Past Stories
MEMBERS of the Marina del Rey community gather at the Marina del Rey Hotel April 25 for a “visioning” meeting on the future of the Marina.

Marina del Rey round-up of activities

By Pat Reynolds When the clock strikes May in and around the Marina del Rey boating scene – it’s on. Boat owners stop promising themselves to sell that boat they haven’t used in months and once again return to the…


THE SHIPS STORE had become a de facto hub in Marina del Rey – a place where boaters would run into each other and make contact.

Shop closing marks end of an era for boating community

By Pat Reynolds By boat or by car, a tour through Marina del Rey these days will illustrate that indeed, changes are underway. For residents who have been around a while, it can be uncomfortable. On the road it’s navigating&h...


The California Yacht Club holds its traditional ceremonies on Opening Day  Photo by Pat Reynolds.

Traditions abound in Marina on Opening Day

By Pat Reynolds Opening Day ceremonies were held March 9 and 10 and signified the beginning of a new yachting season in Marina del Rey. Cannon shots rang out, flags ran up flagpoles, speeches were given and dignitaries from sur...



FARR 40 CLASS boats sail downwind in the 84th Annual Midwinter Regatta.

Marina del Rey: Participation concerns arise in sport of yacht racing

                          By Pat Reynolds As I cruised past the Marina del Rey breakwall in my 14-foot inflatable Feb. 16 to photograph the 84th annual Midwinter ...


GRAY WHALES can be an impressive sight as they make their 10,000-12,000-mile migration to Mexico. 
Photo courtesy of the Aquarium of the Pacific

Gray whale migration in full swing in local waters

By Pat Reynolds Late last month I climbed into my 14-foot inflatable boat and made my way into the heart of the Santa Monica Bay to, hopefully, get a glimpse of a migrating gray whale making his or her way…


CATAMARAN SAILORS Chris Slagerman and Dave Sheesley venture into a big sea with high winds aboard a diminutive Inter-20 beach-cat off the coast of Marina del Rey.

Winter winds pose threat to local boaters

By Pat Reynolds                               I was walking into work the other day when a fellow I know saw me, observed the stiff afternoon breeze tha...



Jim Sullivan sails past the Marina del Rey Breakwall towards an 8,000 mile journey to the Philippines, or so he thought. Sullivan experienced problems along the way that eventually thwarted his dreams.

Marina del Rey: A nautical year in review

By Pat Reynolds                             This past year, like any given year on the Marina del Rey boating scene, lots goes on. From local sailors undergo...


THE MARINA DEL REY HISTORICAL SOCIETY’s collection includes a stockpile of historic photographs of the man-made harbor.  Photo from the Marina del Rey Historical Society

The future of Marina del Rey’s past

By Pat Reynolds As Marina del Rey sits poised for a full refit, residents all unwittingly occupy a unique place in local history. For better or worse, this area will not remain the same in the future, and those who…


Gray whale calf fights for life in local waters

A young gray whale is struggling to survive off the coast of Marina del Rey after local rescuers removed a 10-foot line that was tightly tied to the whale’s fluke on Sept. 7. Peter Wallerstein from Marine Animal Rescue and&he...



Endangered blue whales spotted in local waters

Earlier this month I drove my 14-foot inflatable boat 10 to 15 miles down the coast to see if I could happen upon blue whales. I recognize that there aren’t a lot of people in this world who could utter…