – 15% power, 85% sail. Facilities: Bar open Friday 5:00pm to 10:00pm, Sat – 12:00pm to 10:00pm, Sun – 1:00pm to 8:00pm. Dining room open: Friday 6:00pm to 8:00pm, Saturday Breakfast, Lunch & Bayside Grill Dinner, Sunday Breakfast & lunch. 2 and 3 ton hoist available. Guest dock available for reciprocal clubs.

Membership: New members welcome. 2 sponsors.

Initiation: $1800/Flag age (30+), $540 /Junior Flag age 21-29, $50/Junior. (Flag & Junior Flag payment plans available.)

Monthly dues: $120 + $20 dock assessment. Junior program: Year round, world renowned.

Comments: MBYC is a family oriented, small boat sailing club with a fantastic Junior Program.

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• BOAT RENTALS
• SUMMER CAMP
• TOURS / CLASSES
• YACHT RENTALS
• ULTIMATE MEMBERSHIPS

MBSC | San Diego Boat Rentals

• JETPACK RENTALS
• POWER BOATS
• JET SKIS RENTALS
• SAILBOAT RENTALS

Mission Bay Sportcenter is the largest public watersports facility in San Diego, providing Southern California with a variety of youth camps. Each summer, hundreds of young people from across the southwest participate in our watersport programs learning to sail, surf, kayak, wakeboard, water-ski and windsurf. We are excited about this summer! Come join us and experience our unique blend of learning and FUN!

SUP RENTALS

An incredible on the water experience in the beautiful waters of Mission Bay. These rentals are becoming one of our most popular offerings, and it's easy to see why.

JET SKI TOUR

This non-stop, fast-action tour around San Diego Coastline is the perfect activity for you if you are looking for excitement and experience in the waters of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay. Riding around on one of our top-of-the-line jet skis, guests get to follow one of our knowledgeable and friendly tour guides as they take you to different hot spots along the coast.

• CATALINA 14.2
• CATALINA 16.5
• LEARN TO SAIL

NIGHT SUP TOUR

The paddle boards have been equipped with waterproof high-intensity LED lights, designed for the night. Called NightSUPS, they are designed to illuminate up to a 40-foot circumference around the board.

CHARTER BOATS

• MALARKY CATAMARAN
• MARISSA DIVE CHARTERS
• TRITON CHARTERS
• ALANA CHARTERS
• AQUATA CHARTERS

ABOUT MBSC | SAN DIEGO BOAT RENTALS

Mission Bay Sportcenter is a locally owned and operated boat rental facility in Mission Bay, which is located close to downtown in San Diego, CA and is the place to go for San Diego boat rentals. We offer a full fleet of watersports rentals from powerboats to sailboats, pontoon boats, and jet skis, along with other human powered watercraft such as kayaks, stand up paddleboards, and pedal boats.

Whether you’re an experienced sailor, first time jet skier, or prefer a more leisurely paddle on the water, chances are we have rental equipment to suit your needs. And if you’re more comfortable with the assistance of a professional, we can provide guided tours and classes that let you enjoy the water safely, and under the guidance of our experienced and highly trained staff.

In addition, we also offer some of San Diego’s finest private charter boats, available for group events, work retreats, weddings and other get togethers. We also offer some unique activities like Jetboarding and Jetpacking that are sure to be an experience you’ll never forget. If you’d like to join us for a day on the water, please give us a call or use our online booking system to reserve the rental boat of your preference. We look forward to seeing you!

High School Sailing

Welcome to the  High School Sailing program at Mission Bay Yacht Club! MBYC is proud to be hosting Mission Bay High School, Cathedral Catholic, La Jolla High School, Francis Parker, The Bishop's School and La Jolla Country Day School.

Our program investments include continuing to improve the quality of boats and storage, new coaching support, and investment in junior memberships for all high school sailors.  

