yacht club in dana point

Dana Point Yacht Club

Review Highlights

“ From the very first meeting with Danielle we knew we had selected the best place to have our celebration. ” in 15 reviews

“ She made the planning process so easy and worked so well with our wedding planner Simone from OC Beach Weddings. ” in 4 reviews

“ We held our wedding reception here in September, and our ceremony in the cove across the harbor. ” in 5 reviews

Location & Hours

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24399 Dana Dr

Dana Point, CA 92629

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Amenities and More

About the business.

Business owner information

Dana Point Yacht Club is a private club owned by the members. It's purpose is to provide boating, social and related activities for its members and their guests. We are currently accepting new member applications. Today the club is very active in racing, hosting many regattas and races throughout the year. Special Events We are open for private events. You do not need to be a member to host an event in our event space. Please call the office and ask for the Catering Coordinator for more information. …

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Overall rating

We have been coming here for years and have not had a single bad experience in all of our visits. With their menu being so fairly priced and the food being absolutely amazing I would recommend anybody who is able to come here to do so

A beautiful yacht club that seems likes it's stood the test of time. You have a great view of the ocean here and membership is required to be able to use the facilities. The club and its facilities itself is a 5 star. No question as the decor and the feeling you get inside is spectacular. Their restaurant has a great view upstairs on the second story and they are very dog friendly which is amazing. Their menu is very simple and straight forward and they mostly have a mix of Mexican, American and Italian food. I had ordered their burger with a mix of onion rings and regular fries, the hummus and their flat bread with fig and burrata. They also have a selection of drinks and a daily drink specials. As far as the taste of the food... the burger was just good, it didn't leave a good or a bad impression, but the hummus had very little flavor and tasted very bland. The fig and burrata flat bread had more of a fig drizzle instead of actual figs and the flatbread had the texture of a cardboard. Now the food from what I have tasted was 2 stars. But again the place is so beautiful you won't care what you eat. I was invited here by a member and it's a great place to hang out and enjoy the view.

My family have been members here for a couple years now and we come to dinner often. The food is always pretty good. I would recommend getting anything with fish as they always have such great fish. The view is spectacular and makes the whole experience that much better.

Blackened Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos

We were invited by some lovely friends who own a boat here at the Dana Point Harbor, to come dine and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of the Dana Point yacht club.. we met some lovely people . they were so gracious to let us bring our own wine of choice. The music was playing, we were sitting outside it was a beautiful evening. We had the delicious mussels and even one of their tasty burgers with sweet potato fries, the deviled eggs were delicious... super fun early evening before a sail out to the Pacific...

We went for Summering wine tasting event... beautiful lite bites and delicious wines .. Best part of the evening was sitting with great friends on the patio and enjoying dinner from a menu that was one of the best menus I have seen in a long time . Collectively, we could not choose it was all so good... Wedge, Sand dads , lettuce wraps and curry vegetables . All so good...

Always great meals. Yes, members only. If you know a member, get an invitation. Terrific view and a warm dining experience

DPYC was the perfect backdrop for our wedding this last Oct, the reason for the two stars is that the day of our wedding their in house catering was completely inadequate and unlike anything we had originally ordered or tried at our tasting... They didn't serve one of the appetizers we ordered and paid for, our chicken dish was very different from what we had during our tasting (they served boneless chicken breast vs bone-in, see the photos), and the salmon dish had bacon on it instead of the honey mustard sauce we ordered and tasted. They also never brought out the bread and butter that was part of the meal. Several guests also reported that their dietary restrictions (which was sent to the venue ahead of time and noted on their name cards) were ignored. The main reason i'm writing this review is because when i tried to reach out to get an explanation of any kind, i've been ignored / ghosted. Over the past months me, my parents, and planner have all tried to reach out to Lily (the event coordinator) to no avail. After spending tens of thousands of dollars you'd expect a response back, at the least.

What we had at our tasting

What they served at the wedding, even the presentation and carrots were different...

