Buoyant Beginnings

By Lisa Duncan

If ever there were a day to remind one why life in this Eden by the beach is simply jolly good fun, it was the Santa Barbara Yacht Club’s 154th opening day – a sun-splashed, sea-swept celebration of sailing and society. As the second oldest yacht club on the West Coast of North America, tradition met festivity in splendid style.

The 2026 season set sail with a natty nautical race – sails snapping, skippers shouting, and sleek sloops slicing through sapphire seas. Shoreside, a stylish set gathered in sunlit splendor, sporting Riviera chic and dockside dandyism, with Hawaiian shirts adding bold, breezy bursts of tropical flair.

The trophy presentation brought clinking applause and cheeky champion’s charm, with the boat Rock and Roll, owned by Bernie Girod, taking home a trophy. The board of directors looked on, with Treasurer Dennis Boneck and Geoff Slaff toasting the season. The Jefferson Cannon Award was presented to Eric Stokke, adding a note of distinction.

Boy Scout Troop 33 delivered a crisp Presentation of Colors, followed by a reflective pause as the “Eight Bells” Ceremony for sailors in memoriam was presented by Laura Wilson.

In attendance was a convivial cast including Commodore Matt Wilson, Mayor Randy Rowse, Brenda Blaylock, race committee regulars Rob McGee and Jane Washington, along with Kevin McTague, Ed Shifferns, Trish Davis, Marilyn Goodfield, and Scott Vincent – a veritable sea of seaside sparkle.

Then came the festive feast – a Mexican buffet of tantalizing tacos, exuberant enchiladas, and gloriously green guacamole. Margaritas flowed as the bar buzzed with boisterous banter and tales of tactical triumph.

As the sun softened over the harbor, the season had set sail in splendid form – a natty nautical knockout with signature seaside swagger.

Sightings 

Orange Crush – Zoe Saldaña making headlines in a bold, orange velvet high-low asymmetrical gown by Alaia with tapered pants and Cartier jewelry at the “Oscars of Science” 12th Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony… Earlier last week Zoe celebrated new gallery openings at LACMA with Eva Longoria and Anne Hathaway… 

Doting Dad – Ryan Gosling spotted on a daddy-daughters outing with darling Esmeralda and Amada… Mom Eva Mendes shared in a new People interview published Friday that she and Ryan prioritize “date nights”, meaning lots of fabulous femme fatale company for Ryan.

Getting Hot – Kenny Loggins prepping for the world premiere of his new documentary, Kenny Loggins: Conviction of the Heart, scheduled for the “Hot Docs” Film Fest next week in Toronto, Canada…

Great Scott! – Christopher Lloyd, at 87 years young, frolicking with fans over the weekend taking pics and posturing on panels at the Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo in Alabama, where he reminded fans, “Your future is whatever you make it. So make it a good one!”…

Shutterbug – Jeff Bridges showing his first-ever hometown photography exhibit, Jeff Bridges Pictures at Tamsen Gallery, and getting set to return as Kevin Flynn in the new Tron sequel, expected to be a major blockbuster of the year…

Insta-official – Scooter Braun posting and making it official last week he’s sweet on Sydney Sweeney…

Thrillin’ and chillin’ – Robert Zemeckis currently directing the thriller The Last Mrs. Parrish, starring Jennifer Lopez, slated for a 2026 release…

Causing a Racket – Maria Sharapova on Saturday night also rocking the red carpet at the same Breakthrough Prize Ceremony, debuting a new ‘do – a swank cut by hair stylist to the stars, Adir Abergel. Maria also hosted a sold-out launch event last week for her new podcast Pretty Tough, where she interviews high-performing women in business and leadership. Game, set, match…

Slashing like Zorro – Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones slashed the price of their Irvington, NY, riverfront mansion by a cool $2.25 million, now listing it at $9.75M, a steal so good it should be outlawed…

Bearded Bravado – Brad Pitt filming in Amsterdam and Athens, accompanied by his girlfriend, Ines de Ramon. He was seen sporting a weathered gray beard for his role as Fred Scully, with a deep dive into the 80’s vintage set, totally rad, Brad.  

From Richard and friends to you all…

 Pip! Pip!