Mark your calendars for our 2024 Events. And if you so choose, get involved in supporting our community and US military. We want to stand proud, to be known for a Club that gives back.
Events are listed along with our needs:
Monetary donations are always welcome, as each of these events require funding. And if you have ideas of other events, we are open for suggestions. For more information, please contact the Community and Military Appreciation Committee at cmac@sdyc.org.
In recognition of our nation's service members, SDYC members initiated this program in 2005. Since then the program has grown into a San Diego Yacht Club tradition. Each Wednesday during the summer SDYC hosts 12 to 16 service members and their families from all branches of the military. The Armed Services YMCA, in coordination with the hospital staff, recruit the participants. Some are recuperating from traumatic brain injuries and/or post traumatic stress. Service members receive an SDYC ball cap and a special thank you card. Additionally, Club members have provided other gifts anonymously. Military guests who are ambulatory board member boats, while others who are severely injured or disabled are assisted aboard for an evening cruise on San Diego Bay. No military member is ever left on shore.
Upon returning to the Clubhouse, SDYC members greet them with a hearty round of applause. Their dinner tables are under our giant American Flag. Our military guests are treated to a great barbecue dinner and live music. Many SDYC members dine with them and others stop by to shake their hands, pat them on the back and sincerely thank them for their service. It is a very special evening for our military guests and a genuine honor for SDYC members.
The staff at the hospital has advised that these afternoon cruises and dinner have made a difference in the recovery of these patients. The time away from the hospital, the chance to have conversation with people who just want to talk with them about whatever subject they choose, is helpful in their recovery and ultimately their transition out of a medical environment. SDYC members sign up early to return each summer as host boat.
The Warrior Sailing Program Basic Training Camp is focused on introducing the skill of sailing to wounded, ill and injured service members. In a fun but intense 3-day camp, participants are taught how to manage a boat on the water. It’s about teamwork, self-reliance and the fun-factor. The program highlights skills to manage a boat on the water as well as societal skills, which may translate to personal and job skill development. The program is open to wounded, ill or injured service members and veterans of all branches of the U.S military.
Annual Blood Drive in conjunction with the San Diego Blood Bank. Open to members and the local community.
Each December since 2006, Operation Holiday Helping Hand (O:HHH) has provided a special surprise gift to military families who have found themselves in need of a "Holiday Helping Hand." For the past 17 years, SDYC members and supporters have generously donated gifts that have made a significant impact in the lives of 1,029 military service members and their families.
Families are identified by one of our partners in this endeavor, the San Diego Armed Services YMCA. And, through the invaluable assistance of another partner, the Point Loma Rotary Club, all donations are deposited in a 501c3 endowment fund account until they are distributed to the families.
Military families are hosted at SDYC the morning of the event with refreshments, crafts and games for the kids, and a special visit from Santa. They are paired with SDYC members and supporters, who simultaneously present to the families surprise envelopes containing SDYC's letter of thanks for their service and sacrifice, and a substantial monetary gift to each family.
Every penny collected for O:HHH goes directly and exclusively to the military families for whom it is intended. All donations are tax deductible.
Struggling military families have indicated these gifts make the difference between having and not having a Christmas. And many SDYC members have stated, "this is the best day of our year!" For more information about how you can become involved in this special event, please contact Ed Letzring (619-222-0200) or Harvey & Jill Denman (619-677-3082).
SDYC Sea Scout Ship 1886 is all about youth leadership development. Coed and youth led, the goal is to have fun and experience new adventures. Sea Scouts have the opportunity to practice, and then teach to others, maritime skills underway on both power and sailing vessels. Activities include instruction in, and supervised practical application of maritime skills, as well as opportunities for rewarding individual initiative through recognition and advancement. Ship 1886 is open to both SDYC members as well as youth from the community. Sea Scout maritime skills include navigation, rules of the road, marlinspike seamanship, and boat maintenance. In addition to leadership, the youth excel in professional conduct, trust and the other values that Scouting has come to represent over the past 100 years. It is available to youth from the 8th Grade to age 20.