Two Southern California yacht clubs recognized on Top 50 list

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA—Newport Harbor and San Diego yacht clubs both earned a spot on the Top 50 Platinum Yacht Clubs for 2020-2021, it was recently announced. The worldwide list is compiled by Platinum Clubs of the World.

Placing on the list means a yacht club is presented with the title of “Five Star Clubs of Excellence.”

San Diego YC was founded in 1886 and has recently hosted sailing events such as Women’s Winter Invitational, Yachting Cup, the CA500, the SoCal 300, Dutch Shoe Marathon, International Masters Regatta and Lipton Cup.

Newport Harbor YC first opened its doors in 1916 and hosts the Newport to Cabo Race every two years, among other regattas.

Other yacht clubs making the Top 50 list included: Annapolis Yacht Club, Beach Point Club, Chicago Yacht Club, Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Nassau Yacht Club (Bahamas), Raffles Marina (Singapore), Real Club Nautico de Vigo (Spain), Royal Bombay Yacht Club (India), Royal Cork Yacht Club (Ireland), The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (Australia), Société des Régates du Havre (France), Yacht Club de Monaco and Yacht Club Santo Amaro (Brazil).

Two Southern California yacht clubs earned an Honorable Mention, scoring within three points of the Top 50 list: Balboa Yacht Club (Newport Beach) and California Yacht Club (Marina del Rey).

Fifty yacht clubs are selected based upon points awarded by a selected panel. A yacht club must score at least 8 points to qualify for the Top 50 list. Scoring is awarded as follows: 100 points for a top three club, 80 points for a ranking between four and 10, 60 points for 11 to 25 ranking, 40 points for 26-60 ranking, 20 points for 51-75 ranking and 10 points for 76-100 ranking.

Voting was conducted by 116 panelists from all around the world; panelists hailed from the United States, Australia, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, The Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Arab Emirates. Panelists vote every two years (odd years). Finalists are selected based upon submitted recommendations from panelists and applications from yacht clubs from around the world. A final ballot is eventually created and sent out to panelists. There is a 30-day voting period, with the election conducted electronically (via a third party).

“Points are awarded by the position and ranking that the panelist assigns to each club. The total number of points is calculated and divided by the total number of panelists who have visited a club to determine the final points score,” a Platinum Clubs of the World statement about the voting process said.

The Club Leaders Forum Advisory Board of the Platinum Clubs of the World compiled the Top 50 list. Platinum Clubs of America have been recognizing top yacht clubs for more than 20 years.