The article below is a small piece of the early history of Silver Gate Yacht Club. It was reprinted from our archives from the 1952-1981 Anniversary Issue of the Soundings. The original article was written in 1956 and reprinted in February 1971 and March 1981.

In 1951, Silver Gate Yacht Club was just a wish in the hearts of several boat owners in San Diego, but it became a reality in 1952 with the first meeting held in the Pt. Loma Anchorage Lounge on March 5.

When the charter was granted in November 1952, and application made for recognition by the Southern California Yachting Association, the Silver Gate was on the way to becoming the fastest growing club in San Diego.

The Silver-Fizz breakfast was instituted and became an annual event along with the Shipwreck Dance and the Luau. Of course there were other parties and cruises to Catalina Island and South Bay during the summer of 1953, and in the fall, there was talk about a clubhouse and docks. The members were asked for pledges. Money came in slowly as the club continued to grow. At last there was enough—the lease was signed and construction started. The Wall Raising was the first social event…then came the Pot Luck Dinner and the first regular meeting held on the Silver Gate Yacht Club’s own property. What a turn-out!

Since then, there have been working parties and more working parties. The first unit of the clubhouse and docks are finished; 65 members including three junior members donated $40,000, and many hours of labor were contributed by the remainder of the 185 members. Future plans for the club include paving and landscaping the land around the clubhouse, and building a patio and barbecue area. There are still two wings to build on the clubhouse, and another section of dock. The second section of dock is urgently needed, as there is already a waiting list.

The club has a strong juniors program—sailing and small boat handling for the juniors and for the "junior juniors" – sculling and life saving classes to start soon. There is an organized Penguin Fleet and fleets of other classes soon to be organized. Bob Gates also teaches sailing for adults that turns powerboat owners into sailboat owners.