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.

Silver Gate Yacht Club did much to help the Fiesta del Pacifico a roaring success—22 entries in the Parade of Lights. The Perpetual Trophy for having the largest number of boats entered now rests in the lounge of the Silver Gate Clubhouse. The club also took home three second place trophies and one for third place.

Last September 7, a Mexican potluck dinner was held with nearly every member present. Commodore and Mrs. Bill Hall knew nothing about this dinner –and the reaction was all that anyone could ask for when they came into the dining room and discovered that they were the guests of honor. The club presented them with an all expenses paid trip to Mexico City and Acapulco, where they will be the guests of honor of Senor Paco de la Macorra, Staff Commodore of the Acapulco Yacht Club, who was well known in yachting circles.

Silver Gate Yacht Club, which has grown in five years from a dream to a thriving organization of almost 340 members, gave this token of appreciation to the Halls for all the hard work they have done to get the club on its feet and make it the success it is today.