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Fire destroys historic California Yacht Club building in Marina del Rey

Two firefighters injured in the fire were treated at a hospital and released., by lauren coronado and jonathan lloyd • published december 12, 2023 • updated on december 12, 2023 at 9:54 pm.

Two firefighters were injured in a fire that destroyed a building at the historic California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey.

The fire was reported around 11:30 p.m. in the 4400 block of Admiralty Way. The injured firefighters were released from a hospital Tuesday morning.

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Flames tore through the clubhouse. No other injuries were reported. None of the boats in the marina appeared to be damaged.

Members said the club holds a special place in their hearts. Jeff Jackson recorded video of the fire from his nearby condo.

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"It doesn't feel like a yacht club at all," Jackson said. "I call it my "Cheers" bar because it's just so warm and inviting. I was crushed just thinking about it. Such a great place... It's a very personal club. And I think anyone who is a member knows what I'm speaking of and the warmth and love we feel for them and they feel for us.

"It just breaks my heart. I don't know what they're going to do for Christmas."

Steve Hathaway arrived at the scene early Tuesday. He said the club became a significant part of his life after his family helped build it in the 1960s.

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"Heartbreaking. This has been my home for 40, 50 years," Hathaway said. "It's been a home for so many people. It tears me apart to see this."

The clubhouse and offices are open Wednesday through Sunday, but the docks and grounds are accessible at any time, according to the club's website . It was not immediately clear whether anyone was inside when the fire started.

The club offers dining and space for social events.

The yacht club was founded in 1922 in Wilmington Harbor near San Pedro. The current club in Marina del Rey was built in 1967.

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Fire guts historic California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey

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Firefighters worked overnight Monday to extinguish a blaze that erupted at a historic yacht club in Marina del Rey.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department received a call around 11:30 p.m. Monday for a structure fire at the California Yacht Club in the 4400 block of Admiralty Way, said Fred Fielding, a Fire Department spokesperson.

Crews arrived to find heavy smoke and fire engulfing the two-story building, fire officials said.

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Video from news outlets showed large flames consuming the structure as smoke billowed overhead. Multiple firetrucks and firefighters were called in to help contain the blaze.

Two firefighters suffered moderate injuries and were taken to a hospital, Fielding said. The extent of their injuries and their status was not immediately known.

The blaze was knocked down just before 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, said Jeremy Stafford, supervising fire dispatcher at the L.A. County Fire Department.

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The cause of the fire remains under investigation, Stafford said.

The California Yacht Club was started in 1922 by yachtsman from the Los Angeles Athletic Club and other yacht clubs, according to the club’s website .

Representatives for the club did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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california yacht club fire marina del rey

Alexandra E. Petri is a former Los Angeles Times staff writer who covered trends and breaking news. She previously covered live news at the New York Times. A two-time reporting fellow with the International Women’s Media Foundation, she graduated from Penn State with a degree in journalism and international studies.

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Flames engulf California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey; 2 firefighters injured

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MARINA DEL REY, Calif. (KABC) -- Two firefighters were injured while battling flames that engulfed a yacht club that has been a local landmark in Marina del Rey for decades.

The fire was reported around 11:30 p.m. Monday at the California Yacht Club on Admiralty Way, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Fire crews arrived on scene to heavy fire and smoke billowing from the building, and it was quickly upgraded to a 2nd alarm fire before it was eventually extinguished.

The injured male firefighters were taken to the hospital with moderate injuries, but additional details about their injuries were not known. They have since been released.

The California Yacht Club started back in 1922. The former owner told Eyewitness News that his father helped build the Marina del Rey building over 50 years ago.

"It's been a home for so many people. We are so heartbroken right now... It tears me apart to see... It's just terrible," said Steve Hathaway.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

No other injuries were reported and no boats were damaged.

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Decades-old Marina del Rey yacht club goes up in flames

Marina del rey yacht club burns down.

A yacht club in Marina del Rey was destroyed in a massive fire.

LOS ANGELES - Two firefighters were hurt and a Marina del Rey staple is in ruins after a raging fire ripped through the California Yacht Club. 

