American Spring was an amazing two weekends of sailing and we are now turning our focus back into Oyster Bay for a few weeks.  The newest addition to the Oakcliff program is Wednesday Night Coached Fleet Racing.  You are encouraged to put together your own team of supporters and get out there and get better.  Fun debriefs will be held at Sagamore Yacht Club.

Read on for a report on last week's activities and a preview of this weeks.

Sunday we finished the most competitive Western Long Island Sound Big Boat regatta Oakcliff has been a part of.  Over the two weekends, the American Yacht Club Spring Series saw winds between 6 and 30 and got in eleven races.  There were twelve boats on the start line in Class One, four of which were from Oakcliff and the racing was extremely close. 

In most races there would be 5-8 boats finishing within 10 seconds of each other.  Oakcliff's Farr 40-1 with Mark DiSanti at the helm actually tied Pendragon in three races!  In the end of the series Oakcliff's Ker 11.5 and Farr 40-1 tied with the 11.5 getting 5th place on a tie breaker and Farr 40-2 just behind them.  The 11.3 which I sailed on was further down the scoreboard. 

The most important thing to me is that it was awesome racing and through group debriefs every single person improved over the series.  As a matter of fact due to popular demand, we are considering expanding the big boat programs into the summer.   As they say: watch this space.

If you are looking for a fun day out consider stopping by the Coast Guard Open House in Northport NY this Saturday. The event runs from 9-3 and is free.  It looks like you can come by boat or car. 

Once there, you will be able to check out the light house, meet the Coasties and learn more about safety for everyone from kids to cruisers.  It is also a nice little drive.  For more information call 631 271 2503  or email: Eatonsneckopenhouse@hotmail.com

This morning I visited supporter Ann Schwagerl's school, the New Hyde Park Road School to talk about the Volvo and Oakcliff but most importantly to try and inspire them to keep searching and trying to find their individual passions.

I also spent some time with just Ann's first grade class and answered many many questions.  They varied from thoughtful and mature to quite kid-cute.  For instance one of the approximately 20 questions regarding sharks was... "Did a shark ever like bite your boat?"

They were also fascinated with the spinnaker I brought and we showed them how to pack it... well after they 'unpacked' it.  See the photos to the left for how it went.

Finally Ann's class has been following the Volvo Ocean Race all year.  When I go down for the restart next week I'll hand deliver some letters from them to each team.  I am sure they will be appreciated.

Once again, we hope to see you soon at Oakcliff and we also hope your Mom's appreciate the fact that we do not have any scheduling on Mother's Day.  Enjoy!

 

 

PS: Match Racing in Montenegro

As the title says, we are in full swing for spring.  Tonight's Tuesday Drills might have a bit of rain but that doesn't stop Oakcliff sailors. Register Now and join us.

Tomorrow is the first Wednesday Coached Fleet Race. There are some spots left for both skippers or crew.

This Saturday our Grade 5 is full of skippers but there is still some room for Race Committee volunteers or Umpire trainees. Racing starts at noon. Email us if interested

Also on Saturday Hunt will host his Financial Seminar.  Just be at 2 South Street at 10am to learn the secrets of the market.

Finally Sunday - say hello to your Mom.