Two Oakcliff teams including most of the staff competed at Charleston Race Week.   That left 'management' to drive forklifts and unload the 13,000lb containers containing Match 40s.  The guys were worried but we managed just fine thank you.  In order for the fun of Charleston to happen, the team worked through ice and snow to get the Match 40s ready for the ABC regatta and are currently slammed getting the big boats ready for American Spring Series.  If you have any intention of sailing PLEASE SIGN UP NOW. 

We hope that the switch has been flipped and summer is on its way because we are sailing no matter what, with Tuesday Match Race Drills starting tomorrow!  

With all of the activity it has become abundantly clear that housing visiting sailors is one of our biggest challenges.  But Bunkrooms are coming and coming soon!  

Most people who visit Oakcliff don't even notice that there is a second story but they will soon when there are acorns and saplings running up and down the stairs.  We have finished demo and are already in construction on building out 8 rooms to house visiting sailors.   

We absolutely need help with funding of this program. We have already had our first bunk sponsor and another generous believer in Oakcliff has donated 20% of the estimated $300,000 cost for the build out. He asked that we use his commitment to help motivate others to support the project. So consider yourself motivated.

Here is a list of the naming levels.  Also a big thank you to John Kariyannis (otherwise known as Yana's cousin) for providing the wonderful renderings.  They certainly help envision what your contribution to this capital campaign will support.  

On the warmer side, the Grade 5 Season Opener last week saw very welcome sunshine but also light winds.   Teams got on the water, rigged jibs and then quickly changed to genoas as the temps rose and the winds dropped.  They battled through almost a full round robin before it was time to return to shore. The final results had the team who had traveled the furthest, led by Dylan Vogel (D3's nephew for the locals) who won 3 of the 4 races he sailed.  In second place was Danielle Gallo who had on-board coaching from both Madeline Gill and Chris Poole.  Her sailing definitely took a step towards aggressive.  Doug Renyolds, Avi Lessman and Eni Szekely filled in the rest of the spots.  It was great to see old friends and meet new as well.  

Jeff MacFarlane is back in American waters and continuing his quest to conquer short-handed sailing.  He has teamed up with SapGrad Jake Arcand for the competition which begins in Charleston May 10 and stops in New York and Newport before a fleet race in Newport Harbor at the end of the month. 

Most of you have been following Jeff and his trials and tribulations as well as his successes.   After becoming the top ranked Mini sailor in the world he was air lifted off of his race boat in a training run with several injuries.  He fought back, re-qualified on another boat and was in the MiniTransat race when disaster struck again and his mast came down.  In what turned out to be a bit of a key-stone cop move, the organizers who were under pressure from the French government to reduce injuries forced Jeff to abandon ship, even though he was fully jury-rigged and making progress to the next port.  Shortly thereafter that leg of the race was abandoned but they would not let him board his boat again thus ending his season.

The Class 40 on loan to Jeff and Oakcliff from the USMMA-SF and the support of board member Ralf Steitz has reinvigorated his quest.  We will keep you updated as to their progress.  Additionally as with all of our SapGrad and Acorn Alumni they are out searching for success and always in need of sponsor and financial support.  Here is more information on how to support them through the Travel Team Fund. 

American Spring: We Need YOU!    

With the snow JUST going away we are a bit behind in our decision making for which big boat to splash next.    

We have the Farr 47, Ker 50, Farr 40s, Ker 11.3 and 11.5 to launch and we will manage to get as many as we need launched but in order to do that we NEED YOU TO SIGN UP.  So please click here and help me to put the teams together.  

Alvametica getting good press in Seahorse Magazine. They attribute some of their success to Oakcliff. Read On.  

 SapGrads Sail W/Volvo Team 

Dan Flanigan a driving force from the 2013 Sapling Class is currently in Southampton studying yacht design. He reached out to the Team Alvimedica guys who sailed with Oakcliff, Mark and Charlie and offered his services.  He was snapped up and trained with them for a week or so.  Reports from management was Dan was 1st to the boat and willing to help out with any job.  LOVE IT when Saplings excel!   

Speaking of excelling and pushing and driving, Dan and Hobie Ponting are continuing to plan an Oakcliff Offshore Youth Team for 2015's Transatlantic.  We are looking for funding and sponsorship and a boat in the 45-60 foot range for these talented and experience young sailors.  

For more action watch  Dan Flanigan on the pumps at minute 2:51 of this video by clicking Here     

Oakcliff In Charleston 

As mentioned two teams competed at Charleston Race Week.  These Melges 24s wintered in Beaufort South Carolina at the Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club.  Ladi is a long time member and they were extremely hospitable.  It looks like Oakcliff is going to head back and do a bit of a clinic this summer.  Lots of fun to spread the word.  

Hammer Helps!

We are pretty sure that Steve and Brittney have helped us all be fitter, stronger and faster.  If you want to add those words to your vocabulary, get yourself to the gym.  Here is their website.  If you want to train specifically with the Oakcliff team, Tuesdays at 10 are for you. But all supporters get special Oakcliff treatment.  Call Steve for more details

(516) 724-0238  

Donate to Oakcliff and  your name will be spotlighted on our new donor board.  Better yet you get to go sailing.  Best yet you are supporting young sailors and aspiring athletes.  

Donate here or Call 415 760-7642 or email race@oakcliffsailing.org 

Oakcliff Sailing is a high-performance training center for sailors who have progressed beyond traditional coaching methods.

We are a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and located in Oyster Bay, NY.  

 

Visit OakCliffSailing.org