About US
Jean and Frank Butler Founder and President of Catalina Yachts
Garry Willis
Founding members Norm and Charlene Perron, a dynamic duo in our fleet and in the sailing world, still active after all these years
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 who 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 owner of Catalina Yachts. 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 C-36 National Association was organized with Alan as Commodore.
That first year was extremely busy and hectic for this group of volunteers who 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. 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.
Since many C-36 owners have now upgraded, 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 past Fleet Captains are:
2022 - 2018................Harlan Holmes
2018 - 2016..............Ginny Lechler
2015.......................... Fay Stevens
2014......................... Jean Chandler
2013.......................... Jeanne Cronin
2012 - 2010..............Ginny Lechler
2009 - 2008.............Horst Lechler
2007 - 2006............. Hal Avery
2005 ...........................Garry Willis
2004 - 2003..............Hal Avery
2002.................. ........Gene Levinthal
2001 - 2000...............Ouida Peterson-Rojas
1999 - 1998 ................Bob White
1997 - 1996.................Charlene Perron
1995 .............................Eric Sorensen
1994 .............................Kathy Brunette-Yelin
1993............................. Ed Gappell
1992 ............................Norm Perron
1991 - 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.