Hello Friends -
This is Offshore Season in the Charleston sailing community. Winds are steadying, temperature are milding, sailors have had all spring and summer to gain and regain their sea legs, and the community which has drilled on the summer inshore race series is now ready to head offshore.
This month's offerings are varied: we offer sailing offshore opportunities for durations of:
·1 day
·3 days
·7 days
·10 days
Whether you're racing or cruising, near shore or far, Fall is the ideal season. Even the Velux 5 Oceans Race launches this month (see article below). If you've a taste for adventure, we hope you'll join us!
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Join our crew to race in the...
14th Annual Leukemia Cup
October 1 & 2
For the first time in Charleston, formidable Farr 40s will be contenders in a local regatta. Three of these stunningly fast and agile racing yachts will race to raise funds for the Leukemia Cup, a signature event that combines the joy of sailing with the important task of raising money to cure cancer. 100% of all proceeds from OSA/Ondeck student and sailor participation on our Farrs will be donated to the Leukemia Cup, to which Charleston sailors and community have donated over $1,000,000 since the first annual local regatta 14 years ago.
Three OSA/Ondeck instructors from the Virgin Islands who have raced and trained sailors weekly for 2 years on Farr maneuvers will captain these yachts known for speed, the Lamborghinis of sailing vessels.
The weekend before the event we will conduct 2 days of training. Donation is $250/person for training and race.
Call us: 843-971-0700
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...or donate to this exceptional causeFARR TILT
 | The Leukemia Cup Regatta has raised millions of dollars for lifesaving research and patient services, bringing help and hope to patients and their families.
The
crew of J/105 Absolutely and staff of OSA Ondeck Charleston are
partnering this year to raise money for The 14th Annual Leukemia Cup
Regatta. Aboard Farr 40 Madina, we will abide by the OSA slogan and
'sail calm, sail confident, sail for fun'. We are so appreciative of
your donations and look forward to a GREAT year of fundraising for a
truly worthy cause. Every dollar helps support blood cancer research and the Society's education and patient service.
Pledge $10, $25, $50-whatever you can give-Here.We show appreciation of donations of $150 or more by inviting you to
JOIN US AS OUR GUEST FOR AN AFTERNOON CRUISE
onboard a Farr 40 on Saturday or Sunday, Oct. 9 or 10, the weekend following the Leukemia Cup,
For every additional $150 donation, bring a guest!
100% of your donations go directly to THE CUP. |
6th Offshore Challenge
FALL
OCEAN DAY RACE
Spend a day offshore
Here's
the season's easiest, least expensive and most convenient way to sail
offshore. It's one day (Saturday) at a reasonable $175.
CORA Races are great. There's no prize: just the thrill of giving it all you've got. This 1-day CORA race takes it all and gives back even more: you'll team up with
a great crew to tackle a big race and end up with a story to tell.
The plan: The race is straight off shore to Rattlesnake shoals off the Isle of Palms and back. We're taking 4-6 crew members onboard our Beneteau 423, Tohidu, and we're planning to win.
Challenge #6 - Sept. 18. 30 Mile Day Race
Challenge #7 - Oct. 23-24. Alice Cup to Bohicket (see article below)
Prerequisite: Basic Keelboat 1 & 2
Cost: #6: $175/person
#7: $750/person
Call to sail: 843-971-0700
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7 Days Offshore Racing & Cruising
Combine Coastal Passage Class
with the
OFFSHORE CHALLENGE RACE:
Alice Cup to Bohicket
The Perfect Offshore Sailing Month: October
Half price for past Coastal Passage graduates
wanting more Offshore Time*
·October 18 - 22. This 5-day voyage is an excellent training course designed to build your confidence at the helm and the chart table as well as your overall awareness on the water. Highlights include an overnight passage, night approaches into a safe harbor, man-overboard drills in the dark and the joy of sailing to one of South Carolina's famed picturesque waterfront towns like Beaufort or Georgetown. The course will also stress proper pre-departure preparations so you can learn how to plan a safe voyage of your own in the future.
Join us this fall when the days are shorter and the winds are fresher for one of our favorite classes. The Coastal Passage Making course brings many of the facets of sailing together and culminates in the joy of the sailing experience... (read on)
"Last
year October was extremely pleasant weatherwise; nice sailing
conditions. We used the spinnaker, had a good time, did some
fishing. Returning in the Gulf Stream we caught tuna and dolphin and
put them on the grill right out on the water: it was delicious." - Jay Cook, Captain
·October 23 - 24.
Race in the Alice Cup. Race to Rockville on the 23rd. Race back to Charleston, tanned, tired and victorious.
Register by Sept. 15.
Late registration may or may not be available.
