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34 | OHCC LIVING | NOVEMBER 2025 | Cannons, Crosses, and Coastal Claims Part II - OHSC Explores San Diego Bay's Early Maritime Past Before Point Loma had lighthouses and Liberty Station had Stone Brewery, the waters we now sail were part of a much bigger story — one of conquest, curiosity, and the eternal allure of a good harbor. Set your compass to 1542. While Michelangelo was completing his frescoes and Queen Elizabeth I was still in diapers, a Portuguese navigator named Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, sailing under the Spanish f lag, arrived in what is now San Diego Bay. He named it San Miguel on Sept. 28 and became the first European to set eyes on our shimmering harbor — but not the first to appreciate it. The Kumeyaay people had lived here for thousands of years, likely wondering why the newcomers wore such impractical hats. Cabrillo's crew noted the calm waters, the sheltering point, and the inviting inland terrain — features we still relish on our club sails. Sadly, Cabrillo died a few months later from a wound sustained on a nearby island. (Sailing was a bit more dangerous back then.) Then… silence. For over two centuries, tides ebbed and f lowed, but Spain's colonization plans were shelved. Not until 1769 did the Spanish return, founding Mission San Diego de Alcalá and the Presidio. The bay became a hub for ships, soldiers, and trade, solidifying San Diego's importance along the coast. For us, that history lingers in every outing. We sail across waters once charted by explorers, past points once claimed by empires — ending our days not with conquest, but camaraderie. Cabrillo may have been the first European to log the bay, but we like to think he'd tip his plumed hat if he saw us now: wind in our sails, joy on our faces, and absolutely no armor required. As of early October, OHSC boasts 287 members, and 151 sails completed a thriving testament to our shared spirit of adventure on these historic waters. Hal Bolton Regatta 2025 Results 1st – Passing Wind: Larry S., Harrison M., Stephanie H., Susan F., John B. — 1 : 17 : 11 2nd – Nauti by Nature: Scott B., Karena A., Chris B., Russ O., Andy F. — 1 : 22 : 27 3rd – Blew by You: Gregg H., Pat M., Rod D., Dani H., Tom B. — 1 : 23 : 51 Rudder Chaos – Charlie C., Brett C., Paul P., Mickey G., Lars H. — 1 : 26 : 04 Tack Attack – Chris B., Vickie F., Skip M., Debbie H., Fernando L. — 1 : 26 : 06 Seduced – Dave R., John W., Bob K., Ronnie D., Eileen L. — 1 : 31 : 38 Written by: Pat Melzer in collaboration with ChatGPT and "Sailing in San Diego: A Pictorial History." Sailing Club

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