Map
Red
Sails Inn
2614 Shelter Island Dr.
San Diego, CA 92106
619-223-3030
The Red Sails Inn: From Launches To Lunches – And More
An article from the San Diego Log
Thursday, September 25, 2003
By Charles L. Best -
Red Sails Inn was opened for business in January 1957 by Point Loma dockmaster, charter captain, and barnstormer Jack Davis. It has remained a top Southern California destination ever since.
The original Red Sails Inn was founded in 1935 by Joe Viery on the old Fisherman’s Wharf at the foot of Market Street, near G Street.
As a teenager, Davis had set up a “creative” boat rental and launching operation on Sandy Point at the foot of Qualtrough Street where the Southwestern Yacht Club is today.
In March of 1948, Port Director John Bate negotiated a new lease with young entrepreneur for a 100- by150-foot parcel on the north side of the Byron Street mole. It was conveniently located between Kettenburg’s boatyard and the High Seas tuna cannery.
Davis charged $2 to launch and to retrieve boats and, as it was the only such operation on the bay, it was an immediate hit. He and his wife added a lunch counter called Point Loma Cove, specializing in chili, hot dogs, and beer.
The endeavor was immediately dubbed “Ulcer’s Gulch.” Patrons were fond of the 75-cent beer and abalone-sandwich lunches.
In 1954, Davis and a partner bought the marina adjacent to San Diego Yacht Club and renamed it Point Loma Anchorage. Three years later, a deal was hammered out with John Bate, whereby the Yacht Club would take over Point Loma Anchorage.
Davis would secure a long lease on the land for Red Sails Inn, a bit east of Ulcer Gulch at its present location on Shelter Island Drive.
Operations began with a healthy amount of counter space, a token dining room, and the required beer and wine license. A big fish tank was later installed in the enlarged dining room, allowing patrons to pick their own lobsters; this proved to be a very popular idea.
Adjoining Red Sails were slips for about 20 vessels. Davis added a fuel dock, boat brokerage, tackle shop, and a charter-boat business.
In 1959, Davis sold a half interest to manager Carl Reed based on a 60/40 percentage to Reed and Davis respectively. Davis then quit the restaurant business, purchased Palomar Airport., and became a barnstormer.
His father’s boat the Mauna Loa was always very popular with the Hollywood set, who early on frequented Shelter Island.
Editor’s note: In November 1971, at a table by the fireplace in
the corner of the Red Sails Inn, William O. Roberts began The Log Newspaper.
