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In 1974 some racing type sailors met on John Buckner's 44' Gulfstar and discussed what to do, since the Navy Sailing club wouldn't let civilians race with them. This group included Dean Payne, Bill Reuter, Dr. John Chase, and Don Capas.
Between them they had $40, which became the seed money for incorporation, and the amount decided upon for the annual dues. Additional organizational meetings were held at Don Capas's Two Friends Bar on Front Street.
Shortly afterwards, Doug Merrill (Alan Merrill's father, original owner of the Hukilau and now deceased) arranged with the Ft. Lauderdale Yacht Club to sponsor the first annual Ft. Luaderdale to Key West Race. the club continued to run their own races, mostly keel boats at this time, but did host several international one design small boat regattas. Meetings were often held at the Hukilau.
In 1978 the club leased the present property from the city. This required necessary agreement by Steadman's Boatyard and a vote of the city commission. Bob Padron was our commodore at the time and instrumental in the successful negotiations. Part of the deal was that, in return for a modest rental, we would have unrestricted membership and would hold sail training sessions as a public service.
The clearing of the land (loaded with junk parts), fencing, building docks, club house and spar shed was with the guidance of a master of all trades, Dick Woehrle, since passed away. All the members pitched in but Dick was the mover and shaker. his son, Jack Woehrle, started the first Around the Island Races for Sunfish over 25 years ago, but that's another story...
1974-75 Dean Payne
1975-76 Dean Payne
1976-77 Doug Merrill
1977-78 Stan Bettz
1978-79 Bob Padron
1979-80 Bob Padron
1980-81 Dick Woehrle
1981-82 Dick Woehrle
1982-83 Betty Payne
1983-84 Bob Parker
1984-85 Bill Kuypers
1985-86 John Smittle
1986-87 Howard Crane
1987-88 Howard Crane
1988-89 Diana Flenard
1989-90 R. A. "Mac" McCullough
1990-91 Mark Lindas
1991-92 Mark Lindas
1992-93 Ron Lawler
1993-94 Bill Whitehead
1994-95 Bill Whitehead
1995-96 Larry Francisco
1996-97 Larry Francisco
1997-98 Mark Milnes
1998-99 Mark Milnes
1999-00 Mark Lindas
2000-01 Mark Lindas
2001-02 Mark Lindas
2002-03 Tom Theison
2003-04 Tom Theison
2004-05 Tom Theison
