WSA-OC The Whistle
October 2018
Chatting With The Commodore
Melanie Green,
WSA-OC Commodore
Trick or Treat! I admit I have a little love hate relationship with this time of year. I am a die-hard warm weather, sun loving native California girl and wish summer could last forever. Then on the other hand the light chill in the air recently has me breaking out my favorite scarves, boots and sailing jackets. The Halloween candy has begun appearing in force at my office and I confess can't keep my hand out of that darn candy jar! Perhaps I'm caving in and falling in like with Fall after all. And it's hard not to love all the seasonal festivities that are soon to follow!

I just love how we have officially made October Community Service month by giving back to our community. One can make a big impact with such minimal effort. For instance, during our first Coastal Cleanup Day we gathered an impressive 83.5 pounds of trash in just over one hour ... talk about instantly feeling good! We have one more great opportunity for you to jump on board the "S/V Feel Good." Come on out for our partnered event with Anchors Away Youth Sailing for their annual regatta on Sunday, October 21. We are still in need of boats, skippers and land crew to provide an afternoon of fun and learning some very deserving kids will never forget.  

In November our activities continue with our last social sail of the year on Saturday, November 3rd.  You won't want to miss  Brunch on Board cruising Dana Point shores so be sure to sign up soon. Our general Meeting on Tuesday, November 6th kicks off with a terrific speaker from NOAA, helping us to decide  Weather to Sail or Weather to Wait, continuing our efforts of supporting safety on the water. Our grand finale meeting will also include the election of our 2019 Board of Officers so be sure to come out and show your support!

And let's not forget our dedicated OSeas Racing Team participating in the LEMWOD Charity Regatta this coming weekend in Long Beach. Go OSeas!

Sails Up!

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Anchor's Away Youth Sailing Regatta & Barbecue
Since the 2018 Sail for the Visually Impaired (SVI) has been postponed, we had an opening on our community service calendar that we were anxious to fill! You know the saying, 'when one door closes, another opens?' Well it couldn't be more appropriate! We are happy to announce we have once again partnered with Anchor's Away Youth Sailing for their annual Regatta & Barbecue.

AAYS was launched almost 20 years ago by members KC Matlock and Susie Campbell and has been managed for the last several years by Midge Patrick. AAYS takes local youth, who are living in the Orange County foster care system, sailing on a monthly basis with volunteer skippers, crews and boats ensuring fun and safety for all participants. Every year AAYS holds a fun regatta and barbecue for the kids. This is where you come in ... we need your help on the day of the regatta and barbecue!

We are looking for volunteers to:
+ Donate & Skipper Boats
+ Serve as First Mate or Crew Safety Monitor
+ Land Crew including: 
~ BBQ-Master
~ Donations of Desserts or Easy Appetizers (Chips/Dips/Veggies)
~ Early Riser to Secure Picnic Space
~ People to help with fun activities (tug-of-war, frisbee, 3-legged races, guitars, etc.)
+ Friendly Dogs Welcome
+ Family/Friends of WSA-OC Members Welcome to Attend - must be pre-registered

The event will take place in Dana Point on Sunday, October 21st, but due to privacy, concerns, we are limiting specific time and location info to those who sign up in advance by contacting our Community Service Coordinator, Laura McCaleb.

Those of you who've participated in the past know this is a very rewarding event for the volunteers and an empowering one for the participants. Contact Laura to volunteer and to receive specific event information.

EVERYONE WHO ATTENDS THIS EVENT MUST SIGN UP IN ADVANCE. There is no fee to participate and member guests are invited to join us.

Brunch on Board
Join us for our last on-the-water event of 2018, Brunch on Board! We will meet in front of Harpoon Henry's, in Dana Point Harbor, on Saturday November 3rd at 11:30am for boat assignment and group pictures. 

