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Chatting With The Commodore
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Valerie Rhodes,
WSA-OC Commodore
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I'm writing my "Commodore's Column" with just a few short weeks to go before our big election...no, no, no...not THAT one...our WSA-OC 2017 Board of Director's election! Per our bylaws, the general membership in attendance is invited to vote at the November 1st general meeting and all current members are eligible and encouraged to run for a spot on the board.
We are lucky enough to have almost our entire board willing to serve for another year with one spot open. All existing members will stand for re-election with the exception of me as I will be stepping down as Commodore after serving for two years. We will send out a slate of candidates running for the 2017 board as we get closer to the general meeting.
If a board position doesn't feel like a good fit, how about serving on a committee to help plan our meetings or our on-the-water events? Are you good at fundraising or publicity? Do you have sailing skills you'd like to share with other members in a meeting? Do you want to support the philanthropic work we're doing in the community? Let us know what interests you, and we'll find a spot for you that works for your schedule. As I've said many times, the more you put into WSA-OC and get to know other members, the more you get back.
Although the year is winding down, we still have so much happening in the weeks ahead with our November 1st Cuisine at Sea meeting and election followed by our November 12th Full Moon Sail and then our December 6th Holiday party. Please plan on joining us for the November 1st meeting and bring a friend along!
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Early Bird Membership Deals for 2017
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We currently have two options to either join WSA-OC or renew your
membership for 2017. We have great deals for both cur
rent and new members.
Option 1: Package deal, expires October 31st
Each membership package includes:
~ 2017 WSA-OC membership 
~ December 6th Holiday Party Ticket
~ Choice of: white WSA-OC logo visor or WSA-OC/OAC logo water bottle
Option 2: Reduced rate annual membership, expires December 6th
If you do not wish to purchase your membership online, via the above links, you can buy during the November and December meetings with either a credit card, check or cash. If paying via cash, please bring exact change. You may also mail a check to our post office box; P.O. Box 937, Dana Point, CA 92629. Remember, prices will increase after deadlines listed above, so be sure to renew or purchase your WSA-OC membership now!
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You Do Not Want to Miss the November Meeting
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Our November general meeting is not one to be missed. Two of the most important things [most likely] that we will have talked about all year will be happening during this meeting. Firstly, we will be electing the 2017 WSA-OC Board of Directors. If you are interested in running for a position on the Board or would like more information about what each position entails, please contact our current Commodore,
Valerie Rhodes, as she stated previously, will not be running for Commodore this year. Secondly, we will be discussing food. Specifically food and meal preparation on a boat.
The food presentation will be about provisioning your galley for single-day and
multi-day trips by guest speaker Chef Patricia Rose, who is also a cooking teach
er, food blogger and sailor. Chef Patricia will help us d
iscover useful tips on p
rovisioning and creative cooking while at sea. She will also be conducting two live cooking
demonstrations.
Whether out on a day sail or an ocean crossing you don't have to sacrifice meal quality or entertaining style on a sailboat. M
embers are encouraged to bring copies of their favorite food or drink recipe to share and swap.
6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Happy Half Hour
7:00 - 7:30 p.m. Election of Officers, New Business & Announcements
7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Cuisine at
Sea
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October Meeting Recap, We Laughed ... A Lot
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The meeting began with announcements about our community service events; including an Ocean Awareness Challenge slideshow/presentation recap, Sail for the Blind & Visually Impaired event, our November on-the-water event, Holiday party update and our newly formed partnership with Laura's House.
Jennifer Tai, Shelter Administrator for
Laura's House, attended the meeting and gave a presentation and overview of the services they provide to mentally and/or physically abused women and children in South Orange County. Laura's House took over 24,000 calls for assistance and housed over 300 women
last year. Jennifer stated that our August 'Back to School Supplies Drive,' we conducted during the monthly meeting was, "Very successful and helpful, it helped the kids feel and look like all of the other kids at school." WSA-OC will be conducting a Holiday Toy Drive for Laura's House at our December meeting. Stay tuned for additional information.
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| Host Captain Sturgeon and hostess, Julie McCleat during Nauti Game Show Fun Night! |
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After a short break everyone then boarded the "Prolific Princess" and were greeted by our
Nauti Game Show Fun Night hostess "Julie McCleat." After the bartender (and A/V guy) "Ice Pick" gave us numbers to divide us into teams we were welcomed to a Family Feud style game by our host "Captain Sturgeon." It was team "Latitudes" vs. "Attitudes"; "Flotsam" vs. "Jetsam"; "Anchors" vs. "Roads" and "Luffs" vs. "Leeches." Team Flotsam took home the grand prize, as the overall winning team. They won reusable nautical themed tote bags and either a WSA-OC visor or WSA-OC/OAC reusable water bottle.
We also held a 50/50 raffle that benefited the OSeas Race Team. Mary Swann was the lucky winner of $83 and she donated $40 of her winnings back to the team. Thank you Mary for your generosity!