Beautiful place we went for a wedding and it seems to go smoothly.. all the workers seemed very nice and professional. Decorations were beautiful.. refreshments were always full only downfall is the parking

Cannot say enough great things about this club. Very welcoming. Great food! Would highly recommend stopping by

Had high hopes but feeling disappointed. We were looking to use the facilities for our wedding. We were offered a date and excited to book it. The lady helping us was on vacation and upon her return we were told via email the date was no longer available. She said she would call us and never did. I understand a mistake was made and would accept an apology. Things happen, I get it. Unfortunately no attempt was made to resolve our situation. No other dates offered, no phone call we were just ghosted. Demand is obviously high and business is not suffering. Still, that's no way to treat potential customers. We were left with a sour taste.

My Cousin had her Wedding here this month and the Staff here really worked hard to ensure that the Episode ran as smoothly as possible! Everything was set up nicely and I liked how there were Valets in the parking lot to help ease pressure off finding space toward the end when it was very crowded. The Bathrooms were clean and well stocked, and there was organized and courteous Communication as to which Families were seated at which Tables and the Specialty Drinks that were being offered by the Bar. Dana Point Yacht Club thankfully staffed plenty of Waitstaff and Bartenders to feed us deliciously crafted Hors d'oeuvres and keep us happily refreshed and hydrated with our Favorite Beers, Wines, and Signature Old Fashioneds and Watermelon Vodka without having to wait too long in line. John the Bartender was especially charming! His Happy and Enthusiastic Smile and Easygoing Spontaneous Sense of Humor really added a Special Bounce to the Experience. The Food was Satisfying for the most part! Our Table was the second to last to eat so there was no more soup for some of us. However, the Staff worked extremely hard nonstop the whole evening to continually prebuss and making sure we had plenty of Coffee and Hot and Iced Tea for those of us who had to drive responsibly and pass on the Booze ;0) The Dance Floor was Fun too!! I liked the Strobe Lights and the DJ/Host kept a positive and engaging attitude throughout the Evening which really helped. Thank you to the whole Team for working so hard to give us all a Special, Fun, and Artfully Satisfying Evening to Remember!!

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WCYC - WEST COAST YACHT CLUB

• Flag Officers
• The Binnacle
• Reciprocity
• WCYC Event Calendar
• 2024 Tiki Regatta
• DP Boaters Association
• DPH Revitalization Proj
• NOAA Weather - Dana Point
• Marine Surveyors
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• VSC - Dana Point Harbor
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The West Coast Yacht Club Est. 1931

There are many ships, but the best ship of all is friendship, we're located in dana point.

Dana Point Harbor is a beautiful and bustling port-side community, offering many amenities to both residents and guests.  

Cruise SoCal with WCYC!

Being centrally located in Dan Point, it's an cruise to all the best SoCal locations from San Diego and Ocean side, out to Catalina, and northward to Newport, Long Beach and beyond! 

Sail with SCYA Under Our Burgee

As a member of the Southern California Yachting Association, you can sail in any SCYA race under our burgee. 

For more about SCYA visit syca.org

We're a MVP US Sailing ORGANIZATIONAL Member!

Interested in joining or supporting US Sailing?  If so, as a member of WCYC you can join US Sailing and receive a discount on your individual or family US Sailing Membership ! 

In July 1931, eight young men formed what is now the West Coast Yacht Club.  Inasmuch as the charter members were building boats in their backyards, a sawhorse was selected as the keynote of the club burgee.  A combination of the school colors of the University of California, Los Angeles and the University of Southern California were chosen for the burgee, resulting in a sky blue sawhorse superimposed upon a field of cardinal and gold. 

Since the inception of The WCYC, its burgee has been flown by members on cruises to many of the romantic ports on the Pacific and The Atlantic Oceans and The Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas, including such places as Alaska, New Zealand and The Panama Canal.

West Coast Yacht Club is a cruising club with cruises and events scheduled throughout the year. Sailing members can enter any  Southern California Yachting Association (S.C.Y.A.)  race under our burgee. Our Members are very active, participating in cruises and various other activities on the water, guaranteeing that you will get more use out of your boat, whether sail or power, by joining WCYC.

