During April and May, I had the honor of representing WSA-OC at the Opening Day ceremonies of several yacht clubs that are members of SCYA. Opening Day ceremonies commemorate the official start of the yachting season and are often filled with pomp and circumstance. A Marine Corps Color Guard typically kicks off the ceremonies with presentation of the flags of the United States and the Marine Corps, flanked by two rifle-bearers. A salute is rendered by dipping the Marine Corps flag while holding the National Ensign high.

This time-honored tradition shows respect to our Nation and those who have served. All yacht club flag officers wear their uniforms and are recognized for their contributions to the club. Visiting flag officers are also recognized, as are all members who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. 

When the ceremonies end the party really gets underway! Most yacht clubs will host a luncheon followed by dock parties, where attendees of the Opening Day can visit from boat to boat and sample a variety of cocktails and snacks. It is a wonderful, less formal atmosphere, where attendees meet members of other clubs who share a love of the water. 

I thank you for allowing me to be a part of this rich tradition as WSA-OC Commodore—an honor I never take for granted!

Wishing you fair winds and following seas.

Don't Be Left With FOMO—Join Us At Our Next OTW Event In June

We have been receiving great feedback from members that our OTW events have been very enjoyable. Last month, members had a blast on our late afternoon/evening sail, as we returned to the docks at sunset to watch the full/flower moon rise. 

If you have not yet joined us at one of our OTW events and/or after parties, we hope you can join us at our next event in June—Summer Sailstice (or motor/power-stice). This is an international sailing event, and this year marks the 23rd Anniversary of the Celebration of Sailing! For more details, you can visit the official webpage for the event here.

Details of WSA-OC’s Sailstice event are still being finalized but stay tuned for additional details and an opportunity to sign up soon. If you are unable to attend our daytime events on the water, you are always welcome to join us at the after party! Simply email me for details.

June 1 - World Reef Day

June 8 - World Oceans Day

June 11 - Stand Up to Trash

June 14 - General Meeting

Location: Aventura

Time:        6:30 HH, 7-9 Meeting

June 17 - International Surfing Day

June 18 - Father's Day 

June 19 - Juneteenth

June 21 - National Sea Shell Day

June 25 - Summer Sailstice

JUNE RACING CALENDAR

ALYC

June 5, 12, 19, 26 - Sundowners

BCYC

June 6, 13, 20, 27 - Taco Tuesday Evening Series

DPYC

June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 - Thirsty Thursday Races

June 17 - Dana Point Series #5 & #6

DWYC

June 2, 3, 4 - Annual Charity Regatta Benefiting The American Cancer Society

June 16, 23, 30 - Friday Summer Fun Series Non Spin

LMVYC

June 11 - Summer Regatta Series Race

NHYC

June 8, 15, 29 - Twilight Series

SSYC

June 7, 14, 21, 28 - Hibachi Series

Grab Your Seat and Buckle Up for This Month's Presentation at WSA-OC's Membership Meeting: "The Victory Lap: A Complete Circumnavigation of Seven Continents In Less Than Four Months."

In 2020, WSA-OC member Barbara Lawler and her husband Michael traveled around the world by plane, train, automobile, bus, rickshaw, tuk-tuk, sailboat, cruise ship, hot air balloon, white water raft, foot/hiking, kayak, horseback, elephant, and camel, visiting thirteen countries and all seven continents in an action-packed four months.

Their heartwarming "Victory Lap" story will make you laugh, cry, and cheer for and fall in love with the Lawlers. 

 
Barbara has raced in six Transpacs and is a retired teacher. Michael has raced in seven Transpacs, is past president of the Adventurers’ Club, and is an attorney in Newport Beach. Together, they are an amazing team with an incredible story!  

This presentation will take place at WSA-OC's Membership Meeting on June 14th at Aventura Sailing Club in Dana Point at 7:00 pm. Happy Half Hour will start at 6:30pm.

It's time to start planning for our two main philanthropic events:

Adventure Sail, 8/26 in Dana Point: This is a nation-wide event we celebrate with our National Women’s Sailing Association sisters. In OC, we treat girls from the Boys and Girls Club of San Clemente to a day of sailing, lunch, gift bags and a one-of-a-kind experience on the water.

Women in the Wind, 9/23 in Newport Beach: We provide a day of sailing, lunch, and gift bags to women from the Soroptimist Club—a support group for women who have experienced some of life’s greatest challenges and are working diligently to turn their lives around. This day provides these women with a life-changing experience and personal empowerment as they master the wind and waves with the amazing women of WSAOC!
 
How can you be a part of these exciting events?
 
1. The number of girls and women we can serve is directly proportional to the number of boat owners who share their boats. Please contact me or Vice Commodore, Debra Osborne, ASAP to schedule your sail or power boat for this event.
 
2. Gift bag items will be gathered soon. We will graciously accept any items you might dream up for a gift bag. In the past, WSA members have donated beach items such as sun screen, flip flops, sun glasses, t-shirts, water bottles, and beach towels. On average, 10-20 gift bags are assembled for each of these events.
 
3. Help is always needed on the day of the event for set up, from first mates, and for hostesses on land.
 
If you are interested in helping in any way, please contact me.

Get Your WSA-OC On!!

 Grab items from our store and show off your pride as a member of WSA-OC!  Click below to grab some of our newer inventory!!

Hats / Visors / Jackets/ Water Shirts

You can also access the Ship Store by visiting: 

WSA-OC ShipStore Online