Posts from — February 2009

Called “the Everest of sailing”, the Volvo Ocean Race is a 37,000 mile sailboat race with stops at 11 ports around the world taking the competitors 9 months to complete.

Here’s a little sample of what this race is all about:

The 2008-2009 race began in October 2008 out of Alicante Spain, and will finish in St. Petersburg, Russia in June of 2009. Out of the 8 teams that started the race only one has dropped out, two are down for repairs for this leg and the 5 remaining are currently sailing near Fiji in the South Pacific on their way to Rio de Janeiro. [Read more →]

Rick Wong & Friends on OCSC's Intro Sail

Ever wonder how long it takes to make friends on a sailboat? Well, it’s definitely less than 2 hours. Rick Wong sent us these photos from his Introduction to Sailing Course last week. The group went out as strangers but came back with new friends. Not only is the Intro to Sailing a great way to be introduced to the sport, it’s also a good way to meet fun, interesting folks.

You can see the rest of the album here. Thanks for the pictures Rick!

40 Sailors aboard the Vessel Seaward

A good time was had by all on OCSC’s Valentine’s Day Sail. With a fairly wet forecast, we were holding our collective breaths, hoping that the weather would cooperate and provide us with favorable sailing conditions. As it turned out, the weather gods were definitely on our side, for by the time we were ready to set sail, the skies had parted and we were left with the perfect afternoon sail.

The group spent the afternoon sailing with their sweethearts and other OCSC friends aboard the Vessel Seaward, a 82’ classic staysail schooner built in 1988 for both comfortable charters in protected waters as well as for rigorous offshore sailing. As the crew sailed their way back to Berkeley, the sun was setting at their backs and another memorable sail was had by all.

OCSC President Anthony Sandberg "Skiing"

I want to recommend ski training with Sam Morishima and the endless slope. Last year I decide to go back to skiing which I hadn’t done for over 35 years. Fortunately I met Sam Morishima who teaches with ADVENTUROUS SPORTS In San Francisco. Last year I took 10 lessons with Sam and then went up to the snow and discovered that I was skiing comfortably immediately on the slopes. Sam is able to work magic as he stands right beside you as the rug moves under you as fast or slow as you like. Training is available on Saturdays and Sundays at the Endless Slope in Sports Basement at 1590 Bryant Street @ 16th in San Francisco. (store phone 415.397.7678) There is lots of free parking. To book a time slot just go here. Everything is provided, just show up in street clothes and he will loan you boots and skies. If you have your own ski boots then bring those, but that is it. The Endless Slope is perfect for someone who has never skied, and perfect for a pro who wants to fine tune her form. Read more about the Endless Slope in the SF Examiner.

Anthony Sandberg
President/Founder

OCSC is going to the Galapagos Islands twice during this year of Darwin’s anniversary.  There’s still time to join the group leaving in March!

Darwin’s theory of evolution has become the bedrock of modern biology. But for most of the theory’s existence since 1859, even biologists have ignored or vigorously opposed it, in whole or in part. Read the rest of the NYT Article…

Also, check out the latest Gallup survey on Evolution.

Down in Fleet Service, the winter is our time to catch up on preventative maintenance and upgrade the fleet.  While California’s ongoing drought is definitely a concern, this year’s dry weather has been great for boat work.  Not only is it a pleasure to work outside when it’s 65 and sunny, the weather has allowed us to get a good jump on all that work that requires dry weather, bottom jobs, gelcoat repairs, compounding/waxing, and varnish work.  Much of this routine work is somewhat invisible unless you are down here everyday.  However, there a few big projects currently underway that might catch your attention.  Look for the following upgrades to the fleet the next time you come down to the club… [Read more →]

Anthony recently attended a launch party for Google Ocean.  Sylvia Earle (pictured here), a former chief scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, was a major catalyst for the project.  If you haven’t seen Google Ocean yet, it’s incredible! Take a tour or read more about it in this NYT article.

We’re so lucky to have Kame Richards back to give a great presentation on Tides and Currents in the Bay.   This is really an exceptional opportunity for any sailor.  Read the San Francisco Business Times article about Kame Richards here.

Sign Up and Sail is quickly becoming one of the most popular activities at OCSC and it’s easy to see why.  This Sunday Jeff Stokes, Club Manager, arranged 5 different boats for members to sail with new freinds as well as familiar faces.  The morning kicked off with bagels and OJ, followed by a quick presentation on the best way to utilize the Crewlist, then the groups set sail for an action packed day on the water.  Thanks for everyone who came out yesterday and we look forward to seeing you next time.  Click here to learn more about Sign Up and Sail or, as always, feel free to email Jeff (Jeff@OCSC.com).

Dear Friends -

Happy Club Birthday to you!  This month OCSC celebrates its 30^th year thanks to all of you.  In 1979 we set out to reinvent sailing, and to inspire the confidence it takes step out of the comfort zone and embrace new challenges.   We have made the best of the sport easily available, approachable and affordable. Our community of friends has grown from our first few students to what is now a world wide network of alumni and active sailors who enjoy sailing the bay and exploring the world, both by sea and land.  Sharing the spirit of adventure with others who want to explore and experience this beautiful planet at first hand is what binds us all together.  Speaking for all of us on the crew, we appreciate your friendship and trust and look forward to many more years of playing and growing together.  I hope you’ll come down and celebrate with us at the party on Saturday, February 21.  See you at your CLUB soon!

Anthony Sandberg - President/Founder OCSC

OCSC’s 30th Birthday Party:
Saturday, February 21st 4-6pm
FREE BBQ and Live Music!
Everyone’s invited!