Fleet 1 - Newport Beach, California

Newport Beach (population approx. 70,000) is located about 40 miles south of downtown Los Angeles along the Pacific coastline, just South of Huntington Beach. Newport Harbor, originally an estuary fed by the Santa Ana River and San Diego creek, was dredged and developed in the early part of this century to its current state consisting of a seven mile peninsula harboring eight (essentially) man made islands, all combining for 20+ miles of shore line. Newport Beach became a prime destination for weekend and holiday vacations just as much for its beaches as its bawdy night clubs, gambling, and dance halls; yacht clubs for those interested with slightly more sophisticated interests.

The Lido 14 was originally built for the conditions in Newport Beach and continues to be the "peoples boat" of Southern California. You will find the Lido 14 beached, moored off island beaches, suspended from hoists on private slips, stowed in row after row in yacht club storage yards, in back yards, alleyways, and garages, at local boat rental shops, sailing schools. On any weekend, you'll find a number of "cruisers" enjoying a day sail around Newport Harbor, beginning and intermediate sailing students Orange Coast College's Sailing Center in a flock of ten or so Lido 14's. Of course, you'll find the occasional regatta with skippers ranging from recent sailing school graduates to grandfathers with their grand children to current and past National Champions in various other one design classes.

Today, the Newport Beach fleet represents Lido 14 owners at many local yacht clubs including: Balboa Yacht Club, Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club, Lido Isle Yacht Club, Newport Harbor Yacht Club, South Shore Yacht Club, American Legion Yacht Club, Voyagers Yacht Club, and Women’s Ocean Racing Sailing Association.