In 1937, when “the Base” was a little more than a strip of san just east of “The Arches,” a groundswell of public support created the first 25-year lease of the Newport Sea Base property to the Orange County Council, Boy Scouts of America. Since that time, the Newport Sea Base has been providing quality maritime programs for youth with a commitment to developing character and inspiring a love for the marine environment in the hearts of youth.
William H. Spurgeon, III spearheaded a drive to develop the facility that included a bulkhead, storage facility, a clubhouse, restrooms and shower building in 1947. By 1961, 2,100 Scouts used the Base, and by 1969 the overall day use attendance was 12,000 a year. During that period, new buildings and programs, like the summer Aquatics Camp, were added. Many of the programs continue today.
The original Newport Sea Base was beginning to show its age by the 1970s and demolition began in 1979. The Newport Sea Base (in its previous configuration) was dedicated on December 7, 1980.
In 2002, the Sea Base began a $7.2 million project to transform the facility into a modern teaching and aquatics center. The expanded Newport Sea Base now features additional classrooms, a library, conference room, crew center, picnic area and new boating equipment. Fleets of boats include kayaks, canoes, rowboats and over three dozen sailboats.
It is also home to the three Sea Scout Ships; Del Mar, Renegades and Triton, as well as the Chapman University Crew Team, Chapman University Sailing Team and Corona del Mar High School Sailing Team.
The site is provided courtesy of the Orange County Board of Supervisors and operated by the Orange County Council, Boy Scouts of America. A shining example of what a privately funded and publicly accessible facility can do, the Newport Sea Base counts an overall attendance of more that 20,000 per year. The success of the Newport Sea Base has been made possible through the generous contributions of many dedicated donors.
Chronological History of Newport Sea Base
1929 First Sea Scout Ship organized in Orange County.
1930 Two Ships and 40 Sea Scouts in Orange County Council.
1932 Five Ships, 75 Sea Scouts in Orange County Council.
1935 First annual Region XII Sea Scout Rendezvous held in Newport Beach, Nov. 29- Dec. 1.
1937 The Orange County Council signed a 25-year lease with the City of Newport Beach for 100’
of bay front.
1939 Lease expanded to 270’ for $1 per year.
1944 City of Newport Beach dumped 130 tons of sand dredged from bay onto site to build up base; pilings placed to hold in place.
1946 W.H. Spurgeon, III became active in Sea Scouting, originally as Skipper of Ship 207 in
Laguna Beach.
1946 Construction began; shower house, storeroom.
1953 Signed new 10-year lease from County of Orange. Old Mess Hall brought down from
Santa Ana Army Air Base.
1956 Ralph Whitford became Port Captain at the Sea Base; remained until 1968.
1961 2,100 boys attended Sea Scout Base during the year.
1963 Region XII Sea Scout Rendezvous returned to Newport Beach; more than 1,000 attended.
1966 Aquatic Camp began during summer; eight five-day sessions, cost $18. Two hundred eight
boys attended.
1970 Orange County Council purchased the tallship “Argus” for $40,000.
1974 Planning for new sea base began with hopes for 30 year lease from County.
1979 Andy Fitzpatrick became Sea Base Director.
1984 Considered replacing the “Argus”.
1992 “Conqueror”, 90-foot vessel, began taking Scouts out on cruises.
1994 Replaced old horseshoe dock built in 1980.
1998 Began fund raising drive, seeking $4.5 million for improvements; planned two new buildings.
2000 New 30 year lease signed with the County of Orange.
2004 $7.2 million in renovations completed.
2005 Partnership with Corona Del Mar High School Sailing finalized.
2007 “Argus” sold to the Argus Foundation for renovation and restoration.
2007 More than 36,000 visitors.
2008 Five Sea Scout Ships served 97 youth (registered Sea Scouts).
2009 Six exciting new donated RS Feva “youth performance trainer” sailboats put into service
during summer program.
2010 Orange County Sea Scouts participating in the national Sea Scout Advanced Leadership (SEAL) Training won spots 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9. Local Sea Scouts hosted 28 British Sea Scouts for a one-week cruise to Long Beach, Catalina and Dana Point.