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Chatting With The Commodore
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| Risa Scott WSA-OC Commodore |
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Before you know it, November will be here and along with it, the need to elect the 2018 WSA-OC Board of Directors. Several current Board Members will be stepping down at the end of 2017, including me. However, I'm not going far. I'll be assisting wherever needed!
We have several openings on the Board of Directors and are asking you to consider helping out in any of these positions. The more people that volunteer and assist, the better it is for the entire organization. We have grown so much since our relaunch in January 2015. We want to ensure that our progress continues by having our sails full and constantly moving forward; none of which could 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 Coordinator, 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 me or any Board Member for additional information.
After taking a road trip to Wyoming/Montana to view the solar eclipse and attend my class reunion, I returned just in time to attend the Member Appreciation Paint Nite in conjunction with our September meeting. The paint had barely dried on my 'masterpiece' when many of our members found themselves racing in the first ever WSA-OC Women's One Design Regatta with on the SYC Sailing Foundation's fleet of Cal 20's. Although a few went home with well-earned medals, everyone left a winner! Look for this to become an annual event!
With all of the natural disaster tragedies to strike in the last several weeks, it has been weighing heavily on my mind as to how I can help out with so many in need. As a Board, we discussed seeking ways we may help sailing communities in some of the areas hit hard by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. We realize that there are lots of scams going around and monies are not going where it is intended. As we hear of opportunities or as you may learn of organizations where we might be able to make a difference, please share with us, either by direct email or our Facebook page. Please keep these communities in your thoughts and prayers as it is envisioned they will have a very long recovery and rebuilding period before they can resume a 'new normal'.
PLEASE NOTE: NO OCTOBER MEETING!!
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Volunteers Needed: Join Us for Our Signature Event, SVI
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WSA-OC's annual signature event, Sail for the Blind and Visually Impaired, more commonly known as SVI, is in it's 28th year and it's only a few weeks away. The 2017 SVI will take place on
Saturday, October 7th at
the American Legion Yacht Club, who along with the Lion's Club, have partnered with us to put this event on.
For those of you that attended our August meeting at the ALYC, you know that that meeting was a fantastic kickoff for SVI 2017. During the meeting we, along with our partners, welcomed Christine Knowlton, the director of the documentary film Sense the Wind, for a viewing and Q & A session. The film followed the journey of four blind sailors as they trained and competed in sailboat races around the world. The OC Register covered the event.
As you know, the success of this wonderful event is the result of hundreds of hours of volunteer work by many organizations. We need volunteers from WSA-OC to assist in the registration, escorting the guests to their tables, selling raffle tickets, etc. Volunteers are able to work in shifts and are not necessarily required to commit to an all day attendance, unless you wish to do so. Additionally, we also need boats and skippers. Can't volunteer your time, but wish to help? Please consider making a 100% tax-deductible monetary donation.
Click here to read about the volunteer shift details and who to contact to volunteer and/or make a donation. This is a rewarding event for volunteers and participants alike and we hope you consider spending a few hours with us on Saturday, October 7th!
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Next Meeting ~ November 7th
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Reminder: we will not be having an October meeting, as we are gearing up for SVI.
Our next meeting will be in November. We will have our members presenting and answering questions about their experiences during the Transpac race and the "Transback" delivery. However, the most important aspect of the meeting will be electing our 2018 Board of Directors. You need to be present at the meeting to vote.
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| The Transpac 2017 flag flying proudly aboard Onde Amo. Photo: Tracy Gallucci |
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. - Presentation
24707 Dana Drive
Dana Point, 92629
949-493-9493
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September Meeting: Member Appreciation Night
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WSA-OC hosted a complimentary Paint Nite
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where everyone painted a sailboat seascape. Wow! Who knew painting a picture could be so much fun? We had a great turnout for our
Member Appreciation Paint Nite in lieu of our regular September meeting, and based on the feedback received, the activity was really appreciated.
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Toni Flores working through the break. Check out all of those unique skies.
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For those of you unfamiliar with Paint Nite, it's a grown up version of paint by numbers. Grown up, because wine/beer are encouraged to help conjure your creativity ... haha, nor do you have to follow the instructions to a 'T.' You can channel your inner Picasso, Pollack or Monet. It's all about camaraderie and artistic impression, whilst following along with our professional artist, Tammy, leading the group. Thanks Tammy!
For those of you unable to attend, Tammy offered us a 40% off future Paint Nite events when you use the coupon code TEAMOC when you purchase your tickets on their website. Check out the photo album from the event. As you can see (above and in the album),
each painting of the same scene, has a unique individual interpretation. The album also shows the original painting ours are based on.
We'd love
for everyone to upload a photo of their sailboat painting to the album. Don't be shy! 
Oh, and remember those "bonus points" mentioned? Well, no points were
actually awarded, but Wanda McCargar deserves special recogn
ition (apart from her stellar snacktician duties) for being the only one to wear a beret. Well done Wanda!
Is this an event we should repeat next year? What say you?
Email us or let us know on the
Group Page.
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Barbara Keeler, Susan Carlé and Lisa Pegan aboard Salty Lady.
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The
WSA-OC Regatta: A Learn to Race Invitational has come and gone and yet the enthusiasm still exists! Our first Women's One Design was held at Shoreline Harbor on August 9th in conjunction with the SYC Sailing Foundation and their fleet of Cal20's. Wayne Wallace put together this great event, which is a follow-up to the Racing 101 clinics he coordinated during the past two years.
