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.