MBYC High School fees for the 2023/2024 season:

Charter fees are $500 per sailor for the year, or $200 per trimester. This also covers any non-High School charter activities such as afterschool / D-H program charter costs.

Junior memberships for all High School sailors is required: one-time $50 Initiation Fee and $23.10 per month.  

Please let us know if you have any questions at all about High School sailing at Mission Bay Yacht Club. We’re looking forward to an excellent season and an exciting future in the development of sailing skills and life lessons for our young adults!

$500 Full Year Charter Fee for All Sailors, or $200 per trimester.

Weekly Practice Schedule

Monday/Wednesday: The Bishop's School

Tuesday/Thursday: Cathedral Catholic, Francis Parker, La Jolla Country Day, La Jolla High School, Mission Bay High School

Fridays: All Team Scrimmages

MBYC provides the use of some assets and facilities during the school year for a number of San Diego-area sailing teams. The following is a summary of policies and guidelines to be followed:

The High School Sailing program is a privilege to the participants and their coaches. Participants and coaches shall at all times show the utmost respect of the boats, equipment, MBYC members and MBYC facilities.

The Junior Director shall accept applications from a number of qualified teams that adequately fill the allotted time for practice during the week and high school regattas during selected weekends. The number of boats shall be assigned by the Junior Director to reflect an equal and fair distribution and usage by the number of teams whose applications have been accepted.

Prior to accepting a team application, the Junior Director must first receive completed applications from all participants including, but not limited to: Assumption of Risk / Indemnity Agreement, Damage Waiver, High School Sailing Charter Boat Procedures and Motorboat Policies and Procedures.

All sailors are expected to become MBYC Junior Members and shall have limited access to MBYC.

MBYC access and use is limited to each team's individual participation and does not extend to participant family or friends.

The charter fee paid by each high school sailor covers use of the boat, sails and normal wear. Damage beyond normal wear such as that resulting from collision with other boats or during docking will be billed to the sailor(s) involved.

JUNIORS - CAMPS & PROGRAMS

Be joyful and courageous..

On a beautiful rural point of land on the lower Chesapeake Bay, our campers have immediate access to sailing through both protected waters and beaches for our beginners and deeper waters and bigger waves for the experienced sailors. Today, like yester-years, our juniors find dirt roads and picnic tables, screen porches and oysters, wildlife and ample outdoor space. And equally, they purposefully don't find resort luxuries like air-conditioning, restaurants and technology. Instead, this is where they learn about all aspects of being on the water -- sailing of course, and sometimes swimming, weather, knots, kayaking, navigating, and sometimes crabbing, critter-catching, beach exploring, shells, aquatic life, oceanography, currents, tides, and sometimes how to have grit -- while growing in courage, friendships and laughter.  

In 1939, our history began. And our founding mission, still intact today, begins with:

"the object shall be the development of the art and science of sailing, the acquisition of knowledge of the theory and practice of seamanship, navigation, meteorology, and allied subjects"

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SUMMER CAMPS

Our summer sailing camps run 9 weeks from mid June to middle of August.  Registration opens February 1.  OPTIKIDS & JUNIOR WEEK are the kick-off camps for summer sailing during the first 2 weeks.  Sailing School & Development Teams are camps that sail the other 7 weeks of summer 4-5 days per week.  Race Team is a camp for the most experienced sailors and sails 5-7 days per week for 9 weeks. See below for more details on the different options.  

Summer Camp Schedule Overview (click links to individual camps for exact dates)

Week 1               Opti Kids & Race Team  Camps

Week 2               Junior Week Camp

Weeks 3 to 9     Sailing School, Development & Race Team Camps     

OPTI KIDS CAMP

Mid-June (two consecutive weekends to make it easy since some kids are still in school). Perfect for our youngest sailors and a great lead-in to our other camps during the summer, this program is taught in waist-deep water off our beach, and is designed to start our children seeing the water of the Chesapeake Bay and sailing as great fun, and creating a carefree, and secure environment with hands-on learning including knot-tying, steering, adjusting a sail, swimming and plenty of games. Parents or guardians assist in the camp and get in the water. Open to the public.  Ages 5 to 7 .

