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As we move into June, I want to thank everyone who continues to make WSA-OC such a welcoming and engaging organization. Our club is built on friendship, participation, and the shared enjoyment of time spent together, and I’m always grateful for the enthusiasm our members bring to every event.

 

I’ve heard wonderful things about the Full Moon Sail on May 30, and it sounds like it was a beautiful evening on the water for those who participated. A special thank you to our Vice Commodore, DJ, for organizing the event, and to the boat owners who generously made it possible by offering their boats. These member-led efforts are what keep our community active, connected, and thriving, and they are deeply appreciated.

 

I’d also like to recognize our Philanthropy Director, Greta, for organizing participation in Hats for Sailors. It’s wonderful to see our members supporting meaningful causes and representing WSA-OC in such a positive way.

 

Looking ahead, excitement is already building for our biggest event of the year, the Catalina Extravaganza, taking place July 16-19. Signups will open soon, and as many of you know, this event traditionally sells out quickly. If you’re planning to attend, be ready when registration opens so you don’t miss out,  as Catalina is always a highlight of the summer and a fantastic opportunity for members to come together and create lasting memories.

 

Thank you for your continued support and participation. I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events this summer.

 

Karen Cooper
Commodore, WSA-OC

 

commodore@wsaoc.org

 

Debby Label 2026

So far this year, we have had several members involved in our On-The-Water events. We have celebrated Galentine’s Day in February, St. Patrick’s Day in March, and Spring with a Spring Fling sail in April. In May, 28 members participated in our Full Moon Evening Sail on May 30th, making it another fun and successful event for the club. Thank you to all of our boat owners who have participated so far for your generosity!!


Our next On-The-Water event will be our Annual Catalina Extravaganza taking place on July 16 – 29, 2026. We will open the event with our traditional Commodore’s Toast on Thursday, July 16th. Then, move into our progressive dinghy dinner, while the remainder of the weekend will be spent hiking, playing in the water, and socializing with each other. Sign-ups for this event will take place in the first week of June. Please check your email and our Members-Only Social Media accounts for sign-up information, and sign up early!


REMEMBER:
1. Sign-up will be announced approx. 2 weeks prior to the event, except for Catalina, which will be just over a month in advance.
2. Sign-up is sent to emails as well as placed on the WSA-OC Members Only Facebook page
3. Events sell out quickly
4. PLEASE sign up for the Wait List, as we can regularly find additional boats and get members onto a boat

5. Arrive on time for photos prior to boat launch
6. Cancellations within 48 hours of the event will not be refunded.

 

Please mark your calendars for these upcoming 2026 OTW events:

 

July 16th – 19th – Annual Trip to Catalina – Two Harbors
August 15th – Tropical Luau
September 20th – Pirate Party
October 3rd – Huntington Beach Air Show
November 21st – Friendsgiving Duffy event


Please note: OTW dates and locations are subject to change, based on the boat availability and weather.


I’m looking forward to seeing everyone on the water!!

 

 

vicecommodore@wsaoc.org

 

 

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Come join us at our next meeting and hear Laura Baker speak about LA28 & Beyond: How to Get Involved in the Olympic Movement.

 

Laura has been involved in conversations with cities, sporting organizations, and community groups surrounding the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics, with a focus on how individuals and local communities can get involved.

The talk will provide an overview of the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics, how sailing and other water sports fit into the broader Games, and practical ways individuals and organizations can get involved now through 2028. whether through volunteering, supporting events, or engaging with the sailing community.
 

She will also touch on how women in sailing can play a meaningful role, whether through volunteering, supporting race operations, or helping introduce new audiences to the water in the lead-up to the Games.

 

We’d love to see you there!

 

Meeting Details
Date: June 10, 2026
Location: Dana Point Yacht Club
24399 Dana Drive
Dana Point, CA
Meeting Time: 7:00 pm sharp
Come early and enjoy the happy hour menu.
Happy hour menu prices end at 6 pm

 

Free parking. Reservations are not required to attend meetings. 

