WSA-OC The Whistle
July/August  2017
Chatting With The Commodore
Risa Scott,
WSA-OC Commodore
We made it halfway through the year!  Only 154 more days until Christmas!  I usually am not as eager about Christmas as some, but I am already kind of tired of the heat, and cooler weather sounds a bit appealing.  Maybe it is because I just returned from Hawaii and am REALLY over humidity...
As many of you know, I was in Hawaii to greet my fiancée Stephen Ashley and the rest of the crew sailing on Onde Amo, as well as fellow WSA-OC members, Bill McNamara and Charles Buckner when they arrived on their respective boats.  I was able to see all of the race starts and they went off without a hitch (well, there was that one boat 'over early'...).  I then spent 14 days of obsessive monitoring of the YB Tracker, as well as our own Garmin Tracker; comparing, cheering, praying for more wind, begging, cheering some more, editing the blogs, etc., until the arrival of Onde Amo.   I was not alone in my wait.  I think Onde Amo had the largest fan club in Honolulu!  There was a sea of teal (32 people in all during the week) and loud cheering voices!  I knew it would be emotional, but I didn't realize how much!  Tears streamed down my face as I realized that for Stephen, it was the end of a 'bucket list' dream and two years of planning.  For everyone involved, it was a trip (13 days, 53 minutes) that will be remembered forever!  Onde Amo and La Sirena (with Bill McNamara on crew) both placed 3rd in their respective classes - not bad for first time entries!  Charles Buckner and his crew decided to take full advantage of the experience and completed it in 15 days, 19 hours. 
It was fun to see other WSA-OC members in Honolulu, including: Karen Campbell, Jen Bopp, Kathy Dimeo, Patti Day, Debbie Kraemer, Owen Provence, as well as Stephen Ashley, Bill McNamara and Charles Buckner.  We tried to get a picture with everyone and our traveling burgee, but it didn't turn out... ☹ 
As I write this, the boat is once again provisioned and fueled up and ready for its return voyage - "TransBack" to Long Beach.  They sat out a few extra days waiting for the tropical depression to pass over them.  They anticipate 2-3 weeks of travel and the competent crew of four is able and ready and includes our own, Tracy Gallucci.  Keep them in your thoughts for a safe and uneventful passage.
I hope to see everyone at the joint meeting with ALYC in Newport Beach on August 10th where we will have the opportunity to preview the "Sense the Wind" documentary!  It will be amazing!  Also, MARK YOUR CALENDARS for our free (to current members) "Member Appreciation" meeting on September 5th!  We will be channeling our 'inner creative selves' for a 'nautical Paint Nite'!  Come and see what creativity lies inside you!  I personally didn't think I had an artistic bone in my body, but have done a couple of these Paint Nites and left feeling quite 'accomplished'.  Don't expect to see my work in any galleries, but they are good enough to warrant a 'place of honor' in my house!
Until we meet up again, enjoy your summer, both on and off-the-water!
August Meeting: Learn Not to Fear What You Cannot See
Sense the Wind
Blind Sailors Race Across Open Water

We have a very special, not-to-be-missed, meeting planned for August, that will be held in partnership with the American Legion Yacht Club in Newport Beach. The meeting will feature a filmmaker screening of the hour-long documentary film,  Sense the Windfollowed by a  Q&A with the Producer and Director, Christine Knowlton.

All across the globe, visually impaired sailors learn not to fear what they cannot see. They sail by feel: sensing the breeze on a cheek, the tension in the tiller, listening to the pattern of waves hitting the hull and sails luffing in the wind. 
 
Six years in the making, Sense the Wind follows the journey of four blind sailors as they train for and compete at the US Blind Nationals, various regattas and press towards the 2013 Blind Sailing Worlds, in Japan. The film was given a Humanitarian Award at the Socially Relevant Film Festival NY and has shown internationally in Tokyo, Gdansk, Moscow, Calgary, and continues across the US. 
 
