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Chatting With The Commodore
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| Risa Scott WSA-OC Commodore |
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Welcome to November! The last couple of months have been full of learning opportunities, some easier to learn than others. The biggest one for me is to always practice gratitude and kindness. After all of the tragedy and disaster that has beset, not only our mainland states hit by Harvey, Irma and Maria, but also Puerto Rico and many favorite island destinations. As September faded away, more than twenty-five precious SoCal lives were cut short and many more were dramatically changed forever by a single madman in Las Vegas. Shortly after, hot weather, low humidity and fast moving winds destroyed lives and livelihoods of many Californians, both in Northern California wine country, as well as in our own backyards of Orange County.
Unfortunately, we know that tragedy doesn't discriminate. It can affect any of us and has. I have been struggling on how to help or what can I do, or what could I have done. I saw so many people working together to help neighbors and strangers, both near and far. Many offers of help came to me as the recent fires off the 91 freeway got very close to our home. We packed up and prepared to evacuate, but fortunately for us, the call never came.
November is often a time we practice 'thanks-giving', but we need to 'live' it ALL the time! Be gracious and grateful and always be kind to others. With my Commodore year drawing to a close, I want to encourage you to help others wherever you find yourself or can help with resources. Nothing is too small, as sometimes, often just a smile can help someone in need. This doesn't just mean during tragedies, but wherever, whenever. Step up and offer a helping hand...volunteer your services... share the load with others that need to offload some of theirs...be kind to others.
This could also mean contributions to your own WSA-OC organization, contributions of time and dedication. We will ask you to vote for the 2018 Officers and Board of Directors at the November 7
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meeting. Whoever gets elected, offer them your support and encouragement and REMEMBER, everyone is a volunteer! Offer to help out on a Committee, clean up after a meeting, help welcome new members.... GET INVOLVED! Also, as an organization, your Board of Directors have decided to support an organization that aligns with our mission in helping others within the sailing community. SailorsHelping.org is a volunteer organization coordinating sailors from all over to help rebuild Puerto Rico and neighboring island communities. WSA-OC will be conducting some fundraising efforts through the end of the year to support their efforts.
On a lighter note, get out and participate in the upcoming Moonlight Sail or the Ocean Awareness Challenge. Come to our next General Meeting on November 7
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and hear from our own fine sailors who participated in TransPac and 'TransBack'. I hope to see you soon!
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Let's Vote & Head to Hawaii in November
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Join us on Tuesday, November 7th for our final general meeting of 2017.
The primary item on the agenda will be the election of the 2018 WSA-OC Board of Directors. We will also have the program Tales of Transpac presented by WSA-OC members Stephen Ashley, Charles Buckner, Tracy Gallucci and Bill McNamara. They will be presenting and answering questions about their experiences during the Transpac race and the "Transback" delivery.
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| The Transpac 2017 flag flying proudly aboard Onde Amo. Photo: Tracy Gallucci |
We have several openings on the BoD and are asking you to consider helping out in any of the positions. The more people that volunteer and provide assistance, the better it is for the entire organization. We have grown so much since our relaunch in January 2015 and we want to ensure that our progress continues by constantly sailing forward; none of which can happen without YOU!
Some of the positions that may be available or in need of additional assistance in 2018 are: Rear Commodore, Treasurer, Secretary, Membership, Program/Meeting Coordin
ator, Events Coordinator, Philanthropy, Sailing & Racing Opportunities, Ship Store, Snacktician, Communications, Social Networking/Publicity, Newsletter, Photographer, Marketing and Website Manager. If you see an area where you would like to help out or get involved, please contact us at [email protected] for additional information.
You need to be present at the meeting to vote for the 2018 WSA-OC Board of Directors.
Tuesday, November 7th
6:30 - 7:00 p.m. -
Happy Half Hour
7:00
- 7:30 p.m. - BoD Election, New Business & Announcements
7:30 - 9:00 p.m. -
Tales of Transpac
24707 Dana Drive
Dana Point, 92629
949-493-9493
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Come join us for our last official on-the-water event of 2017 a Full Moon Social Sail, on Friday, November 3rd.
Start your weekend off on the right foot and join us for an amazing nighttime sail, illuminated by a full moon.
 We will have a group meet-up at 6:30 p.m. for boat assignments (location TBD, so keep an eye on your inbox). We will then head out to sea for this beautiful sight and enjoy the camaraderie of our WSA-OC family. If you want to reserve your spot, for this activity, sign-up now for only $25! Pre-registration and a current WSA-OC membership is required to attend. Spots are extremely limited, be sure to sign-up now, before this fun event fills up!
Snacks and hot chocolate will be provided. Remember to dress accordingly, as it will likely be 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!
Boat Owners
: boats are needed for this event. Contact
Gabi Schwaiger
, if you would like to participate.
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What an amazing 2017 SVI event we had! Along with our good friends at the American Legion Yacht Club and Post 291 we hosted approximately 150 visually impaired guests and their companions who spent a lovely sunny filled day cruising the calm blue waters in Newport Harbor on 29 boats with enthusiastic skippers and crew entertaining them.
