Yacht Club experiences big membership surge

The Canyon Lake Yacht Club has experienced a significant revival, with its membership now exceeding 400 members.

This resurgence is credited to a series of new initiatives and a dynamic 2024 Board.

New Commodore Rob Mora expressed his enthusiasm coming off a banner year in 2023, which followed a couple years of low membership.

“We have a great new Board, some really great events for 2024, and the word seems to be getting out that this is the club to join if you love the lake,” he said.

The 2024 Board is composed of experienced individuals who are deeply rooted in the Yacht Club and the Canyon Lake community. In addition to Rob, this includes Vice Commodore Dave Carter, Purser Lynette Rodriguez, Yeoman Kat Dimpflmaier, and Membership Chair Gina Lee Allen. Their extensive backgrounds in business leadership are expected to significantly contribute to the club‘s success.

For 2024, the Yacht Club has an ambitious schedule with 30 events planned, along with many spontaneous cruises. Their affiliation with the Yacht Club of America and the Southern California Yachting Association opens up nearly 800 yacht clubs in the United States for reciprocal rights.

“We felt like this year we could really break out with more fun on and off the water,” Vice Commodore Dave said. “We have several events this year, like clinics to work on your boat, learning how to drive a boat, and decorating for the annual holiday Parade of Lights.”

He said there will also be a clinic in May for Learning to Drive a Boat that is targeted at youth from 12-18 and will be used to launch the club’s new Auxiliary Fleet for people in that age range. Of course, at the core of every event is safety as well as respect for the lake itself, he said.

“We have lots of parties, cruises, music on the water, even costume cruises,” Membership Chair Gina Lee said. “It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a boat. If you just want to be on the water, we have events just for you.”

Themed events such as St Paddy’s, Pirates & Wenches, Hawaiian Cruise, and Halloween – Dock A Treat are on the calendar. Additionally, the club is reintroducing events like Opening Day of Boating Season, how-to clinics, and the Commodore’s Ball.

The Yacht Club remains committed to its tradition of offering college scholarships and organizing lake cleanups. For the 43rd annual holiday Parade of Lights, plans are underway to make the event even more memorable, including decorating the Lighthouse for the first time.

“The Yacht Club invites everyone to join the club for fun, friends and enjoyment of the lake,” Rob said. “No boat is required. We have lots of boats. We’ll find a way for everyone to get out and have fun.”