 

Upcoming Meetings:
Jul 8, 2026 Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club
Aug 12 Dana Point Yacht Club
Sep 9, 2026 Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club
Oct 14, 2026 Dana Point Yacht Club
November 11, 2026,  Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club

 

If you have questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with Linda Kiernan, Rear Commodore, at Rearcommodore@wsaoc.org - Cell 949-201-9336

 

 

 
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Wishing Happy Birthday to the following members:

 

Estela Tejidor              June  3rd

Robbie Smith              June  4th

Christine MciLwain     June   9th

Lori Romano               June  18th

Ally Feiger                  June  22nd

Vicki Sweet                 June  22nd 

Lidia Grasso               June  24th

Sonya Gaskell            June  25th

Linda Kiernan             June  27th

Carmen Julia Dooner June  30th

Joe Negron                June  30th

 

Summer Membership Drive is On

 

WSA-OC is hosting a membership drive as part of a friendly competition against  WSA-SMB.

Each new recruit earns you 1 point, and recruiting a boat owner earns 2 points. The member with the most points by the end of the drive will receive a small prize, plus some well-earned bragging rights! Competition ends August 31st. The winner will be announced on September 9th at the general meeting!

 

End of Summer Clothing Swap

 

Join us for a fun Clothing & Maritime Swap hosted by Cherie Faulds! Planned for the end of August, this relaxed gathering is the perfect chance to trade treasures and enjoy a summer evening together. Bring up to 5 items to swap, such as clothing, jewelry, nautical décor, or sailing gear. Bring a dish for the potluck, sip on margaritas, and enjoy a night of good company and great finds! 

 

You can reach me, Jeanette Jordan, by email at membership@wsaoc.org or by cell phone at

562-631-1439

 

 

 

 

Greta Label 3

Ahoy, fair-weather friends!
We’re halfway through the year, and Philanthropy is picking up strong winds and full sails!

 

Hats for Sailors – Ongoing
Why not invite your family and friends to join our “Hats” group? Ask them to check out the Facebook page for Hats for Sailors, a wonderful charity dedicated to supporting U.S. Navy sailors. Their only requirement is to use 100% merino superwash wool when knitting, crocheting, or looming a beanie. Together, we can turn this initiative into a true movement!


Girl Scouts Mariners Group – Ongoing
A big thank you to Judy Myton and Karen Holt for volunteering as judges for canoeing, rowing,
kayaking, compass reading, knot-tying, and code flags at last month’s Girl Scouts of Orange County Gathering of All Mariners (GAM) event. To continue building this exciting new partnership,
we’ve offered to help inventory their Sabots and possibly even teach a few Mariners how to sail so
they can compete in the sailing events at next year’s GAM! Stay tuned!


AdventureSail® 2026 – July 11, Dana Point Harbor
Calling all volunteers! Sponsored by NWSA and in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of San
Clemente (BGC-SC), this special event helps make sailing more accessible to girls ages 9–14.
We are looking for four boat owners (sail or power), their first mates, and a few land-based WSA-
OC members to volunteer for Saturday morning through early afternoon. This year, we’re planning
a few fun games after lunch and before heading out! Activities may include:
• Compass reading basics (think about where the sun rises and sets)
• Understanding wind direction (think “blowing bubbles”)
• Learning the basic parts of a boat and simple crew commands using pretend boats drawn in the
sand at Baby Beach.
Don’t miss this rewarding and fun volunteer opportunity as we introduce more young girls to the joy of boating!


AdventureSail® 2025 – NWSA Scholarship
We’re excited to be partnering with the Boys & Girls Club of San Clemente to secure a $300
NWSA scholarship for one girl who attended AdventureSail® 2025. WSA-OC is also contributing
an additional $300 scholarship for a second girl from BGC-SC. Both girls will learn the fundamentals of sailing. including boating safety, rigging, and points of sail, and then build on those skills through sailing instruction with our partner, Westwind Sailing, which is well known for its outstanding youth programs.