Viewing Sense the Wind is a perfect lead-up to the joint WSA-OC/ALYC event that is held every October; the Sail for the Blind and Visually Impaired (SVI). There will be a 50/50 raffle benefiting the 2017 SVI and an opportunity to sign-up to be a volunteer.  

Meeting Details
Thursday, August 10th
6:00 - 6:30 p.m. - Social 1/2 Hour
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Program & Dinner
 
215 E. 15th Street,
Newport Beach, CA, 92663
949.673.5002 - Yacht Club Office
949.673.5070 - Guest Dock Reservations
  • The following will be available for purchase; 
    • A dinner buffet will be offered for $9 - CASH ONLY
    • Full bar - cash and credit accepted
  • Parking can be found on the street or at the Marina Park lot 
  • WSA-OC members are asked to enter through the front entrance only
Sailstice Day Recap
Proof of a fantastic day, smiles all around!  Photo: Gabi Schwaiger

June 24th  marked the 2017 Summer Sailstice, the day sailors celebrate sailing, featuring races, cruises and special sailing events all around the world. WSA-OC participated in the festivities with a seven-boat raft-up in Newport Harbor. The boats sailed from Newport Beach, Dana Point and Long Beach. 
 
We enjoyed yummy treats and beverages - of both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic variety. Many sea stories were shared as we partied in the summer anchorage in the upper turning basin. 
 
We learned a lot! Like you need really heavy anchors to hold such a big 7 boats in place, how to break up and reset a drifting raft-up, and how to exchange a starter fuse for the engine to start up again! We had a fabulous time and can't wait to do it all over again next year!  Big thanks to event organizer Gabi Schwaiger and to all our wonderful boat owners who participated!

To see more Summer Sailstice photos at our WSA-OC website click here

WSA-OC Regatta: A Learn to Race Invitational
 
The first WSA-OC Regatta, aka the Learn to Race Invitational, will take place on Saturday, September 9th at Shoreline Yacht Club aboard the SYC Sailing Foundation's fleet of Cal20's. Our regatta is especially geared toward our members who have previously participated in our Racing 101 on-the-water events, or those of you who have very limited racing experience, but wish to learn more. 
 
Our goal is for the novice racer to achieve the next level of racing by experiencing every aspect of a regatta from the Notice of Race (NOR), Sailing Instructions (SI), skipper's meeting, trophy presentation and the after-party, in a non-threatening, non-judgemental environment. 
 
There will be two races with a maximum of 24 participants. The cost will be $25 per member.  Sign-up now to secure your spot!  
 
September Meeting: Member Appreciation Night
For our September meeting, we will be returning to Aventura Sailing Association in Dana Point Harbor. However, that is about the only thing that will be the same. We will be converting the space into our very own art studio. 
CTCT-20170712_112629
WSA-OC will be hosting a complimentary (to current members) paint night in which we will be all be "taught" how to paint a picture on canvas. Everyone will be painting the same nautical-themed image ...  some more successfully than others (we have some actual artists in the group). However, it doesn't matter how well your painting turns out, it's all about having fun and enjoying a shared experience. 

This is our way of saying THANK YOU for being members of the Women's Sailing Association - Orange County! We hope to see you for this fun event - bonus points if you wear a beret!

Meeting Details

Tuesday, September 5th
6:30 - 7:00 p.m. -   New Business & Announcements
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. -  Paint Night (Bar will be open all evening to help conjure your creativity.

24707 Dana Drive
Dana Point, 92629
949-493-9493

Guests may attend with current members and pay $25 with cash, check or credit card at the door.

Catalina Rendezvous September 22nd - 24th
A WSA-OC group shot, above Two Harbors, from the 2016 Catalina Rendezvous. Photo: Kathleen Brown
Mark your calendar for the 2017 WSA-OC Catalina Rendezvous. We will depart from the SoCal mainland on Friday, September 22nd,  and set sail for the Isthmus on Catalina Island!  Once settled in on a mooring ball, we will enjoy dinner ashore. 
 
