Please join us in congratulating Dave Carter, our newest Deckhand of the Month!

Dave grew up in Long Beach, California, where his love for the ocean and the “flip-flop lifestyle” began early. His favorite spot was Seal Beach, where he spent countless days body surfing with friends, chasing the sun, and enjoying life on the sand rather than on any organized field.

In 1966, Dave joined the U.S. Army, serving three years, most of them in Anchorage, Alaska. He recalls sleeping outdoors in the bitter cold, with temperatures dropping as low as 70°F below zero, a far cry from the warm beaches of Southern California.

After his service, Dave returned home to the sunshine and enrolled at Cal State Long Beach, where he earned a business degree. Soon after, he spent more than three months backpacking through Europe, immersing himself in history and culture, a journey that left a lifelong impression.

A few years later, fate brought him together with Shelley, a fellow Cal State Long Beach student. They met on a sunny September day, were engaged by January, and married that June, beginning a love story that has now spanned more than 50 years.

Dave’s professional journey began as a loan officer at Security Pacific Bank (1972 to 1975). From there, he accepted a position with the City of Westminster as Assistant Finance Director, where he oversaw payroll, administrative operations, and several financial systems. His career path then led him to Science Dynamics in Torrance, California, continuing in finance and business administration.

Wanting to stay closer to Orange County, Dave formed his own corporation, establishing an office in Fountain Valley while living nearby in Lake Forest. During that time, he and Shelley started their family, welcoming a son and daughter.

Family time often meant weekends at Martinez Lake in Yuma, Arizona, where they loved to ski and explore shifting sandbars that appeared out of nowhere. They also spent many memorable days on Lake Havasu and the Parker River, embracing the lake life long before they became Canyon Lake residents.

It was their son Ryan who first introduced them to Canyon Lake. After retiring in 2004, Dave stayed active in the Lake Forest community, serving with the Kiwanis Club and Chamber of Commerce, where he continues to stay involved with weekly visits to Orange County.

When it came time to downsize, Dave and Shelley found their dream home on Clear Water Drive, overlooking the East Bay, a beautiful single-story waterfront gem that fit them perfectly. Once they settled in, Dave naturally gravitated to the water and soon found his place with the Canyon Lake Yacht Club.

He quickly became an active member, eventually serving as Vice Commodore in 2024, a year that saw CLYC’s membership grow to record numbers. Dave continues to play a vital role behind the scenes, whether it’s coordinating insurance for events, assisting with logistics, or volunteering whenever help is needed.

Dave’s motto is simple: once he takes on a task, it gets done. His reliability, steady leadership, and commitment to the club embody the very spirit of what it means to be a Deckhand of the Month.

Beyond the club, Dave enjoys traveling with Shelley, especially on cruises. Their most recent adventures took them to Greece and Croatia, fueling his lifelong passion for Europe and its rich history. Dave also treasures time with his grandson, Riker, with whom he shares an unbreakable bond.

Please join us in celebrating Dave Carter, a man whose calm leadership, community spirit, and quiet determination make him a true asset to the Canyon Lake Yacht Club family. ⚓️