Become a Member

Copyright © 2024 WCYC - All Rights Reserved.

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Learn, Sail, Explore.

Aventura sailing is your connection to the ocean  .

GET TO KNOW AVENTURA SAILING

What we offer.

From basic sailing lessons to international charters in a remote island paradise, Aventura Sailing has it all. 

Join our Racing program and sail on one of our sailboats with an enthusiastic group of members. Master your skills and compete on the water, all while having fun.

Come for a Social Sail and then kick it back in our Members' Only Clubhouse, and enjoy our BBQ Thursdays, live music Saturdays and more!

From member charters to timeshare programs to social sails and flotillas, Aventura is your connection to sailing and the ocean in Dana Point. Our renovated fleet awaits you.

Yacht Management

Keep your vessel in ship shape while covering your costs of ownership.

Team Building

Teamwork is absolutely critical to sailing, get your team out on a yacht to help them create synergy.

Your choice of Luxury yachts. Try before you buy or just lean on our exclusive selection.

CHECK OUT OUR FLEET

We keep our fleet in optimum shape for use at your leisure. we currently offer jeanneau, beneteau, catalina, hunter & lagoon vessels with more to come.

What our members are saying...

[Captain Lori] Your knowledge elevated the experience and I enjoyed our conversations and you patiently answering my many questions. Your explanation on sail trim was a very informative and explained many questions.  Your instruction on traveler usage opened my eyes on better sailing. My first mooring experiences also gave me so many learnings on how to adjust in tight places and when moorings offer challenges. I could go on, but I learned a lot with you and appreciate it very much! 10 out of 10.

Social Sailing

Bring your friends or make new friends.  All sharing a common love of nautical fun.  Whether sharing stories in our 1,000 sq ft club house or meeting new sailors out amongst the waves, Aventura Sailing is friendship.

All things sailing in Dana Point Harbor

Both yacht clubs in Dana Point Harbor are dedicated to the sport of sailing and boating. Both clubs offer many programs for youth sailing and sailboat racing. Although they are for members only, if you have a passion for racing a sailboat you may contact them to help you find a spot aboard a member's boat for racing. You don't need to be a member to participate in some of their racing programs.

Dana West Yacht Club

Dana West Yacht Club is a Southern California Yachting Association Senior Club that offers its members and guests unbeatable services and activities. DWYC is known for its hospitality, incredible dining experience, top-shelf bar service, and fun and entertaining social events. DWYC invites you to visit its website to familiarize yourself with their menus, event calendar, on-the-water activities and how to join the Dana West Yacht Club family.

www.DWYC.org

Dana Point Yacht Club

Dana Point Yacht Club is a private club owned by the members. It's purpose is to provide boating, social and related activities for its members and their guests. DPYC is currently accepting new member applications. Today, the club is very active in racing, hosting many regattas and races throughout the year. .

www.DPYC.org

Year-round, on the water activities off historical Dana Point

DWYC members enjoy the Pacific Ocean every month of the year with a full calendar of races, cruises, fishing and youth sailing events.

Click to learn more on any of the categories, and send us a message if you need more information.

Pick your fun!

From the annual charity regatta benefitting american cancer society, to scya midwinters, and fishing tournaments, dwyc loves to be on the water doing what boaters in southern california enjoy the most..

Places to go and people to see! Whether it’s rafting in Dana-lina, visiting neighboring harbors or extended cruises, our fleet is on the go!

Youth Sailing

Participation is  OPEN  to both the youth of the DWYC and the surrounding communities, with options for sailors of all ages and skill levels, including serious competitors and recreational sailors. 

Dana West Anglers

The Anglers are open to all members,  both boaters and non-boaters, and it promotes fun fishing experiences  through tournaments and other activities.

Reciprocal Clubs

YC welcomes members from all SCYA member clubs, as well as yacht club that are members of the Yacht Clubs of American that includes over 800 clubs in the USA. 