We'll depart from the slips around noon for an afternoon of sailing while enjoying a WSA-OC sponsored brunch - feel free to bring additional snacks and/or drinks. Hopefully we'll see some gray whales as they migrate to the lagoons of Mexico to give birth or the visiting orcas! We'll return to the slips around 3:30 or 4:00 p.m. 

We will follow-up our on-the-water adventures by meeting for appetizers and story time at El Torito around 4:00 p.m. Even if you can't make the Brunch on Board event, please feel free to join us! Sign up now, to join in the fun! 

Very limited space remains! Three of the four boats are now full. We will be able to accommodate more members, if we can have more boats sign up to participate. 

⛵️ Saturday, November 3rd
⛵️ 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. "Brunch on Board"
⛵️ $25 Members Only Event
⛵️ Dana Point Harbor (in front of Harpoon Henry's)

Next Meeting: November 6th
Nov 2018. TWG

PLEASE NOTE: To accommodate our guest speaker the timeline for this meeting has been changed. Our speaker will begin promptly at 7:15 p.m. 

Our November guest speaker will be Alex Tardy, Warning Coordination Meteorologist from the National Weather Service.

Remember, safety first! Weather plays a huge part in safety on the water. During this meeting we'll learn how to check the weather prior to setting sail on a multi-day adventure or just for the day to determine whether to go or whether it's best to wait for a better weather window. We'll also learn how to monitor weather while on an adventure to ensure the safest outcome.  All of this is designed to help you decide Weather to Sail or Weather to Wait .

It is also WSA-OC Election Night. Come vote-in our next Board of Directors! We will also be offering sign ups for our various committee positions. This is a great time to get involved and we need your support! Let us know if you'd like to be on the ballot for the 2019 BoD.

⛵️ Tuesday, November 6th
⛵️ 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Social/Happy Hour
⛵️ 7:15 - 8:15 p.m. Weather to Sail or Weather to Wait  
⛵️ 8:15 - 9:00 p.m. New Business/Announcements - Election of 2019 BoD    
24707 Dana Drive
Dana Point, 92629
949.493.9493
⛵️ We will also have light refreshments, including beer and wine, available. A nominal donation of $3-$5 per person is requested to support the refreshment fund.
⛵️ Bring cash for our 50/50 raffle
⛵️ Meetings are open to all members, their guests and any member of the public interested in learning more about the WSA-OC.

Community Service, Rewarding & Satisfying
October is WSA-OC Community Service Month, which makes now the perfect time for you to make a commitment to help and give back to our community. While sailing is a big part of what we do, we are so much more than "just" a sailing club. Our members (you) have repeatedly stated you want WSA-OC to also be philanthropic. We heard you!  
WSA-OCoastal Cleanup 2018
Art Ambrose and Mike Gallucci collecting trash from along the breakwater in Dana Point Harbor during WSA-OCoastal Cleanup.
We have a newly formed Community Service committee headed by Laura McCaleb. She is in need of volunteers for our upcoming already scheduled events and people to help develop new programs and events. 

We have opportunities to assist with:
* Developing a scholarship fund for aspiring young sailors
* Supporting Balloons Blow and/or other environmental groups
* Planning Beach Cleanups
* Planning SVI 2019

And that's just what Laura has planned for starters. As you can see, she has a vision for the Community Service committee and that vision can only be achieved with your support! Contact Laura if you wish to be a part of this rewarding endeavor.

We Won't Apologize for Being Trashy
Our first WSA-OCoastal Cleanup was a weighty success! Thanks to 11 WSA-OC members for coming out on Saturday, October 6th to get trashy with us. They 
collected 83.5 (!!!) pounds or trash in just over an hour from around Dana Point Harbor. We collected beach chairs, shoes, cans, bottles, tons of single-use plastic items, and so much more.

We met at the Richard Henry Dana statue in Dana Point Harbor where we were greeted by our new logo feather flag. Teams were created and we were off; armed with gloves, trash bags and if we were lucky grabbers. 
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Proud trashy women!

