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Islander 36 Association Celebrates Golden Anniversary at Coyote Point Yacht Club

In 2020 we shared the story of the Islander 36’s 50th anniversary. This year the Bay Area’s Islander 36 Association celebrates its golden anniversary. 

On Saturday, November 16, the Islander 36 Association, one of the longest active class-boat associations in the Bay Area, met for its annual fall meeting at Coyote Point Yacht Club. The weather was beautiful: sunny and clear skies as far as the eye could see. It was the perfect day to celebrate the association’s 50th anniversary. Twenty-eight people, representing 17 Islanders, were present to recognize this historic occasion.

During the meeting, the membership heard from the fleet measurer, Kit Wiegman, who is known as one of the most knowledgeable people, if not the preeminent person, with knowledge and history of the Islander 36. Kit spoke to the group about the design changes that were made to the boat over the years. Also present was one of the founders of the association, 91-year-old Lou Zevinov. Lou recounted some of the history of the boat on the Bay. He shared many fun and funny stories about the association, along with the fact that at one point there were about 150 Islanders in the greater Bay Area — one of the largest fleets in the world.

After lunch and the presentations Commodore Rick Egan presented the end-of-season awards:

* The Spinnaker Division Season Championship Ormand Cup went to Dan Knox of Luna Sea.
* The Non-Spinnaker Buster Hammond award went to Rick Egan of Kapai.
* The Perpetual Crew Award went to Justin Hughes aboard Luna Sea.
* The Nationals Trophy went to Kit Wiegman of Cassiopeia.
* The Schneider Trophy for outstanding contributions to the Islander 36 Association went to Dan Knox for continuing service above and beyond.
* And the Commodore’s Plaque was updated with Rick Egan’s name, making him the commodore for this Golden Anniversary of the association.

The following photos are courtesy of Barnett J. Brickner.

At the end of the day, what was most evident is that the association is vibrant and growing. It has a membership that stretches around the world, an award-winning newsletter, a robust and informative website, and, most importantly, an active membership. Their success is a source of pride, naturally, but not surprising.

Designed by naval architect Alan Gurney for Bay Area sailing, the first Islander came off the assembly line in 1971, and over the next 15 years over 770 boats were made by Island Yachts in Costa Mesa, making it one of the most recognizable models in its class. With its fin keel and skeg-hung rudder as well as its sleek lines, sturdy construction, and spacious interior, it provides excellent handling and stability as well as comfort for San Fransisco sailors. It is a timeless classic.

The next event for the Islander 36 Association is the New Year’s Day “’Round Alameda Parade.” Check the Islander 36 Association website for details.

Did you know the Islander 36 is a proven deepwater world cruiser? Four of our West Coast Circumnavigators completed their voyages in an Islander 36: Timothy Brill from San Diego, Gary Gould from Oxnard, Eric Loss from Laguna Beach, and Zac Sunderland from Marina del Rey.

While we’re at it, here’s a throwback to February 1983, when the Islander 36 was our “Boat of the Month.” We leave you with this video of the presentations, by Rick van Mell:

 

 

Sailing

1 Comments

  1. Dennis 2 months ago

    still one of the best all time, all purpose sailboats to enjoy racing or cruising

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