Many of us watched in horror as Lahaina Yacht Club, the significant club sailing vessel, LeLe, and a large part of Lahaina were destroyed by fire. In addition, 47 members lost their homes and, sadly, three members lost their lives. 

BCYC members quickly rallied to raise $7,781.41 while Las Commodoras donated an additional $5,000, for a total of $12,781.41, to show our support and help them meet their challenges. Our contribution, and that from other yacht clubs, has helped them move forward with their plans to rebuild LYC.

Commodore Dave Shubert is confident in their plans to move forward and welcomes us to visit their club in 2025 as they celebrate the club’s 60th anniversary. In a note I received, he sends “Mahalo, for standing with us and giving us confidence that we will have a hope and a future as the Lahaina Yacht Club.” He also sent BCYC a burgee commemorating this terrible event.

Commodore, Cleve Sproule

May kicks off both Closing Night and Opening Day for BCYC. During April and into May, the other yacht clubs in Southern California will have their opening day celebrations. Unlike the East Coast where the yachting season closes for the winter and reopens months later, we simply “close” on the evening of May 10, and open the yachting season May 11 – it is California!

BCYC knows how to do it, right with an element of traditional pomp and circumstance. Boats in the marina will be decked out in all the flags that add to the color of the day and are ship-shape for viewing. In addition to the membership, there will be representatives from numerous yacht clubs and organizations throughout Southern California, other dignitaries and, new this year, the musical unit from the 1st Marine Division Band at Camp Pendleton. Flag officers and staff commodores will be in dress uniform, the Board of Directors will be in the blue blazer/white pants and the Las Commodoras ladies will wear their beautiful red blazers. BCYC will be looking its best, very “yachty” in a manner that will make you proud. Do plan to be a part of the BCYC family on this day.

Following the Opening Day ceremony, get your “party dress” on. The celebration will continue with live music from the extremely popular M Street Band to get your rock on. As usual, each finger in the marina will have an amazing variety of food and beverage. After all the celebrating, do not forget Mom on Mother’s Day, May 12. Chef Georges and his culinary team always create an incredible buffet that is not to be missed.

BCYC’s Taco Tuesday race series begins May 14, shaping up to be 15 weeks of great racing. In addition, the annual Avalon CIYC cruise to Catalina is scheduled for May 17-19. It is always a top-notch event.

More exciting and entertaining activities await us on the water as summer approaches. Each of you ARE the club, so get involved and enjoy.

Vice Commodore, Mike Means

Ahoy, Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club members! As the weather improves and fishing conditions become more favorable, anticipation builds among anglers and seafood enthusiasts alike for rockfish season, which began April 1. Yes, rockfish season is here and it’s so easy! Get a basic rockfish jig, like the tried-and-true Promar Squirt  and a sinker and drop it to the bottom and wait for the rock star to eat it! Need tackle to try it? See us and we’ll provide to you.

Anglers taking part in rockfish season can expect to encounter a diverse range of species, including Vermilion, Yelloweye, Copper and Bocaccio. Pursuing these fish presents both challenges and rewards, adding to the excitement of the fishing experience. There is a change to regulations imposed on Vermillion rockfish this year – fishery managers have reduced the daily limit to just two per day in most areas.

Beyond the thrill of the catch, rockfish season fosters community engagement through various initiatives such as tournaments. Be sure to sign up for ours. Rockfish holds a special place in California's culinary landscape. Its firm texture and mild flavor make it a favorite ingredient in various dishes, including grilled preparations, fried delights and classic favorites like fish tacos. Overall, California's 2024 rockfish season promises adventure and culinary delights.

And remember, BCYC is shooting for SCYA Club of the Year, and angling is an important component. So, let’s go fishing!

Here are a few video links for your viewing pleasure:

2023 Rockfish Opener Southern California (Catch, Clean and Cook)
https://youtu.be/Ahi7DSwdQ5w?si=wtnIr5s1JKjn5a0X

Fishing for Halibut in Southern California (CATCH, CLEAN and COOK)
https://youtu.be/pQYjq3jHFaQ?si=F1OPEhOhvjq_wPPf

Note: Don't forget to share your catch, smiles and stories with us! We're eager to feature your adventures in the next issue of The Masthead.

Angling, Lorie & Jim Buchanan

 

Your Food and Beverage Committee wrapped up a very active month of March and the first quarter. Now is when we get busy with all the functions set for BCYC over the summer. Closing Night and Opening Day are fun events to kick off the season, so make plans to join us. Start with some pomp and circumstance and then onto the parties and live music on the Compass Rose.

Our BCYC annual Easter Brunch welcomed close to 400 members and their families, a great day for both adults and children. As anticipated, the galley staff under Chef’ Georges Rapicault planned and delivered another wonderful menu. The staff was spot on with their enthusiasm and service – it was a fabulous event.

Make your plans and reservations to join us for Sunday Night Supper on May 5. We are bringing back a most popular Sunday dinner, which is our Mexican Buffett. After all, it is Cinco de Mayo and the BCYC Taco Tuesday races begin the following week. Watch for the promotional information and we hope that you can join us!

In April, there were some additions to the menus that deserve attention. A soup and salad combo has made it onto the menu. This was an item that the membership spoke of, so Chef Georges came through. Pickle fries are back on the appetizer menu after finding a vendor who could provide a product that was as good as what we offered previously, and enjoy the Italian sausage flatbread offering. There are additions to the Club Classics after Five, as well as the Dinner after Five menus. A new special sandwich is coming, so watch for the debut. If you are a chocoholic, Chef has added his warm chocolate cake!

Recently, I was asked about the possibility of additional offerings to the wine menu. As of this writing, I understand there will be selections from the Daou family of wines available soon. In addition, there is a Wine 101 class being developed, as well as a special wine dinner.

The Food and Beverage Committee has welcomed several new members to our table, making for an additional exchange of ideas and thoughts. As always, a special thanks to the BCYC Food and Beverage team: Chef Georges Rapicault and his culinary team; Bar Manager Shawncy Little and her staff; Events and Catering Manager Tasha Michalowski and the service staff who are out front for you and your guests.

Food & Beverage, RC Michael and Nancy Means, SC Rhonda Tolar