We invite visitors to check the Burgee Log . If your club’s burgee is not listed, please consider scheduling a burgee exchange with a flag officer when you visit.

Dana Point Harbor is a quick few minutes to get to the start line several times a year. We offer a double-handed series, as well as an evening race in the fall; and our fleet is active in all harbor race series.

Charity Regatta

An annual 3-day PHRF spin and non-spin sailing series, is the crown of our club’s charitable fundraising efforts with Live and Silent Auctions, our famous Dinghy Poker Run and multiple land-side events during weekend.

Visiting Yachties

DWYC offers visiting yachtsman a place for the evening or two on a 60′ side-tie that is first come-first serve by reservation through our dockmaster. Complete the “contact us” form or call the office to make a reservation.

Click below to check local weather, open a map of our harbor or visit other websites:

DANA POINT HARBOR MAP

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On WeddingWire since 2009

The Dana Point Yacht Club is a marina in the Orange County, California area hosting weddings for couples who want a waterfront wedding venue. This private coastal venue is perfect for local or destination weddings, with an array of watercraft and a ballroom space overlooking the water. Couples will find this venue located in Dana Point Harbor, ten minutes from the San Juan Community Center. Facilities and Capacity This ballroom seats a maximum of 200 guests for a couple’s big day. The wedding ceremony can take place in the ballroom or on the Bayview Patio facing the water. This romantic waterfront space seats 90 guests for a wedding ceremony. A wooden rail supporting glass panels keep couples and guests safe while still offers views of the waves. Tan awnings help to shade guests as couples exchange vows under a bamboo pergola. The ballroom can host receptions or wedding ceremonies of up to 200 attendees. Large windows drop down to the floor to showcase the beautiful water views from this space. Shining dark hardwood glows in the natural light from the windows and the reflection of the overhead chandeliers. These light fixtures feature tiers of golden lights that hang from the cathedral ceiling. For ceremonies in this space, guests can move to the attached Commodore’s Patio for the cocktail reception. Services Offered The staff at Dana Point Yacht Club help couples with event planning prior to their wedding day to account for all the little details on this big day. The staff also helps with setup and cleanup to make the day run as smoothly as possible. Other services at this marina include:

• Event rentals
• In-house bar
• In-house catering
• Lighting/sound
• Pet-friendly
• Wireless Internet

Cuisine Couples can choose to take advantage of this venue’s full bar service in the form of an open or cash bar at their wedding reception. Catering options include American, Italian, Mediterranean or Mexican cuisine. These dishes can be prepared to accommodate gluten free, lactose free, no pork, nut free, vegan or vegetarian lifestyles. The fare can be served in the following styles for a couple’s big day:

• Cocktail reception
• Hors d'oeuvres
• Outside cake

Other Services This venue welcomes couples for bridal showers, engagement parties and rehearsal dinners in addition to ceremonies and receptions. For any wedding event they offer the following items for couples to use:

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Reviews of Dana Point Yacht Club

• Quality of service 4.5 out of 5 rating 4.5
• Average response time 4.4 out of 5 rating 4.4
• Professionalism 4.5 out of 5 rating 4.5
• Value 4.5 out of 5 rating 4.5
• Flexibility 4.6 out of 5 rating 4.6

Wonderful venue!

Beautiful venue

Hidden gem, incredible venue, fantastic team!

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Real Weddings

Professional network & endorsements.

Such a beautiful place with a great team, consider your wedding in this scenic location and you won't be disappointed.

We've been to a few events that we have both worked as a photographer and attended as a vendor and guest. They do a great job! It's a great venue with beautiful views of the harbor. They have great indoor and outdoor spaces and there are so many pretty views for photos. The food is really great too. We highly recommend them for your wedding or event!