On Saturday the 23rd, we'll have a chance to explore the island, be it hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling or sailing. We won't even hold it against you if you decide to relax with a good book. Saturday evening, we will enjoy a group dinner.  We will sail back to our respective home ports, o n Sunday, the 24th,  but not before we share a delicious breakfast! 
 
Don't hesitate, sign up now to secure your spot! The cost of the three-day weekend is $75 and includes transportation to and from the island on one of our volunteered sailboats, onboard sleeping accommodations, a WSA-OC sponsored dinner and the priceless experience you'll have shared with your fellow WSA-OC members. More details will be will be forthcoming in the weeks ahead. 
 
As always, we couldn't do it without our boat owners - if you can take some of our fellow WSA-OC members on your boat to enjoy the island, please let us know at events@wsaoc.org

LAST CHANCE ~ WSA-OC Earth Day Photo Contest
Keep Those Photos of Trash Clean Up on Land & Sea Coming In!

Time is winding down to participate in our summer photo environmental photo challenge. If you haven't already, snap some photos of you taking care of the planet!

In celebration of Earth Day 2017, we launched a summer-long 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:
  1. 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!
  2. Submit your photos via:
    • Email to info@wsaoc.org  
    • Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #WSAOCCelebratesEarthDay 
  3. Each photo entry will receive one (1) raffle ticket
    • You may enter multiple photos. The more you enter, the cleaner the environment becomes!
  4. Contest Timeframe: April 4 - August 31, 2017
    • Please only submit photos you've taken during this timeframe
  5. One lucky winner will be chosen at random from all entries received at our Tuesday, September 5th meeting
  6. 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. We have a lot of submissions already with Dee Carroll in the lead. The more times you submit, the greater your chance of winning!

Questions: info@wsaoc.org

*By submitting photos, you are granting WSA-OC permission to repost and/or use in promotional materials. If used, you will receive proper credit.

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
  
Thursday, August 10th ~ General Meeting ***NEW VENUE/DAY/DATE***
August 20th  ~ ~  Sea Gals Sail  ( pre-registration required)
September 5th ~ ~ General Meeting/Member appreciation night
September 9th ~ ~ WSA-OC Regatta ( pre-registration required)
September 9th ~ ~ Sea Gals Sail (pre-registration required)
September 10th ~ ~ Sea Gals Sail (pre-registration required)
September 10th ~ ~   LEMWOD Practice ( pre-registration required)
September 17th ~ ~ Charity Regatta - OSeas Racing Team (pre-registration required)
September 22nd - 24th ~ ~ WSA-OC Catalina Weekend ( pre-registration required)
October 3rd ~ ~ No General Meeting
October 7th ~ ~ Sail for the Blind & Visually Impaired ( pre-registration required)
October 8th ~ ~ LEMWOD Practice (pre-registration required)
October 13th - 15th ~ ~   LEMWOD Regatta - OSeas 
October 28th ~ ~ Charity Regatta
November 3rd ~ ~ Full Moon Social Sail ( pre-registration required)
November 7th ~ ~ General Meeting
December 5th ~ ~ WSA-OC Holiday Party
 
*Subject to change 
 Black = meeting///Pink = on-the-water///Green = OSeas///Blue = partner event

Affiliate Organization Events
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. 

Save the Date: The second annual OAC event will take place in Laguna Beach on Saturday, November 4th.
  • Inspiring presentations by ocean experts
  • Showing of the film Humpback Whales
  • Music by Laguna's own Steve & Beth Wood
  • Happy hour, dinner and more
Click the link above for more information and to register.

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 Seal Beach Yacht Club, in Long Beach. 

The Oceanside YC is hosting their annual Charity Regatta benefitting Elizabeth Hospice. The Regatta will be held on Saturday and Sunday, August 5th & 6th. Read the  full details on their website or view the event flyer.

