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Chatting With The Commodore
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Valerie Rhodes,
WSA-OC Commodore
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I just returned from several days in the beautiful mountains of Telluride, Colorado and am refreshed and looking forward to the many events in the months ahead. Our Duffy Scavenger Hunt event later this month has been our most popular WSA-OC event so far! Who'd have thought members of a sailing association would be so fond of puttering around in a battery-operated vessel? In August, we will stay in summer vacation mode as we hear from
Captain Holly Scott
who will share handy tips on the various options and destinations for sailboat charters. In September, many of us will set sail together for Emerald Bay, Catalina for the much-anticipated inaugural Ocean Awareness Challenge weekend. If you haven't already signed up, the deadline is next month so don't delay! And October will be jamming as well as the annual Sail For The Visually Impaired brought to you by WSA-OC and the American Legion Yacht Club Post 291. The same weekend also brings the annual LEMWOD Regatta and the WSA-OSeas are already hard at work practicing and selecting a team. Phew! I'm tired just typing all that! So many fun things ahead! Drop us a note if you'd like to learn more about any of these events or wish to participate in any way. There are so many fun ways to take advantage of your WSA-OC membership and meet new sailing friends!
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| August General Meeting ***NEW VENUE*** |
We're switching things up a bit in August and will be holding our general meeting at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club in Newport Beach. August's meeting topic will be
Endless Summer, Sailing Travel Adventures. Come join WSA-OC and Captain Holly Scott, of
Mahalo Sailing, for a virtual vacation. Spend the evening unwinding and relaxing as we sail to exotic locations amidst tropical ocean breezes and azure blue seas finding paradise together. Holly will share tips on a variety of cruising destinations and valuable information about the various ways to plan a sailing vacation. If you know Holly, you know you're in for a treat as her presentations are always informative and a lot of fun!
BCYC will be having their Taco Tuesday buffet, which will be available to any WSA-OC member in attendance for our meeting at the cost of $13 per person. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available for purchase; no outside food or beverages allowed.
For the first time, at our general meeting, we will be holding a 50-50 raffle. Half of the money collected will be donated to the OSeas race team to help offset some of the costs associated with participation. The other half will go towards a lucky winner in attendance at the meeting. Don't forget your cash!
Tuesday, August 2nd
5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Mexican Buffet (optional)
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Endless Summer, Sailing Travel Adventures
1601 Bayside Drive
Corona del Mar, 92630
949.644.9530
Everyone is invited to attend and we encourage you to bring a friend who is interested in sailing. Parking is available in their lot or on the street. Casual attire permitted.
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We are excited to announce a new philanthropic collaboration with
Laura's House
beginning with our August meeting. We are collecting back-to-school supplies for children (ages 5-18) currently in their program(s). Bring as much or as little as you wish, every little bit helps!
They are in need of items such as backpacks, white construction paper, tape, white three-ring binders, lunch boxes/bags, markers, and much, much more.
Please click to see the entire list of school supplies needed. Also, please note what items are NOT needed. We are also in the early planning stages of an on-the-water event next year where we can share the fun and camaraderie of sailing with the women and children served by Laura's House who are going through a difficult time in their lives.
Laura's House is a domestic violence shelter in South Orange County that is transforming lives. This agency has been providing comprehensive supportive care services
to abused women and children since 1994. This organization provides emergency shelter services, transitional housing, counseling, life skills, education and legal services
to several hundred families each year in their program.
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Summer SAILstice: June On-the-Water Event Recap
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It's a good thing we don't need wind for our upcoming Duffy Boat event, because once again our on-the-water event suffered from poor sailing conditions.
We had two boatloads of women depart from Dana Point Harbor early Saturday morning with coffee and donuts to help start the day.
The two boats met up with members Sue and Chuck Hutchings at the Lighthouse Café for brunch. It's a really good thing that they were there to meet us, as they had a beautiful table reserved for our large group and were able to secure alternative slip space, since the guaranteed spots were not available.
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The crew of Mañana helping to dock KiloLani at the Lighthouse Café. Photo courtesy of Chuck Hutchings/WSA-OC |
It was no surprise there was no sailing on the way to Newport Beach Harbor. What was exciting though was that there were consistent 18 knot winds with gusts up to 22 knots ... on our nose, sadly, but it made for a wild, fun ride. W
e were all disappointed that we couldn't get much sailing in on the way back either due to light, swirling and inconsistent winds. Where was the wind from earlier in the day!?
Poor sailing aside everyone had a great time on-the-water and came away from the day with plenty of good humor and funny stories.
All in all a lovely day with great drinks, food and most importantly friends. Check out our photo album of the day's events. Thanks to new member and "official" photographer Chuck Hutchings for many of the great shots.
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New WSA-OC Logo Merchandise In Stock
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You've been patiently waiting for new WSA-OC logo merchandise (thank you!), visors specifically, and now we have them available for purchase. The white visor (pictured) can be
purchased for $20. We also have a camouflage pink visor (photo coming soon). However it is on backorder, but
you can buy now and we will get it to you when they arrive.
Both visors feature an embroidered WSA-OC logo, has an adjustable band with brass hardware and will fit pretty much any adult-sized head. The interior is lined with sweat absorbing terrycloth.