Price: $3780. ($1890 if you are already certified in U.S. Sailing's Coastal Passage*)
*If
you've taken the U.S. Sailing Coastal Passage Making class in the past,
we invite you to come along on this trip for half price. As always,
you may take any U.S. Sailing course we offer for the second time at
half price. (No test required second time around.) |
Charleston to Bermuda - C2B - May 2011
It's not too early to start planning your involvement in this most magnificent of Atlantic races. Once every 2 years a plucky group of sailors joins the ranks of those who race the Atlantic, prepared to face whatever challenges and moods the ocean presents. The dream of a lifetime for many; a very direct connection with the vast unknown.
"Men in a ship are always looking up, and men ashore generally looking down."
-John Masefield
The eighth running of this classic blue water
voyage will depart from Charleston, South Carolina in May 2011.
In the 2009 race, an OSA student-crewed boat won First Place, receiving the coveted Bermuda Governor's Cup.
The
adventure begins with 6 days of training in March. The first 3-day
weekend will be spent preparing for the C2B and participating in a
local race. The second 3-day weekend will consist of final prep, safety
drills and an offshore overnight. For 3 days prior to the event you
again join your crew for race trip planning and preparation. Then you
set sail and race like the wind. read more...
OSA takes students as crew for the Bermuda Ocean Race.
If you're thinking you might like to consider joining this exhilarating race and would like to be kept in the loop, contact ned@OSAsailing.com. 843-971-0700.
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Why move up to Basic Cruising
and it's older sister, Bareboat Cruising? 
jest Cruisin'
While
you love being directly in contact with the snappy and quick Colgate
26s, your friends and family
members sometimes get a little nervous when you suggest going for a
sail. (Ever notice that?) Cruising, on the other hand, has a ring to
it that appeals to even the most relaxed of participants. It connotes
relaxation, pleasure and luxury. And in fact, it's true; that is, of
course, as long as the captain, knows what (s)he's doing.Ipso Facto: When
you truly understand the art of captaining a cruising sailboat, you'll
find that the next time you mention sailing, you'll have to take your friends on a first come basis.Basic Cruising is a fun course ...Basic Cruising teaches
you to handle a 30'+ yacht; in other words, a live-aboard. These
boats handle a little differently than the Colgates; they're faster and
more complex, with more mechanization and larger sails. But in some
ways they're easier: there's less of being tossed from side to side,
and more of the creature comforts (i.e. cold drinks). Prereq: Basic Keelboat certificationDuration: 3 daysJan 17-19Feb 13-15Mar 6-8Cost: $880; OSA grads: $835then... Bareboat Cruisingtakes you to ports unknownHere's where you learn to be the captain of your own boat, whether
for a local charter or a trip to the Caribbean. In Bareboat Cruising, which
concentrates on extended overnights, you focus on:-electronic navigation-advanced anchoring-heavy weather sailingIn
this 3-day, 2 night class, you live aboard a modern cruising vessel as
you explore offshore and inshore sailing grounds, experiencing
anchorages and marinas for nighttime layovers. Upon
completion you'll have the knowledge to exercise the decision-making
skills required of a cruising captain. Charter companies around the
world recognize U.S. Sailing certification in Bareboat Cruising as a qualification to lease their boats.Prereq: Basic CruisingFeb 20-22Mar 13-15Cost: $990; OSA graduates: $940"I wanted freedom, open air and adventure. I found it on the sea." - Alain GerbaultCall 843-971-0700 or e-mail us at info@OSAsailing.com to reserve your spot. |
According to Atlantic Weather Patterns... The best time to Cruise to Bermuda is NovemberCabo Rico 'Bliss'
 | Captain Frank Putnam
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One of our instructors and lifetime sailors, Frank Putnam, is sailing with his wife and daughter to Bermuda and the Virgin Islands, and invites you to join the trip. Emily Putnam
 | Frank and Emily are highly competent and low key at sailing their beautiful and sea-experienced 42' Cabo Rico, Bliss. Frank is one of our calmest captains among our many carefully chosen capable captains. The food onboard is delicious. Choose One or Both Legs: ·1st Leg: 1 week cruise to Bermuda Layover in Bermuda about a week ·2nd Leg: Cruise to St. Maarten in northeastern Caribbean. This should be a very comfortable, easy reach. (Be sure to plan some time in the islands after landing, because the hardest thing about this trip is going to be leaving the islands.) Departure from Charleston in November. Precise date to be determined. Minimum sailing experience: Bareboat Cruising Certification Available during trip if desired: Ocean Passage Current passport required |
Follow Le Pingouin's Voyage Across the Atlantic
l Brad Van Liew has raced alone around the world not once, but twice. Now, at age 42, he's preparing for a third race that will take him into some of the most treacherous seas on the planet. "Of course it's a risky thing to do," Van Liew said on Wednesday shortly before he was to take his 60-foot yacht out for a shakedown to test its new sails and electronics as he prepares his boat for the Velux 5 Oceans race... read moreONDECK is a malor sponsor of Brad's campaign as a designer and producer of a complete line of Official Team Lazarus/Le Pingouin gear.
