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. Boats competing in PHRF or one-design classes are eligible. 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.
Past Winners
|
Prior Marylyn Ritchie Trophy Winners |
| 2009 |
Lizzie B, Dick Hampikian |
| 2008 |
Lizzie B, Dick Hampikian |
|
2007 |
Lizzie B, Dick Hampikian |
|
2006 |
Lizzie B, Dick Hampikian |
|
2005 |
Camona Flooring, Mark "Skip" Skipworth |
|
2004 |
Cuvee Caliente, The Mahafey Family |
|
2003 |
Lizzie B, Dick Hampikian |
|
2002 |
Raccoon Shack, The Mahafey 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, 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 | |