The thought of organizing a yacht club to foster recreational and competitive boating for active duty and retired service members and their dependents in the Camp Pendleton area first occurred in the early months of 1975. Several active duty Naval and Marine personnel, led by Carl B Noyes, formed the Santa Margarita Yacht Club in June of that year. For many months SMYC existed as a loose organization of individuals trying to get the newly formed club to work. Their efforts began to produce results as the club attracted new members. SMYC became a viable organization instead of existing only on paper.  It was through the efforts of the Santa Margarita Yacht Club that the Camp Del Mar Boat Basin at Camp Pendleton has been opened to recreational boating. As of January 1977, any boat that can be hand carried and launched can now be put in the water at Camp Del Mar. The fight to get this privilege was long and hard as the opposition was strong and well organized.  SMYC is now involved in securing office space at Camp Del Mar. The club is also attempting to persuade the Base Special Services and the tenant organization at the Del Mar Boat Basin to expand recreational facilities at the basin. Hopefully, by the next publishing of the SMYC Directory, the historian will be able to report that these efforts were successful.  Historian,  Joseph S Kulesza

  The mission of the Santa Margarita Yacht Club is to promote the morale and welfare of Veterans and their families. This includes active duty, reserve, and retired military personnel. Department of Defense civilian employees and retirees are also welcome. Our intention is to support the goals of the U.S. Naval Sailing Association by providing recreational boating and social activities in our area.