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Be a Part of Our Roots, Support Sail for the Visually Impaired
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Call to action! The Sail for the Blind & Visually Impaired is still in need of a couple more boats/skippers.
If you would like to volunteer your boat for the event please email the following information to svi@alyc.com:
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SVI co-founder Bonnie Gibson addressing the participants and volunteers during the 2014 event, as co-founder Bobbie Reed looks on.
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* Skipper Name
* Boat Name
* Boat Type
* Length
* Beam
* Draft
* Number of guests you can accommodate
All of the volunteer positions have been filled. WSA-OC members will primarily be
in charge of: staffing the registration/check-in, doggie day care area and serving as table hosts.
Thank you to all of the WSA-OC members who've stepped up to volunteer for the 27th Annual Sail for the Blind & Visually Impaired.
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Yay! We're Back On the Water in November
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November Nighttime Full Moon Social Sail
Our next on-the-water event will be Saturday, November 12th. We will be hosting a Full Moon Nighttime Social Sail.
This full moon will not only be a 'Super Moon' it will also be nearer to Earth than it's been since January of 1948. This will be the biggest and brightest full moon you will see in a while. We will head out to sea in the evening for this beautiful sight and enjoy the camaraderie of our WSA-OC family. If you want to ensure your spot, for this special occurrence,
sign-up now for only $25!
We will have a group meetup at 6:30 p.m. for boat assignments (location TBD, so keep an eye on your inbox) and then head out. Snacks and hot chocolate will be provided. Remember to dress accordingly, as it will likely be quite chilly and don't forget to pray/wish/hope and send good vibes that we will have a crystal clear evening in which to enjoy the beautiful night sky!
*** Pre-registration and a current WSA-OC membership is required to attend. ***
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LEMWOD and the OSeas:
This weekend Team WSA-OSeas will be taking part in their second LEMWOD. We have a few new members who are blending in well with the veterans from last year and several alternates ready to step in, if needed. And needed they might be. We are dealing with a few injuries, one which will require surgery after the race and one that most hopefully will not. Thankfully none of the injuries are serious and not related to sailing, but we wish them a speedy recovery.
As you can see we've updated the OSeas logo slightly to include 'Race Team.' We're showing it with the blue background, because this year we will be wearing WSA-OC blue instead of pink shirts. We will, however be rocking the pink camo visors. We will also be flying a WSA-OC battle flag, prior to racing, that will also be used during our upcoming WSA-OC on-the-water events.
Opportunities for racing and learning continue to come to us at WSA-OC. Check out this upcoming race management seminar being conducted by US Sailing:
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October 22 - 23, 2016
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Sponsored by US Sailing and hosted by the Los Angeles Yacht Club, this seminar is open to race officers of all skill levels to refresh and increase their knowledge of such topics as organizing an event, writing the notice of
race and sailing instructions, race committee equipment, race committee preparations, setting the starting line, setting the course, starting, finishing and scoring. Judges and Umpires wanting to see how the other half lives are welcome.
Thanks to everyone who participated in the August and October 50/50 raffles to help support the OSeas Race Team! Every little bit helps and it's greatly appreciated!
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| Mark Your Calendars Now! Upcoming WSA-OC Events* |
WSA-OC 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.
This portion of the newsletter will be updated after the election of officers and next BoD meeting.
*Subject to change
**Affiliate event
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| Commodore Valerie Rhodes and Patsee Ober having fun at the October meeting. Photo: TGallucci |
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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:
Happy Sailing!
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The Camo Visors Are In!
It took a little longer than expected, but the WSA-OC embroidered logo pink camo visors finally made it off of the boat and into our store. Each camo visor features three shades of pink with white mixed in. One size fits all, as the visors are equipped with a Velcro closure. Get yours today
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To just say "Thank you" to member Chuck Hutchings would be an understatement. Chuck was the official photographer during last month's Ocean Awareness Challenge event and seemed to be everywhere at once. Hopefully you've had an opportunity to see his event photos and photos from a few others, but if not, here is the link to the
Facebook album. Thanks again Chuck!
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Holiday Party & Toy Drive
It's never too early to begin planing for a party! Put December 6th in your calendar! We will be celebrating island style and
tickets are $35 per person. WSA-OC members may bring a guest.
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We will also be holding a toy drive for the children receiving services from Laura's House.
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In the News
Women's Sailing Convention
Registration for the 2017 Women's Sailing Convention opens on December 10th, 2016. As in previous years, the event will, once again, be held at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club in Newport Beach on Saturday, February 4, 2017.
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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Captain Berol's Sailing Classes
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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 December.
October
22nd Basic Sailing
27th Docking
November
2nd Reefing
5th Docking
9th MOB
12th Anchoring
16th Basic
December
3rd MOB
7th Docking
10th Reefing
14th Anchoring
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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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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