George Durward Griffith was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. George Griffith was born on May 9, 1921, in Kansas City, Missouri. Due to severe allergies, his family moved to California, where he developed a deep love for the ocean and sailing. The interview begins with Griffith discussing his early years in Anaheim, California, where he grew up on an orange grove. He recalls his initial interest in the ocean, which began with building and using a small flat iron skiff, and later expanded into sailing. His passion for the sea led him to participate in various boating activities and races, eventually leading to his first race to Hawaii in 1941. Griffith describes his educational background, including attending Anaheim High School and later, through a chance opportunity, being accepted into the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) where he studied mechanical engineering. He reflects on his transition from land-based engineering to naval service during World War II, where he was assigned to the Bureau of Ships and worked in shipyards in Houston, Texas. The interview provides a detailed account of Griffith's sailing experiences, including his participation in the 1939 Transpacific Yacht Race to Hawaii and subsequent races. He shares anecdotes about learning to navigate with a French sextant and a chronometer and his adventures sailing across the Pacific Ocean. Griffith also discusses his involvement with the Los Angeles Yacht Club and the Transpacific Yacht Club, highlighting the camaraderie and competitive spirit within the sailing community. Griffith recounts his post-war career, which included working for Standard Oil of California and later engaging in various boat-building projects. He describes the evolution of the Los Angeles Yacht Club from its early days in Fish Harbor to its current location near Cabrillo Beach, emphasizing the changes in facilities and the impact of industrial developments on the club's operations. Throughout the interview, Griffith reflects on the people and experiences that shaped his life, from his supportive father to notable figures in the sailing world. He shares his pride in being a member of the Los Angeles Yacht Club and his contributions to the sailing community, including the design and construction of innovative sailboats like the Cal 40.