WSA-OC The Whistle
November 2015
Chatting With The Commodore
Valerie Rhodes, 
 WSA-OC Commodore
It's such a cliche to start off a year-end column with, "My how time flies!" so instead I will say, "What a great year we have had!" 

We've exceeded all projections on WSA-OC member numbers and continue to welcome brand new members. We have had several wonderful general meetings and many fun and educational on-the-water activities. I'm especially proud of WSA-OC's commitment to being a good member of the community through sponsorship of events such as the Sail For The Visually Impaired, the Olive Crest Regatta and monthly sails, and next year's Ocean Awareness Challenge event.

It is the goal of the incoming 2016 board to make next year even better. We look forward to seeing all of you at our January meeting where we will look back at what worked best in 2015 and brainstorm ways to deliver even better events in the coming year.  Happy holidays to you all.
   
Keeping the Sails Full
WSA-OC will be starting off 2016  with our our general meeting on Tuesday, January 5th at 7:00 p.m. The general meetings are typically held on the first Tuesday of the month with light snacks and beverages (cash bar) being served. 
 
The January meeting will include the installation of officers for 2016 (as voted at the
November 2015 meeting). There will also be an exclusive sneak-peek at the biggest event of the year in the women's sailing community, the 27th Annual Women's Sailing Convention (online registration open's today).
We want your input!
The primary focus of the meeting, however, will be a strategic workshop to hear from you, our members, about what you want to see from WSA-OC in the coming year. We want the 2016 calendar to reflect what the majority of our members want to do; Racing? Social events? Weekend cruises? Day sails? Philanthropic activities?

Come be part of the conversation and bring a friend! 
Meeting Details:
Tuesday, January 5th 
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. 
24707 Dana Drive
Dana Point 92629

The Islands Came To Orange County
Our island-style holiday party, in lieu of the general meeting, was a great success! The party had ice breakers, live steel drum band, food, specialty rum cocktails, dancing, raffle prizes, silent auction and much more! 
Havin' fun cuttin' a rug.
 
For those of you unable to attend, you can check out all of the party photos to see what you missed. If you attended the party and would like to share your photos, please send them to info@wsaoc.org
 
The best part of the evening, though, had to be watching the wonderful video produced by our own Kathleen Brown which featured the WSA-OC 2015 highlights. Missed the meeting or want to watch it again? Now you can. 
 
WSA-OC Women's Sailing Association - Orange County 2015 Highlights 
WSA-OC 2015 Highlights Video
 
Get Your WSA-OC Holiday Gifts
Need that special unique Holiday gift for that uniquely special person in your life? We've got you covered with WSA-OC logo merchandise. 

Currently, we are offering women's and men's Polo style shirts, in white with our logo on the left shoulder and baseball caps in two colors; white and pink and our WSA-OC burgee. Orders MUST be placed no later than Tuesday, December, 15th to ensure Christmas delivery. 
 
One size, adjustable
Available sizes: M, L, XL

Additional items will be forthcoming. However, we'd really like to hear what you'd like us to stock. Send your suggestions to info@wsaoc.org
 
Upcoming WSA-OC Events
WSA-OC has several events* planned through the end of 2015 and early 2016. Of course you can always look at our online Calendar of Events. As each event gets closer more details will be provided via the various WSA-OC online outlets. 
  
December 25th ~ ~ Merry Christmas
January 1st ~ ~ Happy New Year
January 5th ~ ~ General Meeting
February 1st ~ ~ General Meeting (tentative)
February 6th ~ ~ Women's Sailing Convention

*Subject to change

Fun & Philanthropy
Although the OSeas are resting up physically over the Holidays, the team is experiencing some terrific growth and interest among our members. The OSeas are planning a big year! Beginning with The Mayor's Cup in April and LEMWOD in October, with practices and races in between, the team will be busy sharpening skills and making new friends all year. Watch out 2016!

Are you interested in sailing with WSA-OC race team, the OSeas? Send an email to Karen Pacella at
Not sure what the Ocean Awareness Challenge is about or what the goal is? Don't worry, you're not alone. OAC is a new philanthropic endeavor the WSA-OC is working on and developing for September. 

So, stay tuned. In the meantime, c lick on the link, which will display a flyer that briefly and simply explains what OAC is about:  What is OAC?

For more information or to volunteer email Susie Campbell at
oceanawarenesschallenge@gmail.com

2016 Membership
Renew or Join
You can now renew your WSA-OC membership or join WSA-OC for 2016 online. The 2016 rates are:

Membership renewal $60.00

New members $75.00

Special Offer!

Holiday Gift Giving Idea
For Your Favorite Sailor


Aventura Sailing Association  
will waive their $575 initial membership fee for WSA-OC sailors who pass a sailing test and will discount monthly dues to only $50 a month. Aventura offers classes for all level of sailors from novice to advanced.
 
This offer is only good through the end of the year so act now to charter a boat in time for the annual Christmas Boat Parade! 
Women's Sailing Convention
Online registration for the 27th Annual Women's Sailing Convention opens today, December 10th. The convention will take place on Saturday, February 6th at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club in Newport Beach. 



Registration is priced at $200 through the end of the month. After December 31st the price will increase to $215 then $230, so register early. The registration fee includes workshops, breakfast, lunch, dinner, souvenirs and handouts. Prepaid-registrations are required as space is limited.

All of the information you need can be found here or follow them on Facebook. Hope to see you there. 
This & That

     
In The News

The Log featured a story on the WSA-OC/ALYC Sail for the Visually Impaired in their November 22nd edition. 

The  [LA Times] Daily Pilot 
syndicated column From the Boathouse also covered the SVI. 
 
   
WSA-OC Website
Be sure to view our website from time-to-time. Webmaster Kathleen Brown is continually adding new content. 
 
   
Ahoy Matey
Do you have some news you'd like to have featured in The Whistle? Don't be shy. Let us know by sending an email to info@wsaoc.org. Don't forget to include a photo, they help to tell the story. 

Welcome Aboard
WSA-OC continues to grow, thanks to all of you for being WSA ambassadors. 
Welcome to our newest members:

Mary Jane Johnson, Bobbie Reed, Dave Stancil, Tami Stancil and  Vallerie Toschak

Happy Sailing!

Quick Links
Board of Directors
WSA-OC 
Board of Directors

Commodore
Valerie Rhodes

Vice Commodore
Gabi Schwaiger

Treasurer
Wayne Wallace

Secretary
Brenda Highley

Membership Director
Shannon Harshman

Director
Kathleen Brown

Director
Bonnie Gibson
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Newsletter Editor
Tracy Gallucci

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 P.O. Box 937 
Dana Point, CA 92629