Marina Sunday Sailing Club

Years ago, the then-Marina Single Sailing Club was the best boating deal in Marina del Rey. For minimal annual dues, boaters got to sail with experienced skippers who needed crew. I was a member myself for several years, ultimately serving as commodore of a club with more than 100 members. I drifted away, because I partnered on a boat.

A few years ago, I bumped into Commodore Jim Provost in Catalina who told me a sad tale. The club had faded to just 15 members. Members had aged and skippers had died off.

I had heard that the club had changed its name to the Marina Sunday Sailing Club and had opened to married members to enhance its appeal, but it was with some trepidation that I joined the club for its meeting last Sunday. My concerns were misplaced. The club is thriving again.

“We have nearly 50 members,” skipper Al Wheatman told me.

John Schallert, the skipper of the Cory Ryan, a Columbia 26, credits MeetUp.com with injecting new life into the club.

“It gave us a chance to attract younger members,” he told me.

Annette Mann is happily married, but her husband gets motion sickness. She would not have been allowed to join the club under the old rules.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity. I use these days on the water as my getaway days. I even turn off the cellphone,” she said.

Provost explained how it works.

“The club charges $100 annually for crew and $50 for skippers," Provost said. "It meets at 10 a.m. the second and fourth Sunday of each month at Burton Chace Park, hosting a continental breakfast for only $4.”

“It’s the cheapest sailing on the planet,” member Bob LaRock told me.

In addition to day sails, the club hosts regular trips to Catalina and the Channel Islands, as well as numerous parties.

Membership Co-Chairman Mark Robinson invited me to sail with him on his Coronado 23. It was great to be on a tiller again. With members Yelena Shirchenko and Eileen Davis we shared a delightful afternoon sailing Santa Monica Bay, with brisk winds, gentle sun and manageable seas.

“Guests can come out four times on a sail before deciding whether or not they want to join,” said Robinson.

The traditional end to a club day sail is a wine and cheese party at one of the skipper’s docks.

This club not only provided me with good fellowship, it gave me exposure to a wide variety of sailing conditions and boats before I bought my own. Best of all, I met my significant other there.