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Chatting With The Commodore
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Risa Scott,
WSA-OC Commodore |
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Ahoy! Another beautiful day in Southern California and I am hearing about so many of you that have been taking to the waters and enjoying racing, cruising, whale watching and all of the beauty of nature that surrounds us!
Many of our members are getting ready for the upcoming Newport to Ensenada race April 28-29. With almost 180 boats currently registered, it should be a fun and competitive race. We have quite a few of our members participating, including Owen Provence, Debbie Kraemer, Loryne Schamber, Tracey Brown on
Moonlight Lady
and Terri Manok and Denise Eldredge on
Pole Dancer
competing in the All-Female class. Brenda Highley will also be competing in the Double-Handed class on
Mañana
, as well as Stephen Ashley, Risa Scott and Doug Green on
Onde Amo
and Charles Buckner on
Cabernet Sky,
Barbara Sanford, Vicki Sweet, Patti Diener and Sue Griesbach on
SolMate
and Wendy Childs on
Marisol.
(
My apologies if I missed anyone else who might be participating
). I wish everyone a safe and fun sail to Ensenada and lots of memories and good stories to share upon your return!
We had a powerful presentation at our last General Meeting by Kurt Lieber, President and Founder of Ocean Defenders Alliance showed us how desperately our oceans need our help to stop the destructive pollution, overfishing and poaching. One of the easiest ways we can help is to reduce our use of plastics and help to remove garbage from our shared environments, both on- and off-the water. To encourage this practice, WSA-OC has launched a campaign to pick up trash wherever you find it and relocate it to a suitable disposal location. Look for additional information in this newsletter and on our website.
Please come out and join us as we take to the waters once again in the electric Duffy Boats on April 22nd
, as we host our Progressive Lunch. Last year's Duffy Scavenger Hunt was a blast and this year promises to be even more fun! Bring a friend or two and share the
camaraderie
of our group! We have a limited number of spaces, so sign up on the website NOW! We also will be having a Member Appreciation Event in May, so look for additional information to come!
Continue to share the sailing and racing opportunities, as well as educational opportunities at WSA-OC with your friends. Our membership continues to grow, as we currently have 126 members! We offer something for all levels of boaters, especially networking and fun with other women and men who love the water!
I look forward to seeing all of you on or near the water soon!
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Saving the Oceans One Piece of
Trash at a Time
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The first half of the meeting was comprised of club
announcements. The primary one, made by Commodore Risa Scott, was that the vote on the addition of a 'Code of Conduct' section to our by-laws needed to be postponed. Unfortunately the draft copies were left at home and therefore unable to be viewed and voted on. The vote was tabled until the May general meeting.
After all of the announcements and business was completed, Melanie Green, Vice Commodore, introduced our
featured speaker, Captain Kurt Lieber, Founder and President of Ocean Defenders Alliance; a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is headquartered in Huntington Beach. ODA eliminates dangerous man-made debris that poses serious threats to ocean wildlife and habitats.
Kurt's presentation centered around a short film, he created, in which he describes what was happening in the frame. Kurt became interested in taking care of the earth's greatest resource, water, when he was a young boy growing up in Cleveland, Ohio. He remembers when the Cuyahoga River caught fire due to all of the pollution from the surrounding factories. It got him thinking about all of the fish and other aquatic life that died or became very sick. As soon as he could, he came to California and the Pacific Ocean to make a difference. And what a difference he and ODA have made! Since it's founding 17 years ago ODA has:
- Removed 22,480 pounds of net
- Recovered more than 34,000 feet of line
- Hauled out 25,825 pounds of hazardous debris
- Given hundreds of educational presentations
- Received a donation from animal activist Bob Barker that allowed them to purchase updated equipment necessary to conduct their business
- Mr. Barker's LegaSea, a 55 foot CrisCraft
- Underwater scooters
- Received a permit (only one of two) to clean up marine protected areas and sanctuaries.
ODA's mission, "working toward clean, healthy marine ecosystems through documentation, education and meaningful action," is a mission we, as sailors can relate to and get behind.
There is over 600,000 tons of abandoned gear littering the ocean and the majority of of the man-made items are toxic and not suitable for an artificial habitat. Removing man-made pollutants and trash is the primary goal of ODA. Considering the exorbitant amount that is currently in our oceans and more being deposited everyday, it's a daunting task, but one we can tackle if we do it together. It's small grassroots groups such as, ODA, WSA-OC and the Ocean Awareness Challenge, not large corporations or government agencies that are leading the charge and making a difference.