Women in the Wind 2026 – October 11, Newport Harbor
Mark your calendars, volunteers! We’ve invited approximately 12 beneficiaries of the Soroptimist
International of Huntington Beach programs to join us for a special afternoon on the water. Many
of our guests are the primary financial providers for their households and are pursuing an
education to create a better future for themselves and their dependents. Some have faced challenges that are difficult for most of us to imagine. For many participants, Women in the Wind will be their very first experience on a boat. This opportunity can help them overcome a fear of water, build confidence, and encourage them to try something new. This event is truly about empowering women on the water!


Have a new philanthropy idea or a suggestion for ongoing activities? Email Philanthropy@wsaoc.org 

or text Greta at 336-706-5046.

 

  
 
 
 
Cynthia Label 2
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WSA-OC Shipstore is live and online!

 

To order apparel, WSA-OC Members should go to: https://stores.crsapparel.com/WSAOC/shop/home.

 

Please note that certain apparel brands run small, so definitely check the size chart prior to ordering. Also note that many of the apparel choices are from the brand "Port Authority" and they often run "small," so you may want to order a size up. NOTE: All online purchases are custom-made and are non-returnable.

 

When ordering, SHIP to your address so that your items get shipped directly to your home.

Thank you for showing your spirit for the club by purchasing items from the WSA-OC Shipstore!

 

shipstore@wsaoc.org

 

Elena Label 2026-1

Ahoy, WSA-OC Family!

 

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

 

As the year progresses and our Board of Directors plans events and meetings, you can stay up to date by visiting our website or Facebook page. 

 

Our website includes our calendar of events and meetings, which I update regularly when event/meeting organizers solidify details.

 

I also email and post event and meeting details in our Facebook Members-Only Group. 

 

You can also find our past editions of The Whistle on our website. If you miss the email, I send it on the 1st of every month. 

 

communications@wsaoc.org

 

 

 

BoD v2
Commodore
 Karen Cooper 
commodore@wsaoc.org
 
Vice Commodore
Debby J Platt 
vicecommodore@wsaoc.org
 
Rear Commodore
 Linda Kiernan 
rearcommodore@wsaoc.org
 
Treasurer
Regine Smet 
treasurer@wsaoc.org
 
Secretary
Lindsay Steinmetz 
secretary@wsaoc.org
 
Communications Director
and Editor in Chief of The Whistle
Elena Yuasa  
Communications Director 
communications@wsaoc.org
 
Membership Director
 Jeanette Jordan 
Membership@WSAOC.org
 
Philanthropy Director
Greta Boye 
philanthropy@wsaoc.org
 
Ship Store
 Cynthia Priddy 
shipstore@wsaoc.org
 
Jr. Staff Commodore
Candice Coleman
jrstaffcommodore@wsaoc.org
 
Staff Commodore
 Debra Osborne 
staffcommodore@wsaoc.org
 
Systems Administrator 
Shelley Furse
systems@wsaoc.org 
 
 
 
•••
 
Events@Glnace_v3

June 2026 

 

 

June 10 – WSA-OC General Meeting at Dana Point Yacht Club 7:00 pm

June 14 – Flag Day

June 21 – Father’s Day

June 19 – Juneteenth

 

 

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JUNE RACING CALENDAR 

 

There are multiple opportunities to join a race in the Orange County area. If you are interested in Orange County sailboat racing, you can find a list of the
monthly sailboat races at the Association of Orange Coast Yacht Clubs website under the Racing Calendar tab.

WSA-OC Mission Statement

 

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 should contact commodore@wsaoc.org at least one week in advance, where possible, to make a request
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Women's Sailing Association - Orange County, PO Box 11041, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, United States

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