An extra edition of Scuttlebutt today reported on the tragedy at the Southern Yacht Club in New Orleans. We join all friends of sailing by putting them in our thoughts and prayers

The recent landing of Hurricane Katrina along the Gulf Coast of the United States is appearing to be a significant tragedy, with the ripple effect likely to extend throughout North America. To those directly touched by this catastrophe, we here at Scuttlebutt wish you strength and determination as you seek to recover. - The Curmudgeon

For a good aerial picture of where the club is Go to Google Map. The 17th street levee break on Lake Pontchartrain was just SW of the club and its harbor.

At Read More - I have copied most of what is shown at http://www.southernyachtclub.org/index.cfm?menu=1256

SOUTHERN YACHT CLUB

We are sad to report that helicopter camera footage shows the SYC clubhouse burning out of control in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. With the floodgates closed and emergency services understandably focused elsewhere, efforts to fight the flames are not possible. The footage also shows widespread devastation in the Municipal Yacht Harbor and Orleans Marina. The oldest West End structure, the New Canal Lighthouse, can be seen still standing.

The Southern Yacht Club of New Orleans, LA, traces its roots to the year 1849, making it the second oldest yacht club in the United States. Over the years, SYC sailors have won four Olympic Medals and many National and International Championships. Through more than one hundred and fifty years of prosperity, depressions, wars, yellow fever epidemics, flood and hurricanes, the Southern Yacht Club has maintained a tradition of keen competition, sportsmanship and southern hospitality.

(Monday, August 29, 2005) Hurricane Katrina brought the ferocity of the sea to SYC's doorstep as she came ashore in the early morning hours today. 100+ mph winds, storm surge and, later, fire devasted the clubhouse and the entire West End area looks to be in a shambles. Remarkable footage taken from a helicopter shows the fire burning out of control.Click here to view the footage.

With the floodgates closed and emergency services understandibly focused elsewhere, efforts to fight the flames are not possible. The footage also shows widespread devastation in the Municipal Yacht Harbor and Orleans Marina. The oldest West End structure, the New Canal Lighthouse, can be seen still standing.

Of course, our first concern is with the safety of all those who call the great City of New Orleans their home, as well as, all those throughout the Gulf Coast region affected by this terrible storm. We look forward to the return of friendly competition to the waters of the entire Gulf South region.

Members of the local yachting community can keep in touch via NOYC's web site currently available at http://www.noyc.info.

The original structure of the current clubhouse was built in the late 1940's and underwent two major renovations, in the 60's and 80's. A third major renovation to the facility had been approved by the membership just this year. The Southern Yacht Club was founded in 1849 and is the second-oldest yacht club in the U.S.