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Earth Day Duffy Boat Fun - Sign Up Now
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In honor of Earth Day, Saturday,
April 22nd, our April on-the-water event will embody the spirit of the day in conjunction of this worldwide event - support for environmental protection. We invite you to join us on Earth Day
from 11:00 a.m. to 2pm for a 'Duffy Boat Progressive Lunch Cruise' through Newport Harbor.
We will Duffy our way to our first location for cocktails and appetizers then cruise to a second location for lunch. We'll then convene at a third spot where dessert will be served aboard the Duffy Boats.
A required pre-registration payment of $25 will secure your spot in the event. Food and drinks are on your own, but WSA-OC will provide dessert.
Non-members are also welcome at this event, pre-register for $35 to secure your spot. If you decide to join WSA-OC your additional $10 event fee will be applied to your $75 new member dues.
We have reserved four Duffy boats and three are already filled! We will NOT be adding addtional boats once the four are filled. This is so our group is not too large to accomodate seating at the various venues we will be visiting. We will, however, have a waiting list.
We had so much fun on the Duffy Boats last year, make sure you sign up early so you don't miss out on the fun this year!
And don't worry, an Earth Day event will be involved, not just eating and drinking.
All pre-registered participants will receive an email with additional information, such as where to park, meet, etc. We hope to see some new faces, old friends and hopefully gain some new members!
#EarthDayEveryDay #WSAOCCelebratesEarthDay
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WSA-OC Earth Day Photo Contest
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Earth Day Challenge Photo Contest
In celebration of Earth Day April 22nd we are launching a contest to promote environmental awareness. Please join us as we help to restore Mother Earth and earn your chance to win a fabulous prize!
Contest Details:
- Submit photos* of yourself in "action" being stewards of our environment on land or at sea.
- Examples: picking up trash while on a hike, collecting balloons while sailing, taking e-waste to a recycle center. Get creative!
- Submit your photos via:
- Email to info@wsaoc.org
- Instagram using the hashtag #WSAOCCelebratesEarthDay
- Each photo entry will receive one (1) raffle ticket
- You may enter multiple photos. The more you enter, the cleaner the environment becomes!
- Contest Timeframe: April 4 - August 31, 2017
- Please only submit photos you've taken during this timeframe
- One lucky winner will be chosen at random from all entries received at our Tuesday, September 5th meeting
- The prize? A Fabulous gift valued at $100!!!
Everyone can't win the prize, but It's a win-win for everyone, especially the earth! We look forward to seeing your photos and remember everyday is Earth Day.
*By submitting photos you are granting WSA-OC permission to repost and/or use in promotional materials. If used, you will receive proper credit.
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Empowering & Empowered Women Sailors
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Come hear the dynamic, empowering, deeply personal story of our
primary speaker
Leslie Johansen Nack. She is the author of Fourteen: A Daughter's Memoir of Adventure, Sailing, and Survival.
Leslie will be sharing her coming-of-age adventure when, at the age of 14, she and her two sisters had to batten down the hatches on their 45-foot sailboat to navigate the Pacific Ocean along with their father. And how at a young formative age, she comes into her own power and strength against all odds in a dysfunctional family having the adventure of a lifetime. Young Leslie embraces the sailing experience and turns it into a growth and maturation process, finding both beauty and spiritual solace in the natural world. You will be inspired by Leslie's courage and fight and be amazed at all she encounters and overcomes.
In addition to the presentation by Leslie Johansen Nack, we will also be voting on a 'Code of Conduct' addendum to our by-laws. We apologize for not being able to vote on this last month, as was originally planned. Someone, who shall remain nameless, forgot to bring draft copies for review. Members, look for an email with the updated draft
addendum for your review.
Tuesday, May 2nd
6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Happy Half Hour
7:00 - 7:45 p.m. New Business & Announcements
7:45 - 9:00 p.m.
Empowering & Empowered Women Sailors
24707 Dana Drive
Dana Point, 92629
949.493.9493
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| OAC Scholarship Recipients Attend Camp |
As most of you are aware, one of the WSA-OC's biggest accomplishments in 2016 was the development and launch of the Ocean Awareness Challenge event. Due to the enormous success of the inaugural event last September, the OAC has recently become it's own 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, separate from WSA-OC. However, we have one last detail to share with you - the icing on the cake, the purpose of the donations and fundraising from all of you - the recipients of the scholarship funds attended the Mountain and Sea Educational Adventures camp last month!
