1.47 acres with 300 linear feet on Newport Bay. Leased rent free from the County of Orange to the District for the purpose of "promoting the development of facilities and services needed by the public" and "operating a sailing and rowing facility for the advancement of marine oriented educational-athletic and recreational programs" The site was leased without any improvements to the land. Today the facility and its programs are models for other community boating programs across the country. The facility is managed by OCC Marine Programs.

The following is a brief chronology of the facility and program development:

1950 - OCC Sailing Club defeats Berkeley (Ray Rosso coach)

1954 - Superintendent Basil Peterson negotiates rent free land lease with Orange County First sailing courses launch off a sandy beach. Tent erected.
OCC Crew formed

1955 - WW II quonset hut brought to Base from OCC (air station building)

1967 - Strand steel building erected for rowing program

1970 - Seawall, new docks, and crew facility built. Donation of 12 Shields sloops

1975 - Second rowing bay added on east side of building.

1975 - Gift of 60' sloop Sally is first big boat donation

1976 - Gift of 47' sloop Saudade

1980 - Prop 13 result: First non-credit/fee based sailing courses offered to public

1984 - Alaska Eagle sail training programs begin

1988 - Addition of two classrooms, office and kitchen - private funding.

1992 - Youth at Risk summer sailing program begins - grant funds

1993 - Women's Crew forms

1996 - Planning and fundraising begins for nautical library

1997 - Gift of Wide Waters launches large powerboat instruction program

1998 - "Outstanding Program of the Year" by the National Community Sailing Council

1999 - Approved by the U.S. Coast Guard for licensing instruction, testing

2000 - Completion of nautical library, bookstore, offices and conference room Name change from "Sailing Center" to "School of Sailing and Seamanship at OCC"