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Saving the Blue Heart of the Earth
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It probably seems that there has been a lot of talk about the Ocean Awareness Challenge event September 9th - 11th at Emerald Bay on Catalina. Much like the reemergence of WORSA/WSA-OC a year and a half ago the OAC began as an idea that maybe, just maybe, it could happen. This little idea of gathering people on Catalina who share a love of the ocean and want to save and preserve it has now become a gargantuan event, from the caliber of presenters to the behind-the-scenes planning. We hope you'll want to experience it with us and register now!
So with that being said, the registration deadline is fast approaching, August 10th is less than one month away. Don't fret, though,
you still have time to register.
There will be a little something for everyone ... you'll be able to tap into your inner child and science nerd. We've also got you covered if you crave physical activity and need to have fun. There really is something for everyone!
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| A basket star on the seafloor. Photo provided by Geoff Shester. Photo credit: NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Advanced Surveys Technology Group |
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In addition to the three speakers - Dr. Geoff Shester, Dr. Wendy Marshall and Dave Rudie - there will be an exclusive showing of the MacGillvary Freeman Films documentary
Humpback Whales as well as a live musician, a happy hour provided by Black Magic Rum and five meals. We even have your transportation covered, from Newport Beach direct to Emerald Bay.
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It may not seem like it, but we're already counting down to LEMWOD and the team is beginning to come together. The OSeas have seen so much interest in all of our recent sailing opportunities and practices and it is a bit, just a bit, overwhelming. As of now, - good news/bad news - we have more interest and talent than we have spots available.
Selecting a LEMWOD Team for 2016 is proving to be quite difficult, so we've begun looking at the positions needed to round out the team. For everyone that has participated in practices on
Onde Amo and the Sea Gals events, I know the time and experience has been great; we've had lots of skill enhancement, bonding, and just plain fun! Currently, we are in need of a Tactician to complete the needed positions.
Additionally, we'll look into adding two alternates to the team - each girl will sail one of the LEMWOD days (either Saturday or Sunday). Another possibility will be to have a "blended" boat, depending on interest, need, etc. Stay tuned for additional information regarding LEMWOD.
Fundraising:
As we all know, sailing isn't an inexpensive sport. I'd love some ideas and participants to help with some fund raising events and ideas. Let's talk! Please contact me at
at
oseas@wsaoc.org
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~ Karen Pacella, Racing Director
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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.
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 so you won't miss out on the fun!
*Subject to change
**Affiliate event
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| WSA-OC members celebrating international Summer Sailstice Day after sailing to Newport Harbor together |
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***REMINDER***
No September Meeting
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In lieu of a September general meeting we will be hosting the Ocean Awareness Challenge on Catalina Island's Emerald Bay, September 9th - 11th.
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We have a really fun program planned for our October general meeting. It is entitled
Nauti Game Show Fun Night!
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| A nauti(cal) knot - bowland |
We will test your nauti(cal) skills and knowledge as you compete against your fellow WSA-OC members. There is sure to be lots of fun and laughter and prizes will be awarded.
The meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 4th at Aventura Sailing Association with a Happy Half Hour beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the main program beginning at 7:00 p.m.
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July On-the-Water
Duffy Boat Event
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The July on-the-water event,
 Duffy Boat Scavenger Hunt, in Newport Harbor is SOLD OUT!
However, we are currently accecpting names to be placed on a wait list. To include your name on the waiting list email Rear Commodore
Gabi Schwaiger
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WSA-OC In the News
 WSA-OC member and Ocean Awareness Challenge founder, Susie Campbell, was recently interviewed by the Stu News Laguna about the event.
Congratulations!!!
 Congratulations to our own, Karen Pacella who has been named as the Southern California Yachting Association's Women's Racing Chairperson. SCYA saw an increase in all-women crews and created a new Chair position to focus on such events. #SailLikeAGirl
UPDATE: July Sea Gals Event Cancelled
For those of you who planned on going to the Sea Gals Event #3 on Saturday, July 16th it has been cancelled due to the rescheduling of the Heroes Regatta at Long Beach Yacht Club. An email was sent to the registrants. If you have any questions, contact
Judy-Rae Karlsen.
America's Cup
Come see one of the world's oldest and most famous trophies ... America's Cup. It is the oldest international sporting trophy still being awarded.
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Photo courtesy of Lisa Doliva/DPYC
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It will be on view at the
Dana Point Yacht Club on Sunday, July 17th from noon - 5:00 p.m. DPYC will be open to the public, if you'd like to stop by and get your photo with it.
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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It's not too late to take advantage of these special offers
- Sail to Catalina for the Ocean Awareness Challenge in style aboard Cabernet Sky a luxury Beneteau 48'. WSA-OC membership is not required.
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Training Opportunity
WSA-OC member Captain, Diane Berol is once again graciously inviting our members to take her sailing classes at no charge aboard her 40' Pacific Seacraft
Celtic Song.
The following is her schedule through August.
July 16th Reefing
July 20th Basic Sailing
July 30th MOB
August 7th Basic Sailing
August 10th MOB
Requirements for participation:
- Text book: Sailing Fundamentals, by Gary Jobson
- Sailing gloves
- Closed-toe shoes
- Bring your own lunch
All classes will be held from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
If you want to participate or would like more information,
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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 member:
Happy Sailing!
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Here or There?
We Got Your Opinion!
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In last month's newsletter we polled the membership regarding the location of our general meetings. The results are in and have been tabulated. WSA members voted overwhelmingly to alternate our general meeting sites between Dana Point Harbor and Newport Harbor. Information will be forthcoming later in the year as we begin to plan the 2017 events calendar.
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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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