Happy February Everyone! It feels like winter has sailed right past us with our current balmy weather and by the numerous boxes of Girl Scout cookies I just purchased. I know it's not quite spring yet but it sure makes you want to get out on the water and we are so blessed to live in Southern California to do just that while the rest of the county shovels off the white stuff!

I sit here the eve before Sailing Convention for Women and I am giddy ... and have a few butterflies. I have attended for several years and I suppose it makes me feel nostalgic. It reminds me of when I was a young girl going back to school after summer break. Oh the stirs of anticipation! Would I like my instructors, would I make new friends, would I like my classes? Would familiar faces be there to greet me? As a returning attendee to Convention I must laugh at my schoolgirl musings, and I find year after year the take away benefits are endless.

As I reflect more about it, I realize how lucky I am to be a part of WSA-OC. As adults it can seem we have fewer opportunities to make new friends and embark on new adventures. That's why having discovered WSA-OC four years ago is so priceless to me, it's due to the opportunities! Membership provides us the opportunity to expand our horizons and stretch our comfort zone in a safe and nurturing environment, to teach one another and it's also a way to give back to our community while making everlasting friends. I truly believe you get out of your membership what you put into it. I invite you to utilize your member benefits to the maximum and come out and join us for a social sail, share your sailing stories, attend one of our racing clinics and even lend a hand on a committee. We will all have a great time while we reap the rewards of learning, sharing and growing ... that's what it's all about!

 

Sails Up!

Come Sail Into Spring with Us

Photo by Zuzana Prochazka, taken in Bora Bora

We Went Sailing & Were On the Water Rich Together

Our first on-the-water event of 2018 is in the books and it was a resounding success. We completely filled six boats and had enough interest to fill six more. We also had several members and friends join us afterwards for happy hour in which we filled up Harpoon Henry's as well. 

Captain Courageous, aka Wayne Wallace, who had Wind Dancer on her ear most of the day!

Our large contingency met up in Dana Point Harbor for some quick socialization prior to receiving individual boat assignments and choosing one of three sandwich options for lunch, provided by WSA-OC. 

The day may have been a bit overcast, but that didn't hold back the fun. We had sustained winds between 9 - 15 knots all day, which made for some rails in the water fun for some or a nice leisurely sail for others ... depending upon how aggressive your skipper was. However, since it was a social sail, none of the skippers put their crew to work by hoisting a spinnaker. 

Sadly, no whales were spotted, but the oceans friendliest occupants, dolphins, made several appearances. Word has it Mañana saw a very large pod of dolphins. Feel free to share your photos with us by posting to our private Facebook group page or by emailing us at [email protected]. 

Through the generosity of our boat owners, we're able to put on some of the finest on-the-water events in SoCal! Thanks to our Social Sail boat owners - Susie Campbell, Lisa Cullinane, Stan & Toni Flores, Brenda Highley, Karen Pacella and Wayne Wallace - for donating your time and your boat for our event! Without you, our on-the-water events wouldn't be possible. Again, THANK YOU!

Registration is now open for our next on-the-water event Learn to Race/Skills Brush-up Clinic ... read on below for info about this great opportunity to get on the water!