As we head into January, I want to say how honored and excited I am to serve as your Commodore for the coming year. WSA-OC is a truly special group, not just because of our shared love of sailing, but because of the friendships, generosity, and community that make this organization what it is.

I want to extend my sincere thanks to our outgoing Board Members and to our volunteers for their hard work, leadership, and dedication. The time and energy you give to WSA-OC does not go unnoticed, and we are all grateful for the strong foundation you’ve helped build.

Looking ahead, my goal for this year is to continue fostering a welcoming, fun, and inclusive environment where members feel connected both on and off the water. Whether you’re racing, cruising, learning, volunteering, or simply enjoying the social side of the club, there is a place for everyone here.

We have a great year ahead – filled with opportunities to get out on the water, meet new people, and grow as a club. I encourage you to get involved, come out to events when you can, and say hello to someone new. WSA-OC thrives because of its members, and I’m excited to share this journey with all of you.

Karen Cooper
Commodore, WSA-OC

Hello, fellow members! I’m thrilled to continue serving our membership, but as Vice Commodore in 2026. I’m really looking forward to planning several events that will get you out on the water this year! I’m also truly grateful (and a little intimidated) to the outgoing Vice Commodore, Karen Cooper, for setting such a
great example of booking fun on-the-water and social events after playing on the water.

I am also truly grateful for the many boat owners who volunteered their time and their boats to get as many members as possible out on the water. I look forward to working with such generous members and boat owners this coming year as well.

This year, my goal is to meet as many of our members as possible. So, if we haven’t met yet, please don’t be a stranger and introduce yourself. I will do my best to do the same.

The first dates to place on your calendars are:

Free – Introduction to Sailing – 9 am – 11 am, January 31, 2026
Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club – sign up on BCYC website Instructor: Paul DeCapua

NWSA/SCYA Women’s Sailing Conference. March 20 -22, 2026

Long Beach Yacht Club - Long Beach, CA

Finally, in my last position, I planned the Holiday Party in December. I want to thank each and every volunteer who assisted with both the party and the silent auction contributions, and everyone who attended the party! We had the largest and best one yet, with over 80 partygoers and 51 silent auction
items. The silent auction raised over $3,500 for our philanthropy events. To date, we have spent those funds on events with the Dana Point Festival of Whales, the San Clemente Boys and Girls Club, and women from the Soroptimist International.

I look forward to meeting you all and seeing you ON-THE-WATER!!

Happy New Year, everyone!

I’m honored to step into the role of Rear Commodore for the Women’s Sailing Association of Orange County 2026.

I’m excited to help plan and coordinate our meetings, with a focus on creating engaging, inclusive opportunities for learning, connection, and time on the water. I look forward to working closely with our board and members to build a schedule that reflects your interests and supports sailors at every stage. Please feel free to reach out with ideas, topics, or speakers you’d love to see this year - I’m eager to hear your input and make this a great season for all of us.

Ahoy, WSA-OC Family!

I’m excited to re-introduce myself as your Communications Director and grateful to continue serving this fantastic organization. Having worked with WSA-OC last year, I truly enjoyed the camaraderie, joy, and sense of family that make this group so special.

WSA-OC is dedicated to enriching the lives of women through sailing, education, ocean stewardship, and meaningful on-the-water philanthropic activities. It’s a privilege to be part of a community that shares a love for the water and for giving back.

As Communications Director, my goal is to keep you informed and connected from events and member highlights to all the fun happening around WSA-OC. Be sure to check our website, watch for The Whistle in your inbox, and follow us on Facebook to stay in the loop.

If you have questions or aren’t receiving emails, feel free to reach out at communications@wsaoc.org.

Hello WSA-OC members! I’m delighted to step into the role of Membership Director and look forward to getting to know each of you.

My connection to the water began early through competitive diving and later grew to include water polo and surfing. A few years ago, I discovered sailing at OCC’s School of Sailing and Seamanship, and it didn’t take long before I was completely hooked. Since then, I’ve sought out every opportunity to get on the water and continue developing my sailing skills.

After joining WSA-OC last year, I quickly came to appreciate the supportive, knowledgeable, and welcoming community that makes this organization so special. Participating in on-the-water events and learning from fellow members has been both inspiring and fun.

In my professional life, I’m an eCommerce consultant, and I’m excited to contribute my digital marketing and technology experience to support WSA-OC’s membership growth and engagement. I look forward to welcoming new members, strengthening connections within our community, and sharing many great days on the water with you all.

I look forward to meeting you all and welcoming new members to WSA. See you on the water!

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Happy New Year to you all! I hope you enjoyed the holiday season and are feeling joyful as you enter the year ahead.

I look forward to 2026, and it is my privilege and pleasure to serve on the Board of Directors for a fourth consecutive year. During my initial two years as Communications Director and over the past year as Secretary, I have built new friendships in our wonderful community and have been inspired by our members. Serving our organization has been deeply fulfilling, and I am proud of all we have accomplished and how we have grown.

I am honored to continue serving on the Board of Directors this year as Secretary. I plan to continue to impact the organization and strengthen ties with members positively.

Whether you are a new member or have been a part of this club for many years, I encourage you to stay connected and hope to see all of you at our events this year!

Happy New Year to everyone! I am introducing myself as the new treasurer of WSA-OC. I am very excited to
get started and learn from Penny all the ins and outs of the WSA-OC finances and how to keep track of everything. With all the on-the-water events and membership dues, there will be a lot of information to keep up with.

I love sharing my love for sailing with all the members of WSA-OC. I started sailing as a kid on a dinghy on a lake in Belgium, where it is always cold and rainy. Being able to sail here in Southern California, where the weather is still in the 70s in December, is unbelievable. There is no need to winterize the boats, and I can sail every week if I want to. How good can it get?

My goal for 2026 is to do as good a job as Penny did for the last few years. There will be a learning curve, but I am confident that I will get the hang of things very quickly. I will be able to report good news on the WSA-OC finances in the future. I look forward to working with the other board members and becoming part of the team that keeps WSA-OC running smoothly.

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We want you looking WSA-OC stunning on and off the water! In 2026, you can look forward to the premiere of the “new” logo wear with a new look and online Ship Store.

Currently, I am working to streamline the purchasing process and the new online portal, offering higher-quality products at competitive prices and shipping options direct to your home or through the club. You will be able to order just the size and quantity you need.

January 1 - New Year's Day

January 14 - WSA-OC General Membership Meeting/Induction of 2026 Board of Directors

Location: Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club 

January 19 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

 January 31, 2026, Introduction to Sailing 9 – 11 am,
Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club 

JANUARY RACING CALENDAR

BYC

1/3 Sat   Sunkist Series (3/4 )           OD     

1/4 Sun Sunkist Series (3/4)           PHRF 

1/17 Sat Super Sabot Saturday      Sr. Sabot

31 Sat Sunkist Series (4/4)               OD     

SSYC

1/10 Sat Jim White Winter Series Races 1/2      

1/31 Sat Jim White Winter Series Races 3/4      

NHYC

1/ 10 Sat Winter Series 3/4 - Harbor 20    H20,

1/31 Sat SCYA Midwinter Regatta  Jr. Sabot

LIYC

1/25 Sun          Harbor 20 Adult Sailing Clinic    

"The true beauty of sailing lies not in the destination, but in the discoveries made along the way."