SCYA Summer Fling Fundraiser will be held on Saturday, August 12th at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club. Proceeds will benefit SCYA and RBOC. Click here for flyer. 
 
Welcome Aboard
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:
 
Mark Burnett
Valerie Fryer
Janet Seary
 
Happy Sailing!
Transpac 2017
Race Across the Pacific

For a small sailing organization, WSA-OC had three members compete in this year's race to Honolulu - Stephen Ashley, aboard his boat  Onde Amo, Charles Buckner on his boat Cabernet Sky and  Bill McNamara as part of the crew aboard La Sirena. They all started during the first start on July 3rd.

Newsletter editor Tracy Gallucci at the helm for "Transback" delivery

OSeas
Upcoming Racing Opportunities
Summer is in full swing - and so are the sailing opportunities!! In fact, it's no longer about WHAT to do, it's now become a WHICH ONE (OR TWO) WILL I DO?

Sea Gals has another event on August 20 - this is for a ny and all sailing levels - so be certain to take advantage of this great event. These events are on the Catalina 37's in Long Beach

In September - sooooo much to do:

Sea Gals - September 9 and 10 - any sailing level - on the Catalina 37's in Long Beach

WSA-OC is presenting our 1st regatta on September 9th! This is a great opportunity to sail on the Cal 20's at Shoreline Yacht Club in Long Beach in an actual regatta! 

The 2017 LEMWOD Team is nearly finalized - for those gals who are vying for a spot on this year's team, our next practice is Sunday, September 10 and then again on October 8.

So many great opportunities with so many wonderful people!

For more information, email me at oseas@wsaoc.org

See you on the water!
~ Karen
Member Spotlight
Get to Know ...

Kelli Flanagin
(Member since June 2017)
Kelli Flanagin

Kelli is new to WSA-OC, but not to sailing. She began sailing at 12-years-old in Marina del Rey and comes from a family of strong women sailors; her mom and aunts all sail. In fact, Kelli's mom headed up her Girl Scout troop "Black Prince," which was named after a sailboat. 

"My mother and stepdad spent many years living and sailing all around Mexico, before they took off for Australia. She has inspired me to be adventurous and fearless in living my life to the fullest."

Kelli's aunt Randa is in foreground, mom Barbara is 2nd from right,  Kelli in the middle, aunt Mary to her left and cousin Lisa in back.

The WSA-OC Summer Sailstice raft-up was Kelli's first event she attended as a member. What made it even more special; her mom and stepdad organized a Sailstice Day event for their yacht club, Yaquina Bay in Oregon, where they provided free sailboat rides to 99 people.

Kelli discovered WSA-OC from her friend Marie March  at a sailing class, and shortly after, Marie purchased her first sailboat and "we have been sailing ever since." 

"I attended the 2016 WSA Holiday party and enjoyed a great night of fun, meeting other sailing ladies and wanted to become involved."

"I owned my own 27' Catalina for three years and sold it a couple of months ago. My hope in joining this group is to continue sailing and learn more. The sisterhood is also important to me and the love of sailing we all share." 

Welcome Kelli!!!!
Ship Store
 WSA-OC  Logo Merchandise  Available
 
Visit our Ship Store to stock up on your WSA-OC logo merchandise.
We would 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.
We Want You!
2018 WSA-OC Board of Director Openings

Before you know it November will be here, along with the need to elect the 2018 WSA-OC Board of Directors. Several current board members will be stepping down at the end of 2017. We are asking you to consider running for and/or volunteering for positions on our Board of Directors. The positions that will definitely be open are (others may open up):
  • Treasurer
  • Events Director
  • Rear Commodore
Closed WSA-OC
Facebook Group 
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. It is also a great place to look for racing or cruising opportunities. 
Quick Links
2017 WSA-OC
Board of Directors
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

Photo of the Month
WSA-OC members working together to secure the boats during our 2017 Sailstice Day raft-up in Newport Harbor. 
Photo: Gabi Schwaiger
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 P.O. Box 937 
Dana Point, CA 92629