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Dana Point Yacht Club frequently asked questions

• Cake Cutting
• Bartender(s)
• Champagne Toast
• Banquet Hall
• Country/Golf Club
• Covered Outdoor
• Uncovered Outdoor
• Bridal Shower
• Engagement Party
• Rehearsal Dinner
• Bar Services
• Catering Services
• Event Rentals
• Outside Vendors
• Pet Friendly
• Audio Equipment
• Centerpieces
• Dance Floor

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News | Chris Poole wins second straight Congressional…

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News | Chris Poole wins second straight Congressional Cup off Long Beach shoreline

Five-time winner ian williams of great britain is runner up in classic finish on postcard-perfect day.

New Yorker Chris Poole completed a dynamic double off the wind-whipped coast of Long Beach on Sunday, April 28, winning his second consecutive Congressional Cup in the 59th edition of the world’s longest-running annual match-race regatta .

Sunday’s finish was a classic, waged under bright blue, postcard-caliber skies. The offshore action delighted 200-plus fans who watched the races from Congressional Cup Stadium, the waters in front of Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier.

“Winning the second time in a row is absolutely incredible,” said Poole. “I don’t stop and I won’t stop. You know hard work pays and that’s what we are showing here every year.”

An excited Poole added: “I just want to be the best sailor in the world and I’m not there yet. I want to be in the America’s Cup. I think that I can be a an America’s Cup winner.”

Poole and runner-up Ian Williams of Great Britain split the first two races in Sunday’s five-race final series but Poole went on to win the next two points and the Congressional Cup.

Chris Poole and his team take a victory lap on Sunday, Apr. 28, 2024, after winning the 59th Congressional Cup at the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)

American Chris Poole, left, and Ian Williams of Great Britain and their teams go head to head in the finals of the 59th Congressional Cup on Sunday, Apr. 28, 2024, at the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)

Spectators on their boats watch the 59th Congressional Cup on Sunday, Apr. 28, 2024, off the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)

Chris Poole waits to see who his team will face in the finals of the 59th Congressional Cup on Sunday, Apr. 28, 2024, at the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)

Spectators are close to the action for the 59th Congressional Cup on Sunday, Apr. 28, 2024, at the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)

Spectators watch Chris Poole and Ian Williams in the finals of the 59th Congressional Cup on Sunday, Apr. 28, 2024, at the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)

Sailboats fill the harbor during the Fleet Race on Sunday, Apr. 28, 2024, during the 59th Congressional Cup at the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)

American Chris Poole , right, and Ian Williams of Great Britain and their teams go head to head in the finals of the 59th Congressional Cup on Sunday, Apr. 28, 2024, in the 59th Congressional Cup at the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)

American Chris Poole , left, and Ian Williams of Great Britain and their teams go head to head in the finals of the 59th Congressional Cup on Sunday, Apr. 28, 2024, in the 59th Congressional Cup at the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)

American Chris Poole , left, and Ian Williams of Great Britain go head to head in the finals of the 59th Congressional Cup on Sunday, Apr. 28, 2024, in the 59th Congressional Cup at the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)

Team Poole’s boat, left, bumps Team Williams’ resulting in a penalty during the finals of the 59th Congressional Cup on Sunday, Apr. 28, 2024, at the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)

Chris Poole and Ian Williams battled tightly before the American went on to win the 59th Congressional Cup 3-1 on Sunday, Apr. 28, 2024, at the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)

American Chris Poole wins his second consecutive Crimson Blazer on Sunday, Apr. 28, 2024, in the 59th Congressional Cup at the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)

Chris Poole’s finishes first defeating Ian Williams’ team 3-1 on Sunday, Apr. 28, 2024, in the 59th Congressional Cup at the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)

American Chris Poole waves to spectators after winning his second consecutive Crimson Blazer on Sunday, Apr. 28, 2024, in the 59th Congressional Cup at the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)

Chris Poole’s team take a victory lap on Sunday, Apr. 28, 2024, after winning the 59th Congressional Cup at the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)

Hosted by the Long Beach Yacht Club, the Congressional Cup is a high-intensity contest of sailing strategy pitting the world’s top skippers against one another in Catalina 37 boats. This year boasting a total purse of $75,000, the stalwart five-day event is part of the World Match Tour, which has doled out more than $24 million in prize money since its founding in 2000.