Sixty-three seventh grade students from Washington STEAM Magnet Academy in Pasadena, Ca attended MSA's Outdoor Science School March 13th - 15th. In addition to the students, three members of the OAC planning committee and WSA-OC members sailed over to Catalina Island's Emerald Bay to welcome the students as well as share and participate in their three-day camp experience.
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Cindy Hartman and Patsee Ober waiting on the students at the MSA camp in Emerald Bay.
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By sponsoring these students you allowed them to have an experience they may not have ever had the opportunity to enjoy. They were also able to get out of the classroom and spend some time away from home and city living, away from everyday distractions of cell phones, TV, computer games, iPads, etc.
"Thank you so much for the sponsored trip to camp! I experienced one of the best weeks of my life in Catalina. Hiking, snorkling [sic], swimming, kayaking, and spending time with my friends. I'd just like to say how amazingly cool it was for you to have our school. We don't get many experiences like that ... This trip I doubted I'd make any new friends, but I actually made a few awesome friendships (notice the plural) and the whole trip helped boost my confidence a helluva ton. All the excersizes [sic] were amazing, and I can't remember being bored once. I love being outdoors, and my parents are way too busy to take me to some of my favorite places like the beach and the forest, so I was so happy to by in my natural habitat away from all the stress and anxiety of school."
Thankz youz SO much,
Ella Uriu, Washington STEAM Magnet Academy
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WSA-OC member and OAC founder, Captain Susie Campbell (back row 3rd from right) with some of the 7th grade students from Washington STEAM Magnet Academy at the MSA camp in Emerald Bay
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As you can see from a portion of Ella's thank you note, all of your time and donations made a difference in her life and based on the thank you notes from the other 62 students, in their lives as well. Well done everyone!
If you wish to continue to make a difference in lives put Saturday, November 4th, 2017 in your calendar. That is the date of the 2nd Annual Ocean Awareness Challenge. This years event will take place at the Irvine Bowl in Laguna Beach. Stay tuned for additional information. Please take some time to explore the just launched OAC website.
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| Mark Your Calendars Now! Upcoming 2017 WSA-OC Events* |
WSA-OC and affiliate events* have been tentatively planned for all of 2017. More events and details will be added as planning continues and as the events get closer. For more information, view our
All Events page on the website where you will be able to read more detail about each upcoming event, as well as additional events that aren't listed below. As each event gets closer, more details will also be provided via the various WSA-OC online outlets. Questions? Email us at
events@wsaoc.
July 3rd ~ ~ 1st Start Transpac Social Sail
July 4th ~ ~ No General Meeting - Happy Independence Day!
September 17th ~ ~ Charity Regatta - OSeas Racing Team
October 3rd ~ ~ No General Meeting
*Subject to change
Black = meeting///Pink = on-the-water///Green = OSeas
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Affiliate Organization Events
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The following are affiliate events that we have been invited to participate and attend. Please be sure to visit their websites or click on the hyperlinks to view additional information. Remember when attending affiliate events you are doing so as a representative of WSA-OC.
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Aventura is resurrecting their Friday Night Races beginning May 5th and running through August 25th.
WSA-OC boat owners and/or members are welcome to participate in the weekly event. No experience required. Aventura will be open and serving drinks and light snacks in their clubhouse after each race, so come and mingle.
WSA-OC members are invited to attend Casino Royale on Friday, May 12th 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Tickets sell out quickly for this fun event. Get yours now!
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WSA-OC and LB WSA have made a reciprocal agreement to welcome members from each group to attend the others monthly meeting. There is no obligation to join the other organization. However, participation in club events is restricted to members only, unless otherwise specified.
The LB WSA group meets on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, 7:00 p.m. at Shoreline Yacht Club, in Long Beach.
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Captain Diane Berol Sailing Classes
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. Register for an upcoming class.
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Register now to attend the
Medical Emergencies at Sea seminar to be held at Long Beach Yacht Club; Saturday, May 6th 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Must pre-register $50, lunch included.
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Learn to sail aboard the SYC Sailing Foundation's Cal20 sailboats. They have classes for both beginner and advanced sailors as well as private lessons and charters.
Register now, they have sessions throughout the summer.
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| Your Board of Directors hard at work |
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WSA-OC is continuing to grow with new members every month! Thanks to all of you for being
WSA-OC ambassadors. Welcome to our newest members:
Jen Cook
Cheryl Gerrish
Nikki Schultz
Happy Sailing!
