Ahoy and happy Fall!
 
As we sail into the month of “all things pumpkin” - from pumpkin scented candles to pumpkin spice lattes, to pumpkin pie, etc., it's also that time of year for us to come together and steer our association towards new horizons by electing new members to serve on our esteemed Board of Directors. Voting will take place at our November General Membership Meeting. We are currently seeking passionate individuals to join our incredible team by filling the following positions: Rear Commodore, Communications Director, Membership Director, and Secretary.
 
If you have a love for sailing, a desire to make a positive impact, and a willingness to contribute your time and skills, we encourage you to throw your hat in the ring and become more involved in shaping the future of our wonderful association. Your dedication and fresh perspective are invaluable in guiding us towards even greater success. Let's navigate these waters together and continue to make waves in the world of women's sailing!

October 5 - OTW Event and Airshow - Huntington Beach

October 9 - General Membership Meeting – Wind & Sea, Dana Point

Time: 7:00 pm 

October 11 - Yom Kippur

October 12 - Westwind Sailing Clinic - Dana Point

October 14 - Indigenous Peoples’ Day/Columbus Day 

October 26 - Witchy Women - Dana Point

October 31 - Halloween

This Fall there are plenty of opportunities to get out on the water, make memories with your fellow WSA-OC members, and make new friends. 
 
First is the October 5th OTW Event in Alamitos Bay. I am excited to finally have an event in this beautiful marina. Some boats may also head towards Huntington Beach for the airshow. 
 
Next is the WSA-OC/Westwind Sailing Clinic—always a favorite event that sells out every year. The clinic will take place on Saturday, October 12th from 9am-12:30pm in Dana Point. It is open to all skill levels and is an excellent introduction for new sailors or a great refresher and opportunity to sail a 14’ Capri for those who already know how to sail. Afterwards, members can hang around to eat lunch at Proud Mary’s. 
 
On October 26th, Wicked Witches, crack out your broomsticks and pointy hats along with your kayaks, SUP or other floating devices (or rent from Westwind Sailing) for the Witchy Women event. This will be a pop-up event that anyone can join (no registration required). Meet at Baby Beach, Dana Point and get spooky from 9am – 11am.
 
Finally, this year’s OTW event for November will celebrate Friendsgiving in a Duffy. Three Duffys are reserved for twenty-eight members, and if more members sign-up, additional Duffys will be rented. Brunch goodies will be served. Celebrate Friendsgiving by sharing “A Few of Your Favorite Things.” If you want to participate, bring a $10 favorite item to show, tell, and share. This could be your favorite bottle of $10 wine, a sailing or kitchen gadget, your best make-up hack, hostess gift, or whatever you like. This is the final OTW Event of the year, and I can’t wait to see you there! 

I hope you enjoyed last month’s speaker, Sandra Reichle and her adventures at sea! This month, I’m excited to welcome my friend Ann Morrison from San Diego who will speak about “Tall Ships, Tall Tales, and Their People”.

Ann is a retired teacher and a member of the sail crew at the San Diego Maritime Museum (SDMM). She was bitten by the teaching bug in Botswana, where she taught for two years as a Peace Corps volunteer. She returned to the States to teach first grade in Encinitas and then high school math at a continuation school in Vista. She joined the SDMM sail crew in 2000, worked on the masts and rigging, and has sailed the barque Star of India and topsail schooner Californian since then. Being a woman on a sail crew formed originally by men was part of her experience, but it is the crewing rigging she will always love.
 
Come and join us at our final meeting at the Wind & Sea Restaurant location and hear Ann’s Tall Tales. Since it is October, she just may throw in a ghost story or two! 

OCTOBER RACING CALENDAR

BCYC

October 19 -  Around The Islands #3

DWYC

October 18 - Howl at the Moon Race

DPYC

October 12, 13 - Dana Point Harbor Championship Regatta

SSYC

October 13 - Sunday Sailing Series

On September 21st, several WSA-OC board members, skippers and first mates had the pleasure of hosting one of WSA-OC’s annual philanthropic events, Women in the Wind. For the past several years, we have partnered with Soroptimist International of Huntington Beach to organize this event designed to uplift women and girls in our community who are overcoming hardships. The event includes a few hours of pure enjoyment and relaxation on boats, lunch, goodie bags filled with gifts donated by members, and opportunities for fellowship. Thank you so much to all the volunteers who made this a successful event that provided a memorable and inspiring experience for all participants. We truly enjoy supporting this nonprofit organization as they empower women and girls through education to reach their full potential and live their dreams!
 
For more information on the mission statement of Soroptimist International of Huntington Beach, please visit their website.
 
WSA-OC’s holiday party is right around the corner and will take place on Thursday, December 12th at the American Legion Yacht Club! Our annual silent auction will take place during the holiday party and all the proceeds will go towards funding our philanthropy programs. As this is our biggest fundraiser of the year, please consider donating a pre-assembled basket or gift items to be included in a larger basket compiled by us. You can bring auction items to the October or November General Membership Meeting or contact us directly to make arrangements for your donation: Jane Frisz philanthropy@wsaoc.org  or Karen de Peralta rearcommodore@wsaoc.org 
Ideas include (but are not limited to):
 
Wine or spirits
Gift cards
Day trip on your boat
A night or weekend in your cabin or guest house
Boating equipment, books
Game basket
Movie basket
Date night basket
Spa day certificate
Pet basket
Coffee/Tea basket
Cooking Item Basket
Skin Care Basket
Holiday Item Basket
Chocolate basket
Regift items from your stash at home
Does your company have swag to donate? 

I hope you have enjoyed this month’s edition of The Whistle.

You can remain informed about all WSA-OC happenings and events by visiting our website, which includes our calendar of events and meetings. I update this calendar regularly when event/meeting organizers solidify details of dates, times, and locations. I also email all members at the address we have on file with the details of meetings and events (including links to sign up). If you miss an email, I post those details in our Facebook Members-Only Group and Public Facebook Page as well, so be sure to keep an eye out for opportunities to get involved. You can also find our past editions of The Whistle on our website if you miss the email I send on the 1st of every month.