Catalina 36 Fleet #1 History

Catalinas Of Santa Monica Bay
And Catalina 36 - Fleet # 1

History

The organization of a Catalina Fleet in Santa Monica Bay was the idea of two avid sailors who wanted to meet other Catalina 36 owners that share the same pride of ownership as they did. In 1990 Alan Elliot and Garry Willis obtained a list of local owners from Frank Butler. After calling several people from the list, Alan and Garry held the first organizational meeting at Alan’s house with about ten future members in attendance. Garry was appointed Fleet Captain. At the same time the C36 National Association was organized with Alan as Commodore.

That first year was extremely busy and hectic for this group of volunteers that were committed to succeed. Introductory letters were mailed to every potential member, and by the summer of 1991 Fleet #1 had twenty-five members. Alan was also busy with the National Association corresponding with owners across the country and establishing its Constitution.

By summer of 1992 word about Fleet #1 spread and owners became eager to join our organization. Although Garry and Marci have since traded in their C36 for a C42, they are very active participants in our activities. Garry is highly respected in the community for his achievements on our behalf. The early success of Fleet #1 is attributed to those first ten individuals who recognized that Catalina owners are dedicated to their sport and willing to share experiences with others.

Recently, several C36 owners have upgraded to a C42 and we have opened our membership to All Catalinas. Therefore, we are now known as Catalinas Of Santa Monica Bay And Catalina 36 - Fleet # 1.

Today, The Fleet members have become one huge family who look out for one another and work together to enhance the joy of sailing. Our list of Fleet Captains is:

2005 Garry Willis

2004 Hal Avery

2003 Hal Avery

2002 Gene Levinthal

2001 Ouida Peterson-Rojas

2000 Ouida Peterson-Rojas

1999 Bob White

1998 Bob White

1997 Charlene Perron

1996 Charlene Perron

1995 Eric Sorensen

1994 Kathy Brunette-Yelin

1993 Ed Gappell

1992 Linda Dippel/Norm Perron

1991 Garry Willis

1990 Garry Willis

As with any volunteer organization, it takes commitment and determination to succeed. The Fleet has many members who continue year after year to support our organization, and each one is essential to The Fleet’s present status and its future success.

Historic Clipper ship on left

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Last updated: May 1, 2005