JUNIOR WEEK CAMP

Full-day, 1 week session (Monday-Friday) in late June. Junior Week was the genesis of the camps and programs we run today, and is the key "kick off" of our summer camps. Sailors may choose from Beginner Opti, Intermediate Opti, Advanced Opti, Advanced Opti Racing, Beginner Laser, Advanced Laser, 420s, Explorers Sailing in bigger boats, or assist as a Counselor-in-Training. Counselors are made up of a combination of professional national and international coaches, US Sailing instructors, and experienced volunteers. Entertainment follows most nights after sailing, and include ice cream, pool parties, and a family cookout.  For photos, click here . Open to the public.  Ages 6 to 18 .

SAILING SCHOOL CAMPS

2, 3 & 5 day camp sessions, June through August, in groups of up to 8 sailors.  Many campers do multiple weeks/camp sessions.  The programs are tailored to the group, from a eight-year-old taking their first tentative steps in sailing off our beach, to a pre-teen looking to build the confidence to sail solo on Fishing Bay, to an 18-year-old honing her racing skills, and everyone in-between! Open to the public.  Ages 6 to 18.

DEVELOPMENT TEAM CAMP

After Jr Week through mid-August.  Highly recommended to do Jr Week also as it is a great "kick-off" week. Originally conceived as a stepping stone to the Opti Race Team, the Development Team has grown into a force of its own! The sailors meet Thursdays through Sundays, and in consideration of working parents and tired sailors, no session or regatta is mandatory.  There will be opportunities to attend regattas close to Fishing Bay, where overnight stays are not required. The team is coached by college-level sailors who are often graduates of our Junior Division and work closely with the sailors to develop their individual skills and confidence on the water, including introducing racing techniques. We have the option to subdivide the team based on age and experience so that all can learn in a safe and friendly environment.  Open to the public.  Ages 7 to 15 (Opti) and 12-18 (Lasers) .

RACE TEAMS IN OPTI, ILCA (LASER) & C420  

Mid-June through mid-August. Fishing Bay Yacht Club's Junior Race Teams have grown into regional and nationally renowned organizations, attracting the best coaches. Every year since 2007 a Fishing Bay Yacht Club team member has won either the Opti, Laser or c420 division of the Chesapeake Bay Yacht Racing Association High Points . In addition to racing across the Chesapeake Bay, the teams will travel to national regattas. The sailors are very dedicated and serious racers. The teams will practice, travel, or race for extended periods, normally taking one day off per week. The coaches concentrate on individualized instruction centered on advanced racing techniques and preparation for top level competition.  For photos, click here.   Ages 9 to 18 .

FBYC REGATTAS FOR JUNIORS

• FBYC ANNUAL JUNIOR REGATTA:  2-day regatta on a late June weekend directly following Junior Week. We encourage all Junior Week sailors to attend, and will offer a Green Fleet seminar and on-the-water coaching for novice racers (and their parents!) making that first scary step into regatta racing. Additional racing will include Red, White, and Blue Opti Divisions, Laser Radials, and 420's. Open to all juniors. Club boats will be available for those without their own (on a first-come, first-served basis).
• AOD (ANNUAL ONE-DESIGN REGATTA): late July, 2-day regatta. This is a fun one with a band and lots of different fleets to sail in. Many adults would even welcome juniors on their boats, and we will support Opti Green, Red, White, and Blue Divisions, Laser Radials, and 420s.
• SPRING, FALL & FROSTBITE REGATTAS:   In addition to the above, Fishing Bay Yacht Club will host a number of spring, fall and frostbite regattas this year in which juniors are invited to participate in Optis, Lasers, and 420s.

All are welcome at all our camps & programs! Parents and guardians are encouraged to join in the fun and attend and volunteer.