We could not have pulled off such a successful event had we not had the amazing support of so many WSA-OC members. We had so many WSA-OC ROCKSTARS to help throughout the event: registration, as guide dog whispers in the doggy day care area, food servers, table hosts, raffle ticket sales, photography, guest escorts, and boat skippers and crew.
Click here for photos from event.
Special kudos to our team leaders who spent the last four months planning all of the event logistics. You all were so outgoing and did whatever was asked with smiles and enthusiasm. Some of you arrived in the wee hours of the morning and some of you stayed until the last guest went home. Some of you jumped on boats last minute to crew and arrived back to land beaming with joy! Some of you are new to WSA-OC and it was your first event! There are too many of you to name individually, but you know who you are and I can't thank you enough for all your support!
Additionally, I'd like to share with you a thank you letter we received from the EYE-DAS Foundation.
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| Click to enlarge letter |
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Our truly inspiring guests had an amazing day and I equally hope you did too!
With much appreciation for your generous time and resources. THANK YOU WHOLEHEARTEDLY!
Sincerely,
Melanie Gillett Green
Vice Commodore, WSA-OC
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WSA-OSeas Participate in LEMWOD for 3rd Year
Under the excellent helmsmanship of skipper Terri Manok, the WSA-OSeas had a blast competing in their 3rd LEMWOD competition. The LEMWOD race is a physically demanding 3-day event with a full day of practice on Friday and 2 long days of racing on Saturday and Sunday. The race takes place on the Catalina 37 one-design boats owned by LBYC's Sailing Foundation. Because the boats are identical, the race is won and lost based upon the skill of the team. The races are all windward/leeward races which means spinnaker up/spinnaker down. Over and over again. It's exhausting and a lot of fun.
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2017 OSeas Team - Image by Tracy St. John
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Next year's LEMWOD team will be selected from those who have participated in OSeas racing events throughout the year. Criteria for selection will be communicated in the coming months by the incoming Race Chair after the 2018 board is elected.
What a year it's been! And to think, it's not over yet. There are still races to race and events to participate in. Our calendars have been full - sometimes, so full, we weren't sure what event we were going to choose! What an amazing problem to have.
I'm feeling particularly blessed this year, as our WSA-OC group has provided us with so many fabulous experiences. If you're a racer, then you, no doubt, had a blast this year as well. If you're looking to learn to race, the Cal 20 Regatta was an amazing venue to do just that! If you missed it, don't worry, an event like that, can't help but be repeated! Big thanks to those who have coached and/or provided their boat for racing opportunities for our team including Jim Treydte, Stephen Ashley and Wayne Wallace.
Over these last two years, I've been honored to serve as your Race / Sailing Opportunities Chair. Who knew the fun I was going to have and the wonderful people I was going to meet? However, it's time to for someone new to take over this great position. I'll be moving to another area of our WSA-OC's activity Chair positions. My love of rounding the marks is still alive and well - so don't be surprised if you see me on your boat next year!
However, my job isn't over yet - I'm still planning on enjoying every moment of the remainder of this year.
See you all on the water! - Karen Pacella, Rear Commodore/Race Chair
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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.
2018
January 9th
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General Meeting
*Subject to change
Black = meeting///Pink = on-the-water///Green = OSeas///Orange = partner event
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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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How would you like to have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact in two areas that are crucial to the future of our planet: educating our youth and taking care of our oceans? R
eview this
flyer
to find out more about the 2017 Ocean Awareness Challenge.
By
registering for this event, you'll be helping to send underprivileged kids to Marine Science Camp on Catalina Island.
Last year OAC gave 65 kids an experience of a lifetime at the camp.
Hopefully you'll be able to attend Ocean Awareness Challenge and help us teach the next generation the importance of taking care of our oceans!
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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 Seal Beach Yacht Club, in Long Beach.
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Save the date for the Sailing Convention for Women presented by Gail Hine, formerly known as the Women's Sailing Convention. The name may be new, but the format and location remain the same.
Saturday, February 3, 2018
Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club
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US Sailing is offering
a two-day Advanced Race Management Seminar December 2 - 3 at Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club. View the flyer for info.
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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:
Katie (KT) Reiter
Jennifer Hite
Happy Sailing!
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Renew or Join Now! Reduced Rates!
Limited Time Offer!
Now through December 5th (our Holiday Party), you can purchase a 2018 WSA-OC membership at a reduced rate.
New members join for $85, which includes the 4th quarter of 2017 and all of 2018. After December 5th. the cost will be $75.
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Save the Date!
Additional details will be available in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to our regular sites for info.
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Holiday Donations
Hurricane Relief
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'Tis the Season
We will be collecting donations for the boating community(s) that have been decimated by all of the hurricanes that have ravaged the Southeastern U.S. and the Caribbean.
Additional details, such as the organization chosen and type of things needed, will be coming soon.
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WSA-OC
Logo Merchandise
Available
We will be taking pre-orders for a women's mid-weight jacket in cobalt blue at our November meeting and will be distributed at our Holiday Party. The jacket will be embroidered with the WSA-OC logo for $40 and for an additional $l10 you can personalize your jacket with your name.
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.
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Closed WSA-OC
Facebook Group
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Be Part of the Group
We have 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.
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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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