We were not planning on sending out a newsletter this week but wanted to get you the news at the same time it is being released to the press.  Sapling Graduate Jeff MacFarlane was air lifted off of his Mini in the Mediterranean Sea last night.  It was a harrowing ordeal but he and his boat are on dry land and he is determined to continue.  The full report can be read here.

Oakcliff 2013 Saplings Brendan Prior and Dan Flanigan have one big project to get done before they arrive for the summer.  They are working on a Autonomous Boat to cross the Atlantic . 

Scout is a twelve foot long autonomous robotic boat designed to cross the Atlantic Ocean, relying only on pre-programmed commands and information that it can collect about its environment through sensors. It is built to deal with anything the ocean can throw at it, and its status will be reported live online.

It is scheduled to be launched the week of of May 25-26, website is www.gotransat.com.

American Spring Regatta will once again see 4 boats full of Oakcliff Sailors on the water.  We were overbooked for this week but next week we could use a trimmer and an all round person if anyone is available. Email your availability.

MORE BREAKING NEWS: We just had one person bail so if anyone is keen to sail tomorrow call me ASAP 415 760 7642

Tuesday Match Race Drills are in their third week and with the added coaching talent around here they are really fun and effective.  Make sure you sign up so you get the full debrief.

And adding to the mix on May 8th will be our fleet racing with coaching.  This is the perfect place to get coaching in a fleet race situation. A little bit of pressure because you are racing and a whole lot of learning with coaching throughout the race.  Sign Up Here.

Remember you can browse all events and reserve your spot at any time on the Oakcliff calendar.

While you are there you can make your donation - or email Anthony with any questions.

In addition to everything going on at Oakcliff I'll be flying to Atlanta to present a  corporate motivational speech on Tuesday and Jay will be talking Match Racing in Manhattan. Space is Limited so sign up here if you are interested.

As mentioned to the right, on Thursday I'll be back in Port Washington Speaking while Jay will be at Jack Halyards for a wine tasting dinner to help support Oakcliff. Email Bernie for reservations.  

Friday I'll be round tripping to Newport for US Sailing board meetings and then we will all be back on the water racing over the weekend.  Catch us if you can! :-)

Welcome to Sapling Sarah Ragle.  She was born and raised in the mountains of Colorado where she learned to sail on Lake Dillon in 2005. She has raced very actively in the Dillon Yacht Club J22 and J24 fleets since then. Further afield, Sarah has raced in the J24 Nationals, North Americans and World Championships. She also raced in Key West Race Week, as well as Charleston Race Week in 2013 both on Swan 42's. Prior to Key West Race Week, she competed in the Ft. Lauderdale to Key West Race, as her first time offshore.

With sailing in her blood she is looking forward to a great summer at Oakcliff, and in fact in her first week she had a new experience - she drove a truck for the first time - much to the amusement of her teammates who figured that was de rigueur for a sailor from Colorado.