Veteran helmsman Poole, who’s competed in eight Congressional Cups, races out of Cold Spring Harbor, New York. Poole’s Riptide Racing team, from the Seawanhaka Yacht Club, includes Joachim Aschenbrenner, Bernardo Freitas, Mal Parker, Luke Payne and Harry West.

Poole’s crew held off a team helmed by perennial Congressional Cup all-star Williams, who just missed snaring his sixth Crimson blazer

The 46-year-old from Lymington, England, ranks 11th on the World Open Match standings. Williams’ crew, sponsored by the Gladstone’s Long Beach restaurant, was composed of Richard Sydenham, Gerry Mitchell, Ricky McGarvie, Ted Hackney and Oisin McClelland.

Ironically, Williams was initially not invited to Long Beach’s big dance. Gladstone’s Managing Partner John Sangmeister lobbied for the Brit’s inclusion after his seventh World Match Racing Tour Championship win earlier this year. (Sangmeister really knows sailing — his Rock N’ Roll crew was the first to cross the line in the Newport-to-San Diego fleet during the 76th annual N2E race on Friday.)

Regatta organizers originally invited a field of 10 teams based on their world rankings, including berths to be filled by feeder regattas. When organizers added two more for a total of 12, Williams’ squad snagged one of those prime “plus” positions.

Regatta organizers originally invited a field of 10 teams based on their world rankings — and added two additional berths to be filled by feeder regattas. Williams’s squad snagged one of those prime “plus” positions.

“The 59th Congressional Cup expanded from 10 teams to 12 teams to accommodate the overwhelming growth yacht racing has experienced coming out of the COVID (pandemic),” Vice Chairman Steve Meyer said during an interview.

Third place on Sunday went to Eric Monnin of Switzerland, who ranks second in the World Open Match Race standings.

Monnin, a 48-year-old with a PhD in physics, said his goal this year was to “change his momentum.’’ And he did just that, improving from last year’s fifth-place finish. His crew included Simon Brügger, Maxime Mesnil, Julien Falxa, Ute Monnin-Wagner, Mathieü Renault and Jean-Claude Monnin.

Racing is a family affair for Monnin, whose crew includes two brothers and his wife. His family made the trek from Switzerland, with his 3-year-old son and his mother-in-law anchoring his cheering section.

Fourth place went to Nick Egnot-Johnson from Auckland, New Zealand. The 25-year-old’s crew included Sam Barnett, Zak Merton, Alastair Gifford, Taylor Balogh and Jorden Van Rooijen.

Sunday’s racing also included a short fleet race comprised of six skippers’ teams who fell short of the final four.

Sweden’s Johnie Berntsson, third-ranked in Open Match Race Rankings, won the six-way scramble. Berntsson, racing for the 14th time at the Long Beach event, won the  Congressional Cup in 2009.

“May the speeches be light, and the winds be strong,” declared Dick Miller, 2013 Long Beach Yacht Club Commodore and club chaplain, offered in prayer as activities kicked off during Tuesday’s “Meet the Skippers” dinner.

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson echoed those sentiments — “In the spirit of sportsmanship – may the winds carry you,” he said during a video presentation at the event.

As if on cue, strong winds did indeed arrive off Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier and they endured through the end of the competition.

Saturday’s Junior Congressional Cup was won by Olivia Corzine. The regatta is contested in two-person CFJ sailboats off Alamitos Beach. The club’s youth sailors are the skippers with Congressional Cup skippers — or their designees — serving as their crews.

During Saturday’s press conference, New Zealand’s Megan Thomson was presented with the traditional last-place trophy — a copy of the book “Sail Your Boat Right” by Arthur Knapp.

Thomson, who rates14th in the World Sailing rankings, accepted the trophy in the spirit with which it was intended, with a smile.

Meanwhile, her competitors applauded her performance. “You may have won the book — but you have won our respect,” four-time winner Gavin Brady told Thomson.

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