After a racing clinic/chalk talk in the morning, skippers drew for crew and headed down to the water to rig the boats. Eighteen sailors filled six boats and took to the water to compete in two windward/leeward races. Medals were awarded to the first three places, but everyone went home a winner!
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| Our 1st Place team L-R: Brenda Highley, Gail Palmer and Debbie Kraemer |
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1st Place:
Skipper: Debbie Kraemer
Crew: Brenda Highley and Gail Palmer
2nd Place:
Skipper: Valerie Rhodes
Crew: Karen Campbell and Paige Shields
3rd Place:
Skipper: Loryne Schamber
Crew: Cheryl Beck and Jennifer Henning
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How to Participate on the Seas Racing Team & LEMWOD
 Here we go again! The OSeas have put together another LEMWOD team from our WSA-OC membership. As usual, we have a great group of dedicated women racers. There is only one formal practice remaining (Sunday, October 8th) which is MANDATORY for all team members. This year's regatta will take place October 13 - 15 at LBYC.
The following question has cropped up
over the past several months regarding the OSeas and the
LEMWOD team.
How do I get to be a part of the LEMWOD team?
The answer is quite simple really. Every year, we announce that we'll be looking to put together a team for LEMWOD. At that same time, we'll announce practice dates. THIS IS YOUR CLUE TO P-A-R-T-I-C-P-A-T-E! If you'd like to be considered for the LEMWOD team, you need to get out there and hit some practices. Give yourself enough practice opportunities to allow our coaches to actually assess your skills.
Click to read more about how you can be part of the OSeas Race Team.
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WSA-OC Earth Day Photo Contest Winner
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Every Day is Earth Day!
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| Commodore Risa Scott presenting Dee Carroll with her Earth Day photo challenge prize. |
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Thanks to everyone who participated in our summer long Earth Day photo contest! We put all of the participants names - one time for each submission - in a hat during a Board of Directors meeting and Dee Carroll was the lucky one whose name was drawn.
Dee was awarded a prize totaling $100, which included her WSA-OC 2018 membership renewal and an Amazon gift card, because who doesn't love an Amazon gift card?
Congratulations Dee!
Check out the gallery of the submitted photos on our website or on Instagram via the hashtag #WSAOCCelebratesEarthDay.
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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.
October 3rd ~ ~ NO GENERAL MEETING
*Subject to change
Black = meeting///Pink = on-the-water///Green = OSeas///Blue = 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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Westwind Sailing is offering WSA-OC members 20% off of their Women's Sailing Courses.
Level 1A: boating safety, rigging and skills development
Level 1B: broadens skills and development learned in 1A classes.
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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:
Kathie Ohmer Arnold
Steven Falberg
Jane Guild
Danielle Sandoval
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.
Current members can
renew at $50; after December 5th the cost increases to $60.
New members can
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 For Our Last On-the-Water Event of 2017!
Start the weekend off on the right foot and join us for an amazing nighttime sail, illuminated by a full moon, on Friday, November 3rd.
More details and the opportunity to sign up coming soon!
if you would like to participate.
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Save the Date
On December 5th, we will once again be hosting a Holiday Party for our members and their guests. As in years past, pre-registration will be required.
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
As Risa mentioned in her comments we will, most likely, 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.
Let us know if you are aware of a reputable organization that we can partner with.
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We had three members compete in this years Transpac race - Stephen Ashley, Charles Buckner and
Bill McNamara - and they all came home with hardware!
~ Stephen raced his boat Onde Amo to a 3rd Place finish in his division.
~ Charles raced his boat Cabernet Sky and came away with the Tail End Charlie Trophy
~ Bill was a crew member aboard La Sirena who placed 3rd in their division
All photos courtesy of Sharon Green, Ultimate Sailing from the Transpac website
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You're Invited to DPYC's Sass on the Beach Vintage Fashion Show
The Dana Point Yacht Club Fashion Show tickets include complimentary vodka, rum, wine, beer and heavy hors 'd oeuvres, and desserts! It's a fundraiser to get kids on boats! We need to grow our sport with the younger generation.
Since it's a fundraiser everyone is invited. It's a perfect date night/cocktail party event on Saturday, September 23rd at 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
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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.
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Thanks to snail mail living up to it's name, we only recently received this thank you letter from Kurt Lieber at Ocean Defenders Alliance. Regardless of the delay, we wanted to share this great letter with you (click
here to enlarge).
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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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Our first ever WSA-OC Regatta: A Learn to Race Invitational participants.
Back Row L-R:
Susan Carle, Laura McCaleb, Karen Campbell, Debbie Kraemer, Karen Pacella, Risa Scott, Deborah McDougal
Middle Row L-R: Barbara Keeler, Paige Shields, Gail Palmer, Cheryl Beck, Mary Ellen Barlow, Wayne Wallace
Front Row L-R: Brenda Highley, Loryne Schamber, Lisa Pegan, Jennifer Henning, Valerie Rhodes, Tracey Brown
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Women's Sailing Association-Orange County is dedicated to enriching the lives of women through expanded access to sailing-related activities and educational opportunities. WSA-OC is committed to preserving and protecting our oceans and contributing to our local community through on-the-water philanthropic activities.
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P.O. Box 937
Dana Point, CA 92629
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Copyright © WSA-OC 2016. All Rights Reserved.
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