The event just happened to take place on International Frugal Fun Day and Inter-American Water Day. Two "days" that gybed perfectly with our event. IFFD was first created in 1999 to promote a book. The idea is to participate in fun activities that cost $5 and under or free. IAWD was created in 1992 to raise awareness about the importance of water for health and sustainable development. Both events take place annually on the first Saturday in October.

After working up a sweat from trash collecting, we also worked up an appetite. We headed over to Dana West Yacht Club for drinks and lunch on the patio. The team that collected the most trash by weight and the largest item were treated to lunch on the commodore!  Special thanks to Melanie Green for organizing and Helen Hawkins, DWYC Staff Commodore for hosting us! 

The resounding sentiments heard from everyone who participated: "This was so much fun and it felt good to clean up the harbor we all love." "I feel so good and happy about what we accomplished!" Every team reported hearing numerous "Thank you for cleaning up!" and that along with our own self-satisfaction was all we needed.  Who wants to make this a regular event? Quarterly? Bi-annually? Annually? Let us know and be sure to check out the event photo album

Mark Your Calendars Now!
Upcoming 2018/2019 WSA-OC Events*
The following is an up-to-date list of WSA-OC and affiliate events* that we have planned for the remainder of 2018 and the beginning of 2019. More details will be added as planning continues and as the events get closer.  For more information, view our  All Events  page on the website. There, you will be able to read more detail about upcoming events, as well as additional events that aren't listed below. As each event gets closer, more details will also be provided via the WSA-OC social media accounts - Facebook and Instagram. 

All of our on-the-water events are for WSA-OC members only, unless noted otherwise. Cancellations will be assessed a $5.00 fee to cover our credit card fees. Cancellations made within 48 hours of event cannot be refunded. 

Questions? Email us at events@wsaoc.org
      
October 12th - 14th ~ ~ LEMWOD 
October 21st  ~ ~   Anchor's Away Youth Sailing Regatta
November 3rd ~ ~ Brunch on Board
December 4th ~ ~ Holiday Party
January 8th, 2019 ~ ~ General Meeting
February 2nd ~ ~ Sailing Convention for Women
March 5th ~ ~ General Meeting   


*Subject to change 
 Black = meeting | Pink = on-the-water | Green = OSeas | Orange = affiliate event | Purple = community service

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. 
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Mark your calendars now for two important dates:

December 10th 
~ Early bird registration opens $200
~ Registration fee will increase in January

February 9th 2019
~ Sailing Convention for Women at BCYC

The Catalina Island Conservancy is hosting its annual Catalina: Wild Side Art Show and Sale on Sunday, October 21st at Newport Harbor Yacht Club. The event showcases the art of 11 nationally recognized plein air artists who have traveled to Catalina Island to paint in the plein art style - painting the outdoors while working with natural light and outdoor elements.


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. 


There is a great opportunity to watch professional sailboat racing in San Diego October 18th - 21st, as they host the Extreme Sailing Series. 

There are both free and purchased events available to attend. Click the link above for additional information about the event.
2019 Membership Deals
Renew or Join Now! 
Reduced Rates! 
Limited Time Offer!

Can you believe it's already the fourth quarter? This means it's WSA-OC membership time! Now through December 4th you can purchase your WSA-OC 2019 membership at a reduced rate. 

Current 2018 members can renew for $60. Will increase to $70 December 5th.

New members (anyone who is not a current 2018 member) can join for $100. This includes the last quarter of 2018 and all of 2019.

