Posts from — June 2010

We just got word from Larry and Lisa Anderson, OCSC Alumni, from their Tayana 55 in Puerto Vallarta. They replied to our last newsletter with exciting news…

I have sold my house, bought a Tayana 55 and have sailed from Ventura Ca, to Puerto Vallarta so far. Tell Capt Ray thanks for his great instruction in Coastal Cruising Class. Gave me a lot of good insight heading down the Baja on those moonless nights.

You can keep up with their trip on their website.

We love hearing these stories! Keep them coming! If you have similar dreams, we’d love to hear about them. Feel free to post comments on the blog or on our Facebook Page.

OCSC SAILING is always proud to host the Ailey Camp crew for an afternoon of sailing on the Bay.

AileyCamp is an innovative summer program designed to serve inner-city children in grades six through eight, ages 11-14.  It does not serve as a training ground for professional dancers, but rather uses dance as a vehicle for developing self-esteem, self-discipline, creative expression and critical thinking skills.  The Ailey Camp of Berkeley makes an annual stop at OCSC for an afternoon on the water.

We all had magic moments of accomplishment and insight when we were young. My hope is that these young students experience a flash of inspiration from their dance camp and sailing that will inspire them to take on greater challenges in life.
-Anthony Sandberg, OCSC SAILING President & Founder

Founded by Alvin Ailey and the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey in 1989, AileyCamp targets students with academic, social and domestic challenges, but also welcomes students who have little opportunity to develop their artistic interests.  An important aspect of the program’s success is in providing positive adult and peer role models, and giving campers an invaluable opportunity to explore their creativity, learn to master their bodies, and strengthen their respect for themselves and others within a supportive framework that gives them an important foundation for the future.

Even some lifelong residents of SF Bay have never heard about the Farallon Islands.  The mysterious islands remain one of the best kept adventure secrets in North America.  The islands are currently a wildlife sanctuary home to the largest seabird nesting colony in the country and one of the most biologically diverse environments in the world.  The islands are located 27 miles outside of the gate. They are not accessible to the general public, which makes sailing one of the few opportunities to see these magnificent ecosystems. [Read more →]

Nick Allen’s beautiful wave photography has been on display in OCSC’s Clubroom for a few months now. We always get great compliments on the artwork and people are always curios to know how it was shot.

Nick will have a larger photography exhibit at the Mill Valley Public Library from July 2-30th. If you like the work in the OCSC Clubroom, you will definitely enjoy this exhibit.

There will be a reception on July 6th, 6-8pm.

This Saturday will be the longest sunlit Saturday of the year and the 10th Annual Summer Sailstice.  The Summer Sailstice is a

… global holiday celebrating sailing held annually on the Saturday closest to the summer solstice, the longest sailing days of the year.

We’ll be sailing the 82′ Schooner Seaward and coming back to OCSC for a BBQ. Others will be chartering boats and heading over to Treasure Island event. Regardless of how and where you’re sailing, if you’re out on the water, be sure to register with the official Summer Sailstice event. You’ll be eligible to win one of over 400 prizes.

If you’re still looking for a way to get on the water, we still have a few spots on the Seaward. Call us asap to reserve your spot(s)! 800.223.2984

It’s always humbling for us to hear people’s hopes and dreams about sailing. From wanting to try something new, to sailing around the world, or anywhere in between. It’s even more heart-warming for us to get messages like this years after students have begun their sailing careers.

Hey! Just a little note: about 5 years ago I took your basic keelboat class with a couple of friends…all of us where curious about how sailing actually worked.

Shortly after that class, I got a little J80 and sailed for a couple of years on an inland lake back home in South Dakota. We purchased a crusing boat last year and my wife and I are now in the early stages of a circumnavigation: we’re in southern Mexico headed for central america shortly.

Just wanted to say thanks for running such a comprehensive class. I feel I know more about sailing than many people who have been sailing for decades. I proudly wear my OCSC hat out and about.

Feel free to check in on us from time to time at www.sailingtooblivion.com. We recommend reading the blogs as they aren’t necessarily typical sailing posts…and say ‘hey’ to Graham and Kate. I hope they are fairing well.

Jeff Kirstein Sioux Falls, SD

If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing around the world, read some of their blog posts. Sometimes, the dream is so much closer than you realize.