March is here! At 2 a.m. on the 12th, Daylight Savings will start again. For me, the change in the clock signifies the start of long warm days on the water, sunset happy hours post-racing, afternoon raft-ups that last past dinner time, and lots of events with my WSA-OC friends.
I often stop to count my blessings because just five years ago, I joined this organization with a strong desire to meet other women who share my passion for all things nautical. Today, I stand here as your Commodore, with the goal of sharing this privilege with as many women as possible! It both excites me and warms my heart when you bring a friend to a meeting who then decides to join WSA-OC, or when you are brave enough to attend a meeting or event on your own despite not knowing anyone. Believe me when I say you are welcomed with open arms!
Whether a long-time member or brand new, you have taken the first step by joining us; please take the next step: introduce yourself to someone you don’t know or don’t yet know well and talk with them. Whether you have been involved for one day or for many years, remember that everyone here shares at least one thing in common: a love for the water! The next person you speak with might just become your new best friend.
❤️
Ahoy Mates!
We had our first event of the year, which we typically don’t start until February! We (WSA-OC) were invited to co-host & participate in the Rookie Regatta and Race Seminar alongside DPYC, DWYC, and Aventura, and it was a huge success! We had a great turnout and I think all our participating members had fun whilst learning alongside friends.
Obviously, we all share a love of the ocean. Whether we are happiest sailing or power boating, kayaking or SUP’ing, sitting or swimming, or picking up trash on a beach, the ocean draws each of us and nourishes our souls. That said, I know how important it is for our club to offer you, our members, as many opportunities as possible to be together in our happy place.
As Vice Commodore it is my responsibility to coordinate and/or help promote these opportunities for your pleasure. I am so excited to share the next few upcoming “On-the-Water” events:
Date: Port:
February 18th - Mardi Gras Dana Point
March 4th - Dinghy Dash Dana Point
March 18th - St. Patty’s Day Newport Beach
April 15th - Spring Fling Huntington Harbor
Please note: Dates and Locations are subject to change, but we should have this information solidified as events draw near.
As you know, most of these events would not be possible without the support of our generous boat-owning members. If you are one of those people, please reach out to me and let me know which events you will be participating in ;) We all appreciate you!
March 4 - Dinghy Dash
March 5 - Stand Up to Trash
March 4 & 5 - Festival of Whales
March 8 - General Meeting
Location: Newport Beach Yacht Club
Time: 6:30 HH, 7-9 Meeting
March 8 - International Women's Day
March 17 - Saint Patrick's Day
March 18 - OTW St. Patty's Day Event
March 20 - Spring Equinox
MARCH RACING CALENDAR
ALYC
March 11 - Whale Regatta
BCYC
March 4 - Angelman Series #2
March 5 - Lorin Weiss Series #1
March 18 - Bogart Race (To Avalon)
March 19 - Bogart Race (To Newport Beach)
BYC
March 18 - Super Sabot Saturday
March 19 - Harry Wood Regatta
DPYC
March 5 - Dana Point Series # 1
March 25 - Dana Point Series #2 & #3
NHYC
March 4 - Baldwin Cup Sail Off March 5 - Palmer Trophy Sail Off
March 26, 27, & 28 - Palmer Trophy Grand Masters' Team Race
March 30 & 31 - Baldwin Cup Team Race
SSYC
March 18 - Jim White Winter Series #3
March 25 - Jim White Winter Series #4
LMVYC
March 19 - Opening Day Regatta
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!!
Race to Win: Don't Miss Suzanne Schuler's Fireside Chat with Tips and Tools @ Feb 8th General Meeting
Join us March 8th for our General Meeting at Newport Beach Yacht Club! Suzanne Schuler will present a fireside-style chat with tips and tools for sailboat owners and crew on racing to win. This event may SPARK your interest! I look forward to seeing you there and hearing about Suzanne’s adventures on the water.
Additionally, please contact me at rearcommodore@wsaoc.org if you would like to be featured as our "Boat of the Month," or if you have suggestions for topics/speakers for future General Meetings. Your input is welcome and encouraged.
Don’t miss the Festival of Whales this Saturday and Sunday, March 4th and 5th! Those who attended this event last year can attest that WSA-OC's booth drew larger crowds than any other participating organization, and we gained several new members as a direct result of passers-by who saw how much fun we were having. I highly encourage all members to stop by WSA-OC's booth, cheer your sea-sters on as they compete in the Cardboard Dinghy Dash, come for the parade, enjoy the Clam Chowder Cook Off, listen to live music, and more.
Hosted by: Dana Point Harbor Association - WSA-OC Booth
March Birthdays
Please join me in wishing a very Happy Birthday to those members born during the first month of Spring.
3/12 - Karen de Peralta
328 - Mary Swann
3/29 - Robin Nielson
I hope you have enjoyed this month's edition of The Whistle! Please visit WSA-OC's website, social media pages on Facebook and Instagram, and check your email inbox for up-to-date communications about all WSA-OC happenings, meetings, and events!
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.
WSA-OC is committed to providing reasonable accommodation in its programs and activities for individuals with disabilities. Those who require a reasonable accommodation need to contact commodore@wsaoc.org, at least a week in advance, where ever reasonable practicable.
Women's Sailing Association - Orange County, PO Box 937, Dana Point, CA 92629, United States