WSA-OC membership is a great value with a good return on investment. The following is a brief snapshot of what we've offered in 2018:
⛵️ Had eight general meetings
⛵️ Had eight on-the-water events
⛵️ One Holiday Party
⛵️ Donated close to $3,000 to sailing related charity
⛵️ Collected and donated clothes to Working Wardrobes
⛵️ Have partnered with AAYS
⛵️ Have had two events focused on environmental cleanup
⛵️ Have a race team, OSeas
⛵️ Have an active members only Facebook group
⛵️ Created a committee dedicated to Community Service 

We hope you'll consider rejoining or joining WSA-OC for, a sure to be great, 2019! 
Ship Store
*** SALE ***
20% Off  All 
Ship Store Merchandise

Who doesn't love a sale? EVERYTHING in the Ship Store remains on sale through the end of the month.  Order online now to guarantee your purchase before it sells out! Items ordered now, can be picked up at our November meeting. Limited quantities remain!

Buy now , so you're outfitted for our next event or your walk around town! New merchandise will be available for purchase at our November meeting.

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The Ship Store is open 24/7. Our logo merch makes great gifts

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 embroidered on we can do that for you! 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). Contact us for info.
WSA-OSeas
Everyone is invited to attend the LEMWOD Party on Saturday, October 13th at the Long Beach Yacht Club. The event takes place poolside overlooking the harbor and the Catalina 37 race boats. This is a really fun event that includes dinner, a dj, raffle, dancing and a silent

Come out and show your support for our OSeas! Good luck team OSeas!
Save the Date
Holiday  Party  2018
Tuesday,  December 4th

Get ready to get your island holiday on at the WSA-OC Holiday Party! Plan your island attire now and get ready for fun, frivolity, friends, silent auction and more importantly, plan to be there!!! 
Details coming soon, but be sure it's on your calendar. You won't want to miss it and you definitely don't want a case of FOMO!
Miscellaneous
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⚓️ Our recently formed Community Service committee has their own email address: wsa.communityservice@gmail.com

⚓️ We have a new flag that you'll be seeing at our events. Not only will it help you find us in crowds, it's a great advertisement for our club.

⚓️ The Ocean Awareness Challenge is still going strong. In fact, it's about to go international. The OAC will begin as part of the Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally aboard  - OAC founder Susie Campbell's boat - Campbell's Sloop. This is only the beginning of their four-month sailing journey in which they will eventually end up in Acapulco, with many stops along the way where they will show the film Humpback Whales, promote ocean health, and emphasize the importance of marine protected areas.
sticker
This is the sticker that the OAC crew will be giving out while they are sailing in the Sea of Cortez. It says "Save the blue heart of our earth!" in Spanish.

⚓️ As we mentioned in the August edition of The Whistle, our webmaster, Cheryl Gerrish, has left on a yearlong sailing adventure; which leaves us with a very important  behind-the-scenes role to fill. Please, contact us if you have the skills to maintain, update and make changes to a WordPress based website.
Members Only
Facebook Group
Log In to Get the Scoop

One of the perks of WSA-OC membership is accessing the exclusive  content that can be found on our private, members-only, Facebook group page. The page is very dynamic with a lot of member interaction.

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Click on photo to link to group.

Any group member can start a post, add photos, comment, etc. It is a forum for both official WSA-OC announcements and informal content. Friends have literally been made, crew spots filled all thanks to the easy, open communication between  members. As we've said before, "The more you put into this group [WSA-OC], the more you'll get out of it!"
Quick Links
2018 WSA-OC
Board of Directors
WSA-OC 

Commodore
Melanie Green

Vice Commodore
Karen Pacella

Rear Commodore
Brenda Highley

Treasurer
Barbara Kelley

Secretary
Vallerie Gonzales

Membership Director
Cheryl Case

Communications Director
Valerie Rhodes

Jr. Staff Commodore
Risa Scott

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Newsletter Editor
Tracy Gallucci
Photo of the Month
Val2
Earlier this year WSA-OC Secretary Vallerie Gonzales attend the Woman's Sailing Camp held at the Houston Yacht Club in Houston, Texas. Thanks to USPS snafus and misplaced emails we are FINALLY able to share this great photo of camaraderie and goodwill! Pictured is Joanne Humphries, HYC Sailing Camp Coordinator with our burgee. 

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 P.O. Box 937 
Dana Point, CA 92629