One of the most historic and memorable events in Westlake Yacht Club history will always be members Allison Jolly and Lynne Jewell winning the Gold Medal at the 1988 Summer Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea.

Their "Road to the Gold" began in 1987 when I was Commodore. Allison and Lynne had two 470 Olympic Class boats. Their logistical challenge was moving them from major regattas all over the country a few times a month. That challenge was solved by Catalina Yachts owner Frank Butler. Catalina was one of the largest boat manufacturers in the world with their factory on Victory Boulevard in Woodland Hills; every day they shipped boats all over the country and was able to assist moving the two boats so all Allison and Lynne had to do was sail.

At the US Olympic Trials in Newport, Rl, in June 1988,they started poorly but rose to the top and won the privilege of representing the United States at the Olympic Games. Their Olympic Trials medal lives in our trophy case.

At the Summer Olympic Games in Seoul, Allison and Lynn were considered a long shot. They placed third in their first race. In the next race they capsized twice, but remained in contention They finished strong in the remaining races and won the gold medal convincingly. The Washington Post wrote they "blew the competition out of the water."

Every year we celebrate their victory with the Olympic Gold Cup Regatta. Staff Commodore Larry Warner made a huge replica of the Gold Medal which hangs on a wall in the club.

ADDED NOTES: Allison Jolly and Lynne Jewell Shore became the first women to win an Olympic gold medal in sailing at the 1988 Olympic Games in South Korea.

The sailing competition of the '88 Games was the first time that a separate event was created exclusively for women athletes. The inaugural women's 470 Olympic competition featured teams from 21 nations. This historic performance earned them the Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year honors.