The Sunset Series dates back to 1932 when CYC was still located at it's original site in the Los Angeles Harbor area of Wilmington. At that time, CYC held a weekly regatta during the summer months and had a wide variety of boats entered, including smaller dinghies. In 1941, CYC's Wilmington clubhouse was taken over by the US Coast Guard and CYC became dormant; the original version of the Sunset Series came to an end.
In the early 1960's, CYC was reactivated and moved to its current location in Marina del Rey. The Sunset Series was quick to follow with the first race being conducted on a Thursday evening in the summer of 1964. Twenty-nine boats entered the first Sunset Series race that year. By the following year, the event had grown to over 80 entries representing 12 yacht clubs. In the late 1960's, the Sunset Series was moved from Thursday nights to Wednesday nights, where it remains today. 1967 marked the first year that spinnakers were allowed in the Sunset Series, though only outside of the Marina del Rey harbor – the same rule in effect today.
1976 marked another significant turning point in the history of the Sunset Series, the introduction of the Marylyn Ritchie Trophy which is awarded to the boat with the best record for the entire season. The trophy's namesake was a constant contributor to CYC and the Race Committee. Marylyn's powerboat Bobber II was frequently used as the RC boat.
Marylyn Ritchie Trophy
The Marylyn Ritchie Trophy is awarded annually to the boat with the best overall record in the Sunset Series. Points are awarded each week to every boat and the boat with the most points at the end of the series in September is the winner of the Marylyn Ritchie Trophy. Since 1997, this trophy has been awarded to the best boat in the Racing Division (handicap and one-design boats).
Past Winners
2023 - The Baby Screams, Jeff Janov
2022 - The Baby Screams, Jeff Janov
2021 - Avet, Curt Johnson
2019 - Avet, Curt Johnson
2018 - Avet, Curt Johnson
2017 - Scooter, Liz Hjorth
2016 - Avet, Curt Johnson
2015 - Scooter, Liz Hjorth
2014 - Avet, Curt Johnson
2013 – Lizzie B, Dick Hampikian
2012 – Lizzie B, Dick Hampikian
2011 – Lizzie B, Dick Hampikian
2010 – Lizzie B, Dick Hampikian
2009 – Lizzie B, Dick Hampikian
2008 – Lizzie B, Dick Hampikian
2007 – Lizzie B, Dick Hampikian
2006 – Lizzie B, Dick Hampikian
2005 – Clockwork, Marc Skipwith
2004 – Cuvee Caliente, Mahaffey Family
2003 – Lizzie B, Dick Hampikian
2002 – Raccoon Shack, Mahaffey Family
2001 – Bandit, Cheda/Thomas/Fleck
2000 – Bandit, Cheda/Thomas/Fleck
1999 – Ole Yeller, Lee Lewis
1998 – Margaritaville, Jay Steinbeck
1997 – Pendragon, Jay Steinbeck
1996 – Pendragon, Jay Steinbeck
1995 – White Knight, Philip Friedman
1994 – Arana, John Carroll
1993 – Top Sort, M. Russert / R. Landell
1992 – I'll Go, Don Preston
1991 – Blarney, Craig Yandow
1990 – Shenandoah, McCann / Tunks
1989 – Walrus, Blomquist / Stolnitz / Trippel
1988 – Gremlin, The Kelley Family
1987 – Thumper, S. Stolnitz / J. Morris
1986 – Avenger, M. Guccione / J. Peterka / B. Hall
1985 – Pacific High, Steve Hathaway
1984 – Wings, P. Isler / L. Shabes / W. Cogan
1983 – Shenandoah, O. McCann / R. Brown
1982 – Su-Dy IV, Lockton / Lockton / Hedlund
1981 – Orion, C. Lee / J. Stinson
1980 – Dead Earnest, Leweck Family
1979 – Su-Dy IV, A. Lockton III / A. Lockton IV
1978 – Lollipop, Tom Leweck
1977 – Sunny, John Simms
1976 – Woomera, Ken Young
Millard Rosing Trophy
The Millard Rosing Trophy is awarded annually to the boat in the Cruising Division with the best overall record in the Sunset Series. Points are awarded each week to every boat in the Cruising Division and the boat with the most points at the end of the series in September is the winner of the Millard Rosing Trophy.
Past Winners
2023 Spirit of California, Chris Gorog
2022 Spirit of California, Chris Gorog
2021 Crossfire, Joe Cowan
2019 Rascal, Kathy St Amant and Monica Chaban
2018 Rascal, Kathy St Amant and Monica Chaban
2017 Superstar, Steve Zimmerman
2016 Duchess, Ron Jacobs
2015 Chutzpah, Andy Natker
2014 Superstar, Steve Zimmerman
2013 My Time, George Maronich
2012 Prometheus, George Biddle
2011 Prometheus, George Biddle
2010 Windsong, Joe Cowan
2009 Celerity, Moorhead/Bilson
2008 Cygnet, Scott Alyn
2007 Faire Warning, Mike Inmon
2006 Principessa, Diane Holm and Greg Daley
2005 Farr Gone, Rick Ruskin and Steve Button
2004 Faire Warning, MIke Inmon
2003 Grumpy Old Men
2002 Compromise
2001 Brian Harr
2000 Blue Norther, John Taylor
1999 Bass, John Rochford
1998 Duchess, Ron Jacobs
1997 Compromise III, Allan Elliot