Chatting With The Commodore
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Valerie Rhodes,
WSA-OC Commodore
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Wow, after last month's Social Sail, I felt like I'd gotten more than my money's worth with my WSA-OC annual membership dues. How many people are lucky enough to live where we do and have the opportunity to see the majestic whales and dolphins that are so abundant off our coastline swim within arm's reach? I can't encourage you enough to take advantage of our on-the-water events. Our boat owner members are so generous to make their beloved vessels available to other members to experience the joys of a day on the water like we had a couple of weeks ago.
Our next event, our "Racing 101: Training Regatta" is appropriate for all skill levels, even if you're new to sailing. Learning to sail in a low-key racing environment is the fastest way to learn about sail trim, steering and the other basics of handling a sailboat. This event was held last year as well and was so well received that we decided to offer it again. Sign up now, you won't regret it!
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March Meeting - All About Racing - Recap
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Thank you to all of our members who attended this month's meeting, especially because of the last minute location change. We're especially glad so many new members and guests found us.
WSA-OC member Cindy Wynne was our primary speaker this month. Her topic was
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Cindy Wynne and her
Sol Mate crew holding the Caroline Starr trophy, awarded to the 1st place boat in the All-Women's Crew division.
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preparing for and racing in the Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race. 2016 will mark Cindy's 22nd N2E and last year was her best to date; she not only finished 1st overall in the all-women's crew division, receiving the Caroline Starr trophy, but also finished 3rd in class.
Cindy provided a lot of information about what is needed to participate in a N2E race. Along with the basics: practice, service your boat, review the race instructions - this is very important as NOSA has made major changes in the past few years, mainly relating to mandatory safety gear and attending a classroom course - bring the proper clothing/gear, have your up-to-date passport, et cetera. Some of her most important tips may seem very rudimentary, simple even, but they're what wins races. For example, "Make sure you eat hot dinner before dark." and she also believes that "N2E is won at night." Another key component to a successful race boat is to "Have a compatible crew." Another good piece of advice is to remember "N2E is not about speed, but executing maneuvers/changes correctly the first time. No need to rush. Discuss. The race is 125 miles."
As a follow-up to the meeting, Wayne Wallace then discussed the 2nd Annual
Racing 101: Training Regatta on Sunday, March 20th. Preregistration and membership are required to attend this event. There are over 350 PHRF sanctioned races in Orange County in 2016 and we'll help get you ready!
And finally we'd like to offer a very sincere THANK YOU to the Dana Point Yacht Club and Lisa Doliva for coming to our rescue by providing a meeting site - there was a scheduling conflict - and opening just for us, at the last minute. The only downside is our first Happy Half Hour was without wine and beer as DPYC is closed on Tuesdays.
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Anchors Away Youth Sailing Regatta Needs Volunteers
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As part of WSA-OC's commitment to community service, we are partnering with the annual Anchors Away Youth Sailing Regatta held in Dana Point to provide volunteers for the land portion of the event. It's a full day of fun, racing and socializing, benefiting Orange County youth living in foster care.
AAYS was founded 17 years ago by WSA-OC members, KC Matlock and Susie Campbell to provide kids living in group homes the opportunity to "captain their own ship" and experience the freedom of being out on the water. On the 3rd Sunday of each month, volunteers provide a day of sailing. Four years ago, a regatta and barbecue were incorporated into the AAYS program which will be held on Sunday 4/3 of this year.
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Campbell's Sloop decked out in flags for the 2015 AAYS Regatta |
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This event has grown from three boats in the first year to 11 boats last year and included more than 130 guests at the picnic! As you can imagine, an event of this magnitude requires a lot of assistance and we are looking for volunteers to serve as land crew and/or boat crew. All food and supplies will be provided.
Family members and friends, who are at least 21 years old, are welcome to attend.
Due to privacy, legal issues and the age of the Olive Crest participants ALL volunteers must sign-up to attend beforehand.
- To volunteer as part of the land crew, contact Dee Carroll.
- To volunteer as part of the sailboat fleet or as a safety monitor/crew member contact Midge Patrick.
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The April monthly meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 5th. The meeting topic will be
"What If?....Savvy Solutions For Sailing Snafus" We will have breakout groups in which your group will be assigned a "What if ___ happens on my boat?" scenario and you and your crew will have to come up with a viable solution. Groups will then present their problem and solution to everyone. No matter your sailing experience this is something that could potentially save your life! A meeting not to be missed.
April Meeting Information
Tuesday, April 5th
6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Happy Half Hour
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
"What If ... ?"
