MarinaSingleSailors.org
Title
Marina Single Sailing Club
Description
The Club was started in 1976 by three sailors at Marina del Rey. Connie Scroggs, Dawn O'Day and Ron Segel all had crewed extensively on day sails and Catalina trips. Connie had a 22 foot sloop and Ron had recently sold his. All three were always in demand as crew because they made sailing their number one priority. They listened to hundreds of often repeated stories from skippers who complained that they invited guests who never showed up or were not very seaworthy if they did. On the other hand, there were many people who really wanted to go sailing but didn't know any boat owners.
Thus the idea behind the club is to suit the desires of both skippers and crew. It brings them together to participate in outstanding day sailing with knowledgeable, enthusiastic and involved people. Crew members are not expected to be Joshua Slocums; but they are encouraged to progress to the point where they can assist the skipper. Safety has always been of primary concern as has been the member's desires to enhance their sailing skills.
The first meeting was held at Don the Beachcomber's in Marina del Rey and 150 people attended. The interest has never waned in the ensuing years. However, with no specific meeting place and with no regular Sunday sails, it was necessary to call all the members and let them know when and where to meet. The three founders did all the telephoning. Can you imagine trying to call over 150 people in California before the days of answering machines and email? It was a great problem as was finding a place to gather before sailing in order to make boat assignments.
