Greetings!
Once again a lot going on at Oakcliff. Check out the reports of the Halifax Results as well as the Women's International Match Race Series. You may have heard about Oakcliff in the news this week too as we were on Channel 12 and on Island Outlook on K-Joy, WHLI, B-103 or The Shark. Keep spreading the word, Oakcliff welcomes all sailors and it is in huge part to our donors and supporters that we can have so much cool stuff going on!
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Catalina Feder on the Farr 47
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We inadvertently missed second year Acorn, Catalina Feder off of the crew list for the Farr 47 so am giving her a shout out. She was definitely on board and when asked how the race was she commented:
"It was madness pulling together the 47 in time for the race. Everything came together last minute and we kicked butt. It was exhilarating to say the least and I am so pumped for upcoming regattas in July and August with Oakcliff." Seems like Cat is sticking around and we are very happy to have her.
Catalina was born and raised in Oyster Bay, NY. She first took to the sea as an infant, and in subsequent years spent the majority of her summers sailing on the family's 38' yawl. For Catalina, the water is a second home. She kicked off her racing career with Optis, later 420s, and eventually distance racing with the Around Long Island Race. At thirteen, Catalina helped deliver a 42' ketch from Bermuda to Oyster Bay. This weekend she is racing with 212 Degree Racing, Jon Hammond and Madeline Gill as well as her brother at the Chicago Match Race Center. Good Luck Cat!
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Marblehead to Halifax Report
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Sapling Parker Lyman with some contributions from Sapling James Downer filed their report from the race. Two weeks from boat delivery from Michigan to ready to race and second in class.
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Sail the Sound For Deafness Regatta Returns
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 | | Fancy Dressed Sailors From Last Year |
Thursday, August 1st Oakcliff is once again partnering with the Mill Neck Family of Organizations and the Waterfront Center for the Sail the Sound for Deafness Regatta.
You can race the Classics Race at 5:15 and then attend a cocktail party at the beautiful Mill Neck Manor from 8-11. The Mill Neck Manor is a beautiful Gold Coast Mansion and those who were there last year can attest to its magic. The party will include live music and food and drink donated by Jack Halyards, Sweet Tomato, Coach Tavern, as well as many other restaurants and the local Baymen.
If you purchase your tickets for the cocktail party by the end of this week you get an early bird special price of $50. You can see more options and purchase your tickets Here. All contributions will benefit the Mill Neck Family of Organizations, serving people who are Deaf and/or have other special communication needs, locally, nationally and around the world.
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Oakcliff Volunteers Make New York Women's Invitational a Huge Success.
|  By all accounts the New York Women's Invitational was a great success. We believe that this event will be upgraded from a grade 2 to a grade 1, which is the highest grade. It was all made possible by the help of our volunteers. All of the sailing teams told us they were thrilled with the racing, the boats and the ambiance. One Swedish sailor struggled to explain until she said, "everything here is with heart". Many first time to Oakcliff umpires had the same reaction. We had great race committee work from Darcy to the rest of her staff on the signal boat to great mark boat operators who were quick and precise. This resulted in the best racing we could have given the conditions. The breakdown boys kept the boats moving with Vlad ashore repairing the spinnakers ashore while the teams were racing. There were rumors that some breakdowns were just so the women could see the boys in action. The hospitality from families who opened their homes to the visiting teams and officials was a key part in making this a visit that both the hosts and visitors will not forget. Many of the teams are at the beginning of their professional sailing careers and free and happy housing made all the difference. |
Jeff MacFarlane: 1000 Mile Qualifier - Again
|  From Jeff: "Since returning to France I managed to charter a Manuard designed Mini - it is number 759. It is a great boat - a more powerful hull design better suited for strong wind sailing. However, at this point much of the equipment on the boat is very worn. I have started to make the necessary updates, such as a new (working) AIS. I am hoping to get new sails soon as the ones on the boat are very tired.
Sam Manuard (the boat designer) and I spent a few days training on the boat to help get me up to speed quickly. Because I had to restart all of my Mini Transat Qualification requirements after losing 716, the process has been incredibly rushed. In order to make the deadlines, I had to race in the Trophee MAP Race in Douarnenez, France just a few weeks after having the cast removed from my hand. I was a little hesitant at first, but was able to manage. Unfortunately, my spinnaker pole broke the first night of the race, slowing me down a great deal. Even so, I finished 8th and am proud of the result.
Next, I sailed in the double handed Mini Fastnet, also out of Douarnenez with Sebastien Picualt. The 600 mile race was challenging as we were sailing in a high pressure system, making for light and unpredictable weather systems. But once we rounded Fastnet Race, we had a very fast trip back with ideal downwind conditions (18-20 knots) most of the way. We finished 9th in this race. While the boat has potential for great speed, we struggled to keep pace in upwind conditions. Hopefully with new sails, this problem will be taken care of!
Now, I am preparing to head out on my 1000 mile qualification course. I will sail from Douarnenez to Connibeg Light near Waterford, Ireland, down to Rochebonne, around Re Island (near La Rochelle, France), up to Belle Ile, and finally finishing in Port Bourgenay. After this 1000 mile sail, I will race in the Transgascogne Race. The race consists of two legs - from Port Bourgenay to Luanco, Spain and then back. After I finish the Transgascogne Race, I will have completed all of the necessary qualification requirements for the Mini Transat. I am really looking forward to that day - it will be a huge weight off of my shoulders."
UPDATE: Jeff had to restart his 1000 miles after another gear failure but the good/bad news is that he is well on his way to completion albeit quite slowly with light summer winds following him around the Irish Sea.
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This week is our reboot week and a whole new crop of Acorns come in next Tuesday so please stop in, sail with us in the evenings and help us welcome new faces.
Sincerely,
Dawn Riley
Oakcliff Sailing Center |
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