24707 Dana Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629
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A California gray whale breeching during the Social Sail. Photo by Gabi Schwaiger
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As many of you heard, our Social Sail on February 27th was the bee's knees, err, the whale's tail! The weather and mother nature cooperated by supplying a perfect day for a whale show that went on for hours with a whole lot of dolphins thrown in.
Members who attended were treated to a beautiful day on the water, a full lunch and an afternoon happy hour where stories and photos were swapped with new sailing friends.
You can view more of our photos on Facebook or the website.
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Mark Your Calendar's Now! Upcoming WSA-OC Events |
WSA-OC has events* planned through the end of 2016. For more information, view our
All Events page on the website, where you will be able to read more detail about each event as well as additional events that aren't listed below. As each event gets closer more details will be provided via the various WSA-OC online outlets.
July 5th ~ ~ No General Meeting
September 6th ~ ~ No General Meeting
September 18th ~ ~ OSeas: Long Beach Charity Race
Reminder: All of our activities and events, except our monthly general meetings or where stated otherwise, require you to be a WSA-OC member in good standing and also require paid in advance preregistration. That being said, if you're not a member we'd LOVE to have you. We have a lot of events planned through the end of 2016 and we hope you will
join us today!
*Subject to change
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Many of our OSeas members are crewing/racing in many of the local races, good job! We want to hear more about your experiences and see some pictures too.
Please let us know if you're interested in crewing opportunities, as we are getting contacted by other boats who are looking for experienced crew.
Boat Owners: Although our practices are mostly held on the Catalina 37's in Long Beach, we love it when we're offered an opportunity to practice on private boats!
For questions, information, or to help coordinate a training session, with the OSeas please email
Karen Pacella at
oseas@wsaoc.org
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We are happy to announce that the first press release, announcing the event was sent to local news outlets. You can
read it here.
Additionally, w
e are proud to announce that the OAC has joined the race to restore ocean health with Sailors for the Sea's Clean Regattas Program.
The ocean is in crisis with plastic waste, oil spills, and acidification threatening not only marine life, but also our health for generations to come. We are making strides to ensure this event protects the ocean.
The OAC page on the WSA-OC website has a lot of new content, via the drop-down menu.
Contact OAC
for additional information of how you can become involved.
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Thanks to Jennifer Johns, for sharing this great photo of whales frolicking during the WSA-OC Social Sail on February 27th.
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Do you have your WSA-OC burgee? Do you have a trip planned? If so, we'd love to see photos of the WSA-OC burgee accompanying you in your travels, hopefully to exotic locales. Happy Travels!
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The WSA-OC burgee flying in the BVIs, January 2016. Photo courtesy of Rear Commodore, Gabi Schwaiger
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Racing 101: Training Regatta
Sunday, March 20th. All levels of sailors and racers are invited to participate in classroom chalk-talk followed by a day on the water practicing regatta starts and tactics.
Sign up today, space is very limited.
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WHAT A DEAL
We are currently offering a combination deal on our logo merchandise: a split-neck polo style shirt, a baseball cap and a window cling decal all for the low, low price of $45! There is a limited quantity so act quickly and
purchase now!
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Dana Point Yacht Club will be hosting a US Sailing approved "Safety at Sea" course on Saturday, April 2nd from 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. The cost is $75 and is open to the public, but
registration
is required.
As Cindy Wynne stated in her racing presentation, this half day course is a requirement to participate in the Newport to Ensenada race.
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The Dana Point Yacht Club will also be hosting an open house during Dana Point's
Festival of Whales
, on 12th & 13th. They will be offering tours of the facility and offering new member specials.
OYC will also be hosting the Elizabeth Hospice Charity Regatta on August 8th - 9th.
Have you recently received a sailing award or trophy? Did you get a new boat? Do you have a sailing or marine photo? If you said "yes" to any of these questions, let us know. Don't be shy! Email us at:
info@wsaoc.org
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Welcome Aboard
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WSA-OC continues to grow, thanks to all of you for being WSA ambassadors.
Welcome to our newest members:
Sharon Baker
Doug Green
Laura Griggs
Melissa Gross
Barbara Keeler
Florinda Ramos and
Mickie Schuerger.
Happy Sailing!
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WSA-OC
Board of Directors
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WSA-OC
Commodore
Valerie Rhodes
Vice Commodore
Kathleen Brown
Rear Commodore
Gabi Schwaiger
Treasurer
Wayne Wallace
Secretary
Brenda Highley
Membership Director
Risa Scott
Director (Racing)
Karen Pacella
Director (Programs)
Melanie Green
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Newsletter Editor
Tracy Gallucci
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