CIYC History

Catalina Island Yacht Club is one of the oldest clubs on the West Coast.  In 1893, a Catalina Yacht Club was formed by the Banning Brothers, then owners of Santa Catalina Island.  In 1903, the boating residents of Avalon placed pilings for a yacht club in the approximate location of the present Catalina Island Yacht Club.  The club was quite active until the great fire of Avalon in 1915, which burned the town of Avalon and bayside facilities. Fortunately, the pilings were spared.

In the early part of 1924, Art Sanger and James Jump, while fishing, decided that Catalina Island needed an "official" yacht club for boating enthusiasts.  Mr. Jump secured the facility from the Catalina Island Company, and found thirty yachtsmen willing to pay the $100 initiation fee and dues, plus $400 on a promissory note, so the Catalina Island Yacht Club could build a club facility.  Eighteen of the original members of the Catalina Island Yacht Club were members of the Tuna Club, who desired an organized yachting and social club in addition to their fishing club.  James Jump served as the first Commodore. Early club members included a number of well known Hollywood personalities including Tom Mix, Jack Warner, Rudolph Valentino, King Vidor, James Cagney, Jascha Heifetz, and Darryl F. Zanuck.  During the war years, from 1942 to 1945, Catalina was largely closed to the public and the Club was used by the U.S. Merchant Marines.

Avalon has become a favorite yachting destination on the West Coast. Due to location and size, Catalina Island Yacht Club does not provide reciprocal privileges for visiting yachtsmen.