Officials with the Los Angeles County Fire Department said the fire broke out around 11:30 p.m. Monday at 4469 Admiralty Way and it was reported by employees. 

Crews called for additional resources during the firefight and the flames were knocked down in two hours. 

Two firefighters were hurt battling the flames and were hospitalized with moderate injuries. They were both treated and were released on Tuesday morning. 

Marina del Rey yacht club goes up in flames

Two firefighters were hurt while battling flames at the California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey.

"It just crushes me because the staff, the people associated with the club are first-class citizens," said Jeff Jackson, a member of the California Yacht Club. "It just breaks my heart because I don’t know what they’re going to do for Christmas. I just feel terrible for their families because I know this is a special place for them too." 

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california yacht club fire marina del rey

A fire ripped through the California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey on the evening of Dec. 12, 2023.

The yacht club was built back in 1967. It was relocated to Marina del Rey after it was founded in Wilmington Harbor, near San Pedro, in 1922.

The cause of the fire was under investigation. 

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Massive blaze destroys 60s-era yacht club in Marina del Rey

Two firefighters were hurt while battling a raging fire that destroyed a decades-old yacht club in Marina del Rey overnight. Crews first responded to the fire at the California Yacht Club in the 4400 block of Admiralty Way around 11:30 p.m. Monday. They arrived to find intense flames and heavy smoke billowing from the two-story building. KTLA's MaryBeth McDade reports on Dec. 12, 2023. Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/massive-fire-destroys-60s-era-yacht-club-in-marina-del-rey/

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california yacht club fire marina del rey

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California Yacht Club Destroyed in Fire

california yacht club fire marina del rey

MARINA DEL REY— A huge fire destroyed the California Yacht Club, located in Marina del Rey, on Dec. 11.

Los Angeles County Fire Department received a call around 11:30 p.m. that night and arrived to find a massive two-story fire. 

Videos from news outlets show bright red flames traveling over the roof of the club and producing large black clouds of smoke.

Two firefighters suffered moderate injuries and were hospitalized before the blaze was extinguished just before 1:30 a.m. Dec. 12. The cause of their injuries has not been released. 

Among the most prominent California clubs, the California Yacht Club was established in 1922 and has a long history of promoting yachting and maritime activities. It has frequently hosted national and international regattas, with recent events including the J/70 World Championship, U.S. Junior Women’s Championship, Martin 242 North American Championship and CFJ National Championship.

The club was started in Los Angeles harbor by a group of loyal yachtsmen – most from the Los Angeles Athletic Club and the rest active in other early yacht clubs of that day. In 1941, America went to war, and the Coast Guard took over CYC’s facilities in Wilmington. Members continued to fly the Club Burgee, but after World War II, the facilities were so run down that CYC never could return to its birthplace.

Former owner Steve Hathaway noted that his father helped build the club in the 1960s. “It’s been a home for so many people,” said Hathaway in a statement. “We are so heartbroken right now… It tears me apart to see… It’s just terrible.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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Massive fire destroys 60s-era yacht club in Marina del Rey

A massive overnight fire destroyed a decades-old yacht club in Marina del Rey. Carlos Herrera reports for the KTLA 5 News on Dec. 12, 2023.

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Crews battle fire at California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey

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yacht club fire

Two firefighters were hospitalized Tuesday while battling an intense blaze that ripped through the California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey.

Los Angeles County Fire Department firefighters responded around 11:30 p.m. Monday to 4469 Admiralty Way where they found the club in flames, according to the fire department.

The firefighters were taken to a hospital in moderate condition, Fox 11 reported.

The fire department’s Arson Investigation Unit was called to the scene to investigate the cause of the fire, according to Fox 11.

The yacht club was founded in 1922 in Wilmington Harbor near San Pedro and the current facility in Marina del Rey was built in 1967, according to the club’s website.

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california yacht club fire marina del rey

Published on December 12th, 2023 | by Editor

Fire destroys California Yacht Club

Published on December 12th, 2023 by Editor -->

A massive fire decimated the California Yacht Club located in Marina del Rey, CA.

