The History of Yacht Haven Marina: A Legacy of Boating Excellence

At the close of World War II, America embraced a new era of opportunity, and boating culture began shifting from the East Coast to the West Coast. In 1946, the Port of Los Angeles opened its waterfront for marina development, attracting visionaries like Bob Duni and Ed Rabbit, engineers from BF Goodrich, who saw the potential of a thriving boating community.

With dedication and hard work, they established Yacht Haven Marina in the Cerritos Channel of Los Angeles Harbor. The marina first opened with 112 slips on Dock 1, later expanding with 50 more slips on Dock 2. By the early 1960s, the marina added the Marina Café building and a yacht sales office, now home to Seacoast Yacht Sales.

In 1974, Bob’s son, Tony Duni, expanded the business by launching Heritage Yacht Sales, a brokerage with locations along the California coast. In 2016, Heritage merged with Seacoast Yacht Sales, extending its reach from Santa Barbara to San Diego. Today, Sarah Duni Bourland, the third generation of the family, continues to manage the marina’s daily operations, ensuring its legacy of excellence.

As part of our commitment to sustainability, Yacht Haven Marina operates under the Clean Marina Program to help protect local waterways and the marine environment. We also promote boater education and safety through the Alamitos Sail & Power Squadron, offering navigation and safety courses to the boating community.

For nearly eight decades, Yacht Haven Marina has been a trusted destination for boaters seeking exceptional service, secure mooring, and a deep connection to Southern California’s maritime heritage.

At Yacht Haven Marina, we are dedicated to staying at the forefront of the marina industry. As proud members of the Marina Recreation Association, we have access to ongoing education, industry updates, and specialized training programs for marina owners and management staff, ensuring we provide the best service and facilities for our boating community.

Beyond marina operations, we are passionate about boating and marine conservation. The ocean is not just where we work—it’s where we play, explore, and find freedom on the blue Pacific. That’s why we support the Alamitos Sail & Power Squadron, an organization dedicated to boater safety, education, and responsible navigation.

We invite you to be part of our community—whether through education, conservation, or simply enjoying time on the water. Join us and experience the Yacht Haven Marina difference!

At Yacht Haven Marina, we are dedicated to protecting the California coast by maintaining a clean, pollution-free marina. Our efforts ensure the safety of marine wildlife and help keep your boats in pristine condition. As part of our environmental commitment, we are proud members of the Clean Marine Program, which recognizes marinas that operate using eco-friendly practices.

Protecting our waters is a shared responsibility. We do our part to uphold high environmental standards, and we encourage our boating community to join us in preserving the beauty of Southern California’s coastline. Together, we can keep Yacht Haven Marina a clean and safe haven for future generations. Learn more about the Clean Marine Program here.