Greetings!
Our first match racing regatta of the season is complete. Team Storrs came out victorious but, to a team, everyone sailed well. Sure there was some rust and dust coming of the boats but the clinic day of the 3 day clinegatta which was windy, wet, wild and coached by the always calm Dave Dellenbaugh helped shake everyone into race mode.
Team Quaglio brought an amazing photographer, Roy Grovshovitz and his work can be viewed on his Facebook Page. Read the rest of the report below. Looking forward we are moving right into even bigger boat sailing. American Yacht Club Spring Series practice is this weekend and then racing for the next two. We'll put in as many boats as we have good crews for so PLEASE sign up here NOW.
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Team Storrs Wins ABC Qualifiers
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Six teams braved torrential rain day one, hopscotched through puffs and massive shifts on day two and enjoyed blustery spring sailing on the final day which saw David Storrs and team fight hard to best Team Quaglio 2:1 and progress towards the US Match Race Championship.
As is normal at Oakcliff there were women on almost all of the teams but David's team boasted the most with Stephanie Roble, Maggie Shea and Ann Schwagerl providing both brain and brawn along with Mike "Koko" Komar and Matt Wordell on the bow. The new kids on the water were led by Walker and his SUNY team and came in third. Pulgram, Shannon and Giacoumis rounded out the field.
Also a big shout out to the people who made the event possible, the race management and umpires who traveled from across North America: Edmonton, Toronto, Detroit, Chicago, New Jersey and Connecticut. This was an all star team! Also to the Oakcliff staff who made huge efforts to rinse, clean, dry and upgrade the Match 40s over the winter. It's going to be a great year.
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Recalling All Foul Weather Gear
|  We normally have extra, somewhat used, foul weather gear hanging in the restrooms here at Oakcliff. It is there for people to use while sailing but it seems that sometimes it ends up in cars, closets and sea bags. So we are sending out a call for everyone to do some spring cleaning and PLEASE return any gear or life jackets that may have found its way into your possession.
If you would like to purchase some of your very own we have some awesome Gill Products. There are some new items like the women's jacket I am clearly giddy to be wearing at the photo to the left. Also with the dinghies on their way, we are carrying Gill's Hydrophobe line which is a super lightweight, flexible, thermal mid-layer. It also pushes water away from your skin so can be worn under foul weather gear as well as on a trapeze wire.
As a supporter you receive a 20% discount and you are not limited to the great selection we have in the store. You can purchase anything in the Gill catalog by coordinating with Bill via email or 516 802 0368. |
| Save the Date: Wine Tasting at Jack Halyards |  Jack Halyards and Dry Creek Vineyards are hosting a Wine Dinner to benefit Oakcliff. It is May 2 starting at 6:30pm. The full menu can be seen HERE but it includes Pine Island Oysters, Jalapeno Tuna Tartar, Grilled Striped Bass and poached Black Pepper Crusted Filet Mignon. All accompanied by lovely Dry Creek Vineyards wines. The photographic work of Roy Grovshovitz will also be sold to benefit Team Quaglio. Fun Fact: Dry Creek was a sponsor the America True America's Cup team. Call Bernie for Reservations: 516-922-2999
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Tuesdays Keep Getting Better
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Last Tuesday was our first match race drills. The boats which had had a 'big bath' were out and sailing and everyone had huge smiles on their faces even as the 81 degree temperatures killed the wind. We were still sailing! Having Jay as a full-time coach is adding another layer to Oakcliff's training. Jay will write up his "Tuesday Tips" when there is something unique that happens in Match Race drills. They will be emailed to supporters who registered for that night and an edited version will be available to all on the web site under: Tips Tricks & Photos.
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Looking past the big boat sailing back to match racing. The Spring Grade 3 Clinegatta will now be coached by Dave Perry. Teams can sign up for the clinic days or request an invitation here. Sally Barkow was double booked but she will still be here for the July 25-28 Grade 3 Clinegatta. Oakcliff has a crazy year ahead and speaking of crazy things - click here - to see an umpire drive himself right out of his boat. Looking forward to practicing with you all this weekend and don't forget Tuesday Drills tonight.
Sincerely,
Dawn Riley
Oakcliff Sailing Center |
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AYC Practice
THIS Weekend
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The next three weekends will be filled with big boat - IRC racing. We are in the middle of putting together teams and will use this weekend to practice. We have Saturday and Sunday scheduled and will try to organize so that you will only practice one of the days. But in order to organize this we have to know who has committed so please - SIGN UP NOW. |
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| First Sapling Arrives |  | Elizabeth is Canadian; let's start there. She's a Canadian who is addicted to sailing, adores her dog Dodger, speaks three and a half languages, likes shiny things, digs real estate and loves being cozy.
Her sailing career is diverse. She competed abroad in the International 470 class, raced One Design and big boats in Australia, instructed and coached under the RYA schemes in England, handled communication strategy for an Open 60 team in France and has racked up over +10,000 coastal and ocean miles over the years.
Elizabeth spent 3 years working as the Director of Sailing/Race Director at the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron; her home club in Halifax, Nova Scotia. During that time she gained a wealth of experience in race management which uncovered a new passion leading her to become certified as Canada's youngest National Race Officer. She is currently Vice President on the Board of Directors for the Nova Scotia Yachting Association.
Elizabeth looks forward to a season full of adventure and excitement with the Oakcliff family.
Update: Elizabeth is already part of the family and she ran an excellent mark boat along with acorn Oliver Shenberg at this weekends regatta.
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| Quick Links |
Hunt's Nacra: Making it Possible in Palma
A quick interview with Sarah and John after a good day of sailing on the NACRA which will land at Oakcliff soon. ISAF Case BookOnce you've read the rule book, the next step is to download the ISAF Case Book and read the official interpretations of the rules. It can be downloaded free by clicking on the link above. Leading Away From DisasterOne year later, Bryan Chong the owner of the boat Low Speed Chase which tragically sank on the Farallones Race has shared his thoughts. NOTE: Bryan mentions buying a loved one a Spinlock Harness/Lifejacket. Spinlock is a sponsor of Oakcliff and we sell these items in the retail store.
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