The fire was reported around 11:30 pm on December 11, with crews arriving to find heavy smoke and fire engulfing the two-story building. Two firefighters suffered moderate injuries before the blaze was knocked down just before 1:30 am on December 12, 2023.

Among the prominent California clubs, it has been a frequent host to national and international regattas, with recent events including the J/70 World Championship, US Junior Women’s Championship, Martin 242 North American Championship, and CFJ National Championship.

The club was started in 1922 in Los Angeles harbor by a group of dedicated yachtsman – most from Los Angeles Athletic Club and the rest active in other early yacht clubs of the day. But when the USA went to war in 1941, the club’s facilities were taken over by the Coast Guard.

california yacht club fire marina del rey

After World War II, the facilities were so run down that CYC was forever gone from its birthplace. However, a group of previous CYC members and other prominent yachtsmen were encouraged by the development of Marina del Rey and reactived California Yacht Club in 1961.

Former owner Steve Hathaway noted that his father helped build the club in the 1960s. “It’s been a home for so many people. We are so heartbroken right now… It tears me apart to see… It’s just terrible,” said Hathaway.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Comment : This one is personal as Scuttlebutt was founded at California Yacht Club with two generations of the Leweck family having photos and trophies that perished in the flames. – Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt

Excerpt from Los Angeles Times on December 15, 2023:

The blaze engulfed decades’ worth of boating trophies, historical artifacts and cherished memorabilia at the California Yacht Club. Fire crews attempted to control the blaze as heavy smoke and flames consumed the two-story building. By the time they had subdued the fire two hours later, only the skeletal remnants of the clubhouse were left standing.

John Myers, senior vice president of the club, said the blaze had been reported by an employee working late in the clubhouse Monday night (Dec. 11). The fire spared the remainder of the facilities on the ground, including the docks and the yachts moored there. But the clubhouse, and particularly its second floor, was all but wiped out.

The second floor once housed a collection of the club’s prestigious racing trophies, kept on display for members and visitors. The fire melted all but a single salvageable California Cup. Most notably, the priceless King of Spain Trophy, acquired in 1929 from King Alfonso XIII, was lost.

Additionally, the club lost cherished photographs of every past commodore, a significant position within a yacht club. Members said they didn’t know if anyone had digitized the images of the commodores or of the club’s founders.

The main topic among members now is what’s next for the club. Dakoske Koslu noted that the club’s ownership changed over the last few years, and many are unsure and concerned about the club’s continuation after the fire.

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Tags: California Yacht Club , CYC fire , tragedy

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COMMENTS

  1. 'Nothing left': After California Yacht Club fire, residents mourn loss

    When the California Yacht Club burned in Marina del Rey, prestigious awards, a priceless trophy and cherished photos were lost. Members mourn the club's loss.

  2. Home

    Everyone at the California Yacht Club is devastated by the fire that took place at the structure of our historic club on Monday, December 11, 2023. ... We want to extend our sincere thanks to the Los Angeles County Fire Department for their rapid response and intensive efforts to extinguish the fire. ... California Yacht Club; 4469 Admiralty ...

  3. Fire destroys California Yacht Club in Marina Del Rey

    Two firefighters were injured in a fire that destroyed a building at the historic California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey. The fire was reported around 11:30 p.m. in the 4400 block of Admiralty Way.

  4. Massive fire destroys 60s-era yacht club in Marina del Rey

    Crews battle a blaze at a yacht club in Marina del Rey on Dec. 11, 2023. (OnScene.TV) A second-alarm was declared to call in more resources, Los Angeles County Fire Department PIO Fred Fielding said.

  5. Fire guts historic California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey

    Dec. 12, 2023 Updated 7:14 AM PT. Firefighters worked overnight Monday to extinguish a blaze that erupted at a historic yacht club in Marina del Rey. The Los Angeles County Fire Department ...

  6. Fire destroys California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey; 2 firefighters

    The fire was reported around 11:30 p.m. Monday at the California Yacht Club on Admiralty Way, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Fire crews arrived on scene to heavy fire and ...