"I feel this is a great opportunity to support competitive sailing, while offering the public quality gear that can be worn with pride," said Peter Anthony, Chairman of ONDECK Worldwide. "With a portion of the proceeds from each sale going to Team Lazarus, the purchase of gear provides individuals an opportunity to contribute to Brad's effort to win the Velux 5 Oceans race in a real and tangible way." Team Lazarus gear will be available online; through ONDECK bases and retail outlets. |
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"The only record I would cherish would be for the longest circumnavigation, the most dilly-dallying on the way."
-Gwenda Cornell
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"Charleston Harbor Challenge"
Melges 24 Regatta Sept 18 & 19
"We are pleased to sponsor this year's Harbor Challenge. As we all know, September is a great time to be in Charleston. Strong sea breezes and plenty of sunshine make it an ideal venue for a Fall event. We are pleased to welcome all M24 sailors to our great town."
- Ned Goss
The Charleston Harbor Challenge will be hosted at the Charleston Yacht Club from September 18-19, 2010. This event is an exclusive Melges 24 regatta and is part of the 2010 Quantum Sails Southeast Championship Series. Plan to hit this as a tune-up on your way to the M24 North American Championships the following weekend.
This year OSA will NOT be offering a clinic and a student boat because our Melges is 'in transition' (truth be known, it was Reggie Fairchild's, and it's been sold). Ned will be racing on OSA/Ondeck Charleston's Conejo Racing.
We hope to see you out there supporting your team!
Read more...
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Focus Class
Extravaganza
WHAT SAILING SKILL WOULD YOU LIKE TO SPEND TIME PRACTICING?
·DOCKING
·SPINNAKER
·SAIL TRIM
·NIGHT SAILING
·HEAVY WEATHER
These private and semi-private lessons take place on Colgate 26s and yachts. Instruction is intensive and thorough.
Half day and full day focus classes scheduled to meet your schedule.
Call 971-0700.
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Sailing Instructor
Spotlight
Sterling Bryson
"Sailing makes me smile. I think it comes from some deeper force than
simply the wind in my face etc...
What I like about sailing is simply
existing on a completely different medium, as in on water instead of
land. I find I look at things differently when I'm floating. I
definitely feel things differently. It's the awareness that comes with
acknowledging this difference that brings to light a different way at
looking at and feeling everything else. For me, it's a happier and
healthier existence. Sailing is a great and easy way to find and feel a
reconnection to the natural world. Nowhere is that feeling, that
relationship more raw and exposed than at sea.
My
parents were boat people. They were fanatics. We always went boating,
cruising or whatever so long as it floated (and some didn't all the
time!). It was a fun, family-friendly way to grow up. Then, the day I
graduated from high school they said, "Way to go son, we are real proud
of you. C-YA!" and they got on their sailboat and took off. They spent
the next 10 years sailing half way around the world.
Since
then I've captained tall ships, taught nautical science coursework on a
5000 nm voyage on a 95 GRT vessel, taught Coastal Navigation on a 41'
sailboat, and sailed 3000 miles through Indonesia and 5200 nm across
the Pacific. I believe my voyages of adventure have just begun.
"
"Sterling is calm, patient, knowledgeable
& fun. He makes sure each student understands each concept and
he guides us to think through each situation.
I feel that my knowledge base and comfort level improved exponentially
over the 3 day class. I look forward to BK2 -- and to hopefully having him as my instructor again."
- anonymous student survey
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Cross the Atlantic
Portugal -Madeira - Cape Verde - Barbados
Many people have dreamed of, or planned to sail across an ocean but there are still only a few people, other than boat owners and their associates, who have experienced the special feeling the great explorers felt while sailing the southerly trade wind route. You may join us.
Leg 1 : Leixoes (Portugal) - Funchal (Madeira) via Cascais & Vilamoura Approx. 850 nm
Leg 2: Funchal (Madeira) - Sao Vicente (Cape Verde) Approx. 1,058 nm
Leg 3: Sao Vicente (Cape Verde) - Carlisle Bay (Barbados) Approx. 2,000nm
The Atlantic Adventure is split into 3 individual legs, each one increasing in time and distance. Setting sail from the Portuguese port of Porto in early October, the 3,500 nautical mile voyage to Barbados takes around 6 weeks to complete, ending in the third week of November.
The first 2 legs consist of fast cruising and teaching. The final leg, from the Cape Verde Islands to Barbados, is a competitive match race sponsored as a Red Cap Event by Mount Gay Rum.
The 850nm passage from Porto to Madeira should take around 11 days (or 7 if starting in Cascais) with varying wind conditions as you head out into the Atlantic Ocean. Like those seafarers of old a sense and feeling of trepidation and unity will prevail, the only difference being that of chronology.
Leg #1 Itinerary
Crew Arrive in Leixoes : 12 October
Depart Leixoes: 14 October...... read more....
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For those who were forwarded this newsletter by a friend, you may 
Ocean Sailing Academy
info@OSAsailing.com
www.OSAsailing.com
843-971-0700
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