Benefitting the Members; Serving the Community

OPERATION: HOLIDAY HELPING HAND

Operation Holiday Helping Hand offers a special financial gift to military families during the Holidays,a time of the year when it is most necessary and helpful.  Over the last 6 years, SDYC members have donated nearly $300K to hundreds of military families, who have found themselves in need of a “Holiday Helping Hand". The San Diego Yacht Club does not execute Operation: Holiday Helping Hand without some essential teammates.  The Armed Services YMCA provides invaluable screening of military families.  And, through the helpful assistance of the Point Loma Rotary Club, the donations are deposited in an interest bearing, 501c 3 endowment fund account, and processed for distribution to the families just prior to the Ceremony in early December.

Military families are hosted at the San Diego Yacht Club for coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies.  The Commodore thanks the families for their service and sacrifice, and then SDYC members hand each family an envelope with cash…a lot of cash.  Over the years, the amount of the gifts has ranged from $800.00 to $1000.00 per family. When the envelopes are opened the smiles begin to glow and the tears begin to flow. Next the hugging and laughing commence and the conversations turn to Christmas gifts to be purchased and bills to be paid. Many military families have indicated we have made the difference between having a Christmas and not having a Christmas.

We are proud that every penny collected by O:HHH goes directly to the military families it was intended for.

The generosity of the SDYC members is freely given with no thought of recognition or obligation.  Wonderfully, some military families have kept in touch with their SDYC family.

MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHTS

In recognition of our nation's Wounded Warriors, 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 wounded service members and their families from all branches of the military.  The ASYMCA, in coordination with the hospital staff recruit the participants.  Many are from the Naval Medical Center’s “C5” facility and suffer from traumatic brain injuries.  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.

SANDY & ED LETZRING SAILFEST REGATTA

For 15 years the Club has held this event for local children stricken with or recovering from life threatening illnesses such as Cancer.  Working with the Armed Services YMCA/ Balboa Naval Medical Center and Children’s Hospital, children (of all ages) and their families are invited for a day on the water and a barbecue.  The day includes climbing aboard a San Diego Harbor Police boat and shooting the water cannon, exploring a San Diego fire truck and police car, face painting and airbrush tattoos of flowers and superheros, balloons, soft drinks and ice cream after enjoying a hamburger and hot dog barbecue with all the trimmings.  The day offers a welcome respite from the seemingly endless progression of hospitals, tests and treatment.  San Diego Yacht Club has hosted more than 750 afflicted children and their families over the 15 years of SailFest’s existence.

SUBMARINE SAILORS REGATTA

This annual event honors Navy submarine personnel in the area.  Servicemen and women, and their spouses and children are invited to participate in a sailing regatta and spectator boats are operated for family members and guests to observe the race.   Following the competition, all guests are treated to food and beverages on the Club’s Pavilion area.

MONARCH SCHOOL SAILING PROGRAM

Ten students participate in an 11 week Beginner Sailing Class, where they learn the fundamentals of sailing and test their skills sailing Sabots.  Donations to the SDYC Sailing Foundation support this program.

In addition three “fun sail” orientation classes in the Fall provide 20 Monarch school students the opportunity to get acquainted with sailing.

SUDDENLY IN COMMAND

An Annual program taught by the USCG Auxiliary, to prepare boaters who are not usually the Skipper of the boat, to safely run the vessel and return safely.  Training includes safety equipment, communications equipment, basic emergency first aid.

• GPS Navigation: This USCG Auxiliary class provides training on GPS devices
• What's New In Electronics: An annual presentation of the latest developments in boating equipment, with emphasis on communications, navigation and safety.

4TH OF JULY BLOOD DRIVE

Annual Blood Drive in conjunction with the San Diego Blood Bank.  Open to members and the local community.

SDYC SEA SCOUT SHIP 1886

Recently established Sea Scout Ship provides youths 14 – 20 the opportunity to achieve Quartermaster (Eagle Scout equivalent).  Open to SDYC members as well as youth from the Community. Sea Scouts will study general maritime skills such as navigation, rules of the road, marlinspike seamanship, and boat maintenance.  Scouts will have the opportunity to practice those skills underway on both power and sailing vessels.  There is also the equally important elements of leadership, team building, professional conduct, trust and all the other values that the Sea Scouts have come to represent.

Sea Scout 1886 Slideshow