Chico Yacht Club Celebrates 50 Years of Active Sailing

Most of the time, when we think about yacht clubs, we picture places in coastal harbors and waterways. But there are many other clubs that are actively engaged in sailing in the interior of the country. One such club is Chico Yacht Club, which is located in Butte County, within (several hours’) reach of the Sacramento River Delta, and enjoys closer proximity to many sailing lakes. Last month, on October 20, Chico Yacht Club members gathered at Canyon Oaks Country Club to celebrate 50 years of sailing activities and adventures. They sent us this report of the event.

“Commodore Sue Griffin and her executive committee prepared an evening of celebration and camaraderie, with many active and former members attending. The MC for the evening program was past Commodore Mary McCluskey, aided by some members of the club performing some newly minted music and words for our enjoyment.”

“The club was started in 1973 as the North American Sailing Association, sponsored by Coastal Recreation, builders of the Aquarius and Balboa sailboats. However, after receiving requests from other sailors to join, in 1983 the name of the club was changed to the Chico Yacht Club. This opened up membership to sailors with other kinds of sailboats.

“Club members have various kinds of sailboats from trailerable to oceangoing vessels. We sail many of the local lakes and coastal areas, as well as [taking] long-distance cruises. Members have cruised to Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, the Mediterranean, the South Pacific, and many other International destinations. We even have a couple that has sailed around the world and are members of the Seven Seas Society.”

The club welcomes sailors who might be interested in joining the Chico Yacht Club. For more information, contact Commodore Sue Griffin, at (310) 869-7040, or any club member.

“Happy Sailing!”