The Coronado Yacht Club, an emblematic part of San Diego's maritime tradition, is set to embark on a significant revamp. The Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners recently greenlighted the initiation of an environmental review for the club's proposed redevelopment project, as revealed by the Port of San Diego's press release. With designs on demolishing the aging structures that have perched at its 1631 Strand Way locale since 1947, the club plans to erect a new two-story clubhouse, a youth sailing school center and infuse other improvements across the property.
The overhaul follows the club's commitment to not only modernize its site, but also to contribute to the city's sea-level rise resilience, this project zeroes in on enhancing public access as well. Prospects include a public promenade and viewing platform placed to overlook the scenic Glorietta Bay, serving as an addition to the new event spaces tailored for community use. Frank Urtasun, Coronado’s representative on the Port Commission, conveyed the board's enthusiasm as they usher the proposal into the environmental review phase, "We are thrilled to advance the Coronado Yacht Club redevelopment project to the environmental review stage," he shared, as per the Port of San Diego.
Ken Wilson, the current Commodore of the Yacht Club, echoed the sentiment, underlining the project's significance for the club's future and its role in fostering maritime skills among young sailors. "This marks an important milestone in securing the Coronado Yacht Club’s future and preparing for sea level rise resilience, creating space to teach young sailors skills and love of the ocean environment, and showcasing Coronado and the Port of San Diego through major sailing events that draw national and international competition," Wilson told the Port of San Diego.
The price tag for the proposed enhancements is pegged at over $18.5 million, a sum the club purports to invest itself. Both port staff and the yacht club are primed to commence the mandated environmental scrutiny, consonant with regulations outlined in the California Environmental Quality Act and the California Coastal Act. This phase will also encompass periods for public and stakeholder engagement, one of which will include a presentation to the Port's Accessibility Advisory Committee.