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Just In New WSA-OC Logo Merchandise
We have two new items in the store, a blue baseball hat and fleece rollup blanket with carrying handle. Both items feature an embroidered WSA-OC logo and cost $20. Visit the
Ship Store
to purchase.
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Fleece blanket opened, as demoed by Kathy Dimeo
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Don't overlook our other items or the 'Clearance Corner,' where you can score a great deal for yourself or to give as a gift to someone special!
Add a WSA-OC Logo to Your Own Items
If you have personal [fabric] items that you would like to have the WSA-OC logo placed on we can do that too! The cost will depend upon number of items received, but will be between $10-$15 per item
, which is the cost of application.
For an additional $10 you can have your item personalized i.e. name, boat name, etc. (one line only).
We will receive and distribute your personal items at our general meetings. Your items will be sent out, for logo application, on a quarterly basis.
The schedule is as follows:
Mtg. Bring - Mtg. Receive
Apr/May - June
Jul/Aug - Sep
Oct/Nov - Dec
Jan/Feb - Mar
Lastly, we would really like your input about new items you would like to see the Ship Store carry on a regular basis. Contact
Laura McCaleb or comment on our private
Facebook Group Page with your input or questions.
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August Meeting
Change of Venue
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We know it's only April, however we have a really special meeting planned for August. We're not ready to spoil it quite yet, but we do want to let you know that the meeting location has changed, so mark your calendars. Our meeting
will now be held in Newport Beach at the American Legion Yacht Club. The date, August 1st and time 7:00 p.m. remain the same.
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Bring Donations to
May Meeting
As mentioned previously we will be sponsoring
Beautiful You
for the 20 or so women housed at Laura's House during the month of May, in honor of Mother's Day.
Beautiful You
will consist of small goodie bags that will hold items such as: lip balm, nail polish, mascara, perfume samples, lotions, a piece of chocolate, etc.
We are requesting that members bring one or two of the above items (new in packaging only) to our May meeting to fill the
Beautiful You
goodie bags. Please contact our Philanthropy Chairperson,
Dee Carroll
for more information.
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Closed WSA-OC
Facebook Group
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Be Part of the Group
We have recently created a closed Facebook group; it is only for current WSA-OC members. This is a page in which you can easily interact with fellow members by developing a crew list, sharing information, photos, etc.
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Boats Needed!
We need boats and skippers for all of our 2017 on-the-water events. Email us at
events@wsaoc.org if you would like to donate your boat for one or all of our events or if you have any questions.
Racing Opportunities
Spring and summer racing season is about to begin. Here is a small sampling of the almost daily races - held weekly - you can compete in throughout the season. Contact each yacht club for additional information.
~ Taco Tuesday ~
Begins Tuesday, May 16
~ Wet Wednesday ~
Begins Wednesday, May 3
~ Thirsty Thursdays ~
Begins Thursday, May 4
~ Friday Night Races ~
Begins Friday, May 5
ODA Blog Post
We'd like to offer a special thanks to Captain Kurt Lieber, Founder & President of Ocean Defenders Alliance for his blog post highlighting his speaking engagement at our April meeting on Tuesday the 4th, not Wednesday the 5th ;)
June Meeting Teaser
We will have a
Kick Off with Summer Fun themed meeting. Rumor has it an ice cream social will be involved!
WSA Regatta
Details coming soon, but mark your calendars now for the WSA Regatta in Dana Point on Saturday, August 26th.
Email us (info@wsaoc.org) if you have questions, comments,
information, photos or announcements.
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Informational Classes & Seminars
The
Dana West Yacht Club has invited WSA-OC members to participate in their University of Yachting classes.
Whether you're a salty skipper of the sea or testing the waters of boat ownership, we hope you'll attend one or more of these informative opportunities that complement every level of seamanship and are sure to set you sailing on a proper course!
The classes are free, except where indicated, and are meant to improve your all-around boating skills and knowledge as well as inspire you to visit new places.
Contact WSA-OC member and DWYC Fleet Captain, Tamara Tatich with any questions. Thank you Tamara and Dana West Yacht Club for offering this wonderful opportunity to our members!
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2017 WSA-OC
Board of Directors
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WSA-OC
Commodore
Risa Scott
Vice Commodore
Melanie Green
Rear Commodore
Karen Pacella
Treasurer
Wayne Wallace
Secretary
Brenda Highley
Membership Director
Cheryl Case
Directors
Kathleen Brown
Gabi Schwaiger
Jr. Staff Commodore
Valerie Rhodes
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Newsletter Editor
Tracy Gallucci
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