  7. Fire Destroys 80-Year-Old Marina del Rey Yacht Club

    Horrifying videos of the California Yacht Club devoured by fire are circulating the web, showing the historic two-story Marina del Rey clubhouse completely engulfed in flames, KTLA reports.. The ...

  8. Decades-old Marina del Rey yacht club goes up in flames

    SUGGESTED: Fire rips through WWII-era blimp hangar at Marine Corps Air Station Tustin. A fire ripped through the California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey on the evening of Dec. 12, 2023. The yacht ...

  9. California Yacht Club burns down in Marina del Rey

    Two firefighters were injured while battling flames that engulfed a yacht club that has been a local landmark in Marina del Rey for decades.https://abc7.com/...

  10. Massive blaze destroys 60s-era yacht club in Marina del Rey

    Two firefighters were hurt while battling a raging fire that destroyed a decades-old yacht club in Marina del Rey overnight. Crews first responded to the fire at the California Yacht Club in the 4400 block of Admiralty Way around 11:30 p.m. Monday. They arrived to find intense flames and heavy smoke billowing from the two-story building. KTLA's MaryBeth McDade reports on Dec. 12, 2023.

  11. Massive Fire Destroys California Yacht Club in Marina Del Rey

    The yacht club was founded in 1922 in Wilmington Harbor near San Pedro and the current facility in Marina del Rey was built in 1967, according to the club's website. Jeff Jackson, a Marina del Rey resident and longtime member of the club, shot cell phone video of the fire from his nearby 14th-floor condo.

  12. California Yacht Club Destroyed in Fire

    Katherine M. Clements December 22, 2023. MARINA DEL REY— A huge fire destroyed the California Yacht Club, located in Marina del Rey, on Dec. 11. Los Angeles County Fire Department received a call around 11:30 p.m. that night and arrived to find a massive two-story fire. Videos from news outlets show bright red flames traveling over the roof ...

  13. Massive fire destroys 60s-era yacht club in Marina del Rey

    A massive overnight fire destroyed a decades-old yacht club in Marina del Rey. Carlos Herrera reports for the KTLA 5 News on Dec. 12, 2023.

  14. Massive fire destroys 60s-era yacht club in Marina del Rey

    A massive overnight fire destroyed a decades-old yacht club in Marina del Rey. Carlos Herrera reports for the KTLA 5 News on Dec. 12, 2023.

  15. Massive fire destroys 60s-era yacht club in Marina del Rey

    Two firefighters were hurt while battling a raging fire that destroyed a decades-old yacht club in Marina del Rey overnight. Crews first responded to the fir...

  16. Crews battle fire at California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey

    Two firefighters were injured while battling a massive fire at a yacht club in Marina del Rey Monday night. KCAL News reporter Tina Patel is on the scene with the latest. ©2024 CBS Broadcasting Inc.

  17. Historic CA Yacht Club Destroyed by Blaze

    Firefighters worked overnight Monday to extinguish a blaze that erupted at a historic yacht club in Marina del Rey. The Los Angeles County Fire Department said it received a call around 11:30 p.m ...

  18. Fire Damages California Yacht Club in Marina Del Rey

    The yacht club was founded in 1922 in Wilmington Harbor near San Pedro and the current facility in Marina del Rey was built in 1967, according to the club's website. Tagged: California , club ...

  19. Massive fire destroys 60s-era yacht club in Marina del Rey

    A massive overnight fire destroyed a decades-old yacht club in Marina del Rey. Carlos Herrera reports for the KTLA 5 News on Dec. 12, 2023.KTLA 5 News - Keep...

  20. Fire destroys California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey

    Flames destroyed the historic yacht club. Lauren Coronado reports for Today in LA on Tuesday Dec. 12, 2023.

  21. Fire destroys California Yacht Club >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News

    A massive fire decimated the California Yacht Club located in Marina del Rey, CA.. The fire was reported around 11:30 pm on December 11, with crews arriving to find heavy smoke and fire engulfing ...

  22. Fire Ravages Historic California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey, Two

    Marina del Rey faced a night of devastation as flames tore through the historic California Yacht Club, resulting in injuries to two firefighters and the complete destruction of the establishment.