Dana Point Yacht Club treats Marines to a day of food, fishing and fun

Several times a year, the members at Dana Point Yacht Club host a group of Marines and their families. One such day happened on Saturday, June 26 when a group of about 30 men from Camp Pendleton came up and boarded either a fishing boat or a sail boat for a day of fishing and camaraderie, or a day of sailing and camaraderie laced with a little terror. (Sailing is often described as long periods of boredom, punctuated by moments of terror.) Surprises always lurk when a boat leaves its sheltered harbor. On this day, however, the winds were fair, the seas were flat and the fish were plentiful. It was a great day to share with the men who signed up to protect and defend our country and a great way to let them know how much they are appreciated.

After fishing—as is customary when DPYC hosts Marines—everyone gathers back at the Club for a prime rib dinner. This is the time when members can circulate among the Marines and discover what a great bunch of men and women they are. Friendships are often made on these days and often various members invite “their” Marines to other events. Some service men and women have even become members via the Yacht Club’s special “military membership” program.

Two other yearly events that DPYC sponsors for the Marines include a wonderful Christmas party and luncheon with an appearance by Santa and a twilight fishing event for up to 50 Marines during our Richard Henry Dana Charity Regatta each September.

In addition to all the fun and good feelings that come from these events, let me talk about generosity. Dana Point Yacht Club members as well as local business owners all pitch in to make sure our Marines are treated to a wonderful time and know how much their service to our country is appreciated.

The Bait Barge here in Dana Point Harbor donates the bait for the fishing. Volunteers run the sailing races and happily buy a dinner—or two, or more—for a Marine. When the Charity Regatta rolls around, Dana Wharf Sportfishing steps up to the plate and donates one of their sportfishing boats and gear for the Marines. Beach Cities Pizza donates the pizzas and a few of our members get together and bake chocolate chip cookies. Now there’s a real combination—pizza and cookies! And, at Christmas, members organize the children’s Christmas party for the Marines, hand-deliver the invitations and get gifts donated for Santa to give. At the Dana Point Yacht Club we love doing these little things to show our appreciation for all they do for us. Semper Fi!