The weatherman says winter will be over in time for the Memorial Day rendezvous at EGYC. There are also claims that a southerly breeze will emerge on the bay. (I’m waiting for the point spread on a southerly breeze.)
Otherwise O.S.C.A. is off to a busy start. We had great beginning with a well-attended Dead of Winter Party on February 12, hosted by Vice Commodore Dave and Sandy Arnold, s/v “Prints of Tides”, at their home in Mansfield, MA. As usual, the potluck dishes were outstanding, especially all the deserts. I do have to admit, I was partial to Matt Clements chicken parmesan and somebody’s chocolate pudding trifle. On March 20th , West Marine hosted the O.S.C.A. Fleet Night at their new Flagship store in Middletown, RI. Discounts, some substantial, were offered on all of their products. They provided hors d'oeuvre and a presentation on anchoring techniques and problems. Afterwards, many of the officers and members met at Codington Cove Brew Pub for a bite to eat and a brew to cleanse the palate.
On April 10th , we had our Wine and Cheese Potluck Dinner at Quonset Davisville Naval Yacht Club. Our thanks to Jeff and Susan Mahall, s/v “Meltimi”, for hosting this event at QDNYC as well as to Eastern Yachts and Latitude Yacht Brokerage who donated door prizes. Jennifer McCann of URI School of Oceanography and RI Coastal Resources Management Council spoke on the RI Special Area Management Plan, SAMP. SAMP conducts an extensive study of marine users of the ocean area from Martha’s Vineyard to Long Island and the impact of wind farms, etc. on environmental concerns, commercial, and recreational use of the area. Dr. Harris Faigle, s/v “Even Keel” of CANE gave an update on plans for the Catalina East Coast Rendezvous in New Bedford Harbor, July 29-31.
Memorial Day weekend, Peter and Sandy Borowiec, s/v “Alpenwind”, are again hosting our annual rendezvous at East Greenwich Yacht Club. The plan is for a cocktail social and potluck dinner Saturday evening, followed by a catered buffet dinner Sunday night with entertainment by Matt Franco, comedian/magician. Continental breadfasts at the club’s gazebo are also planned for Sunday and Monday morning.
Fleet Captain Bill and Paula Kaylor, s/v “Seanchai” , just published this year’s summer cruise itinerary, July 23-31. You can access it at http://oscafleet.org/cruise.html. In the meantime, if you’re sailing around with nothing to do this summer, there’s lots going on: the J-Boat Regatta in Newport (June 15 – 19), the Quonset Air Show (June 25 & 26), the Wickford Art Festival (July 9 & 10), the Newport Folk Festival (July 30 & 31), the Newport Jazz Festival (August 6 & 7), and the Newport Boat Show (September 15 -18).
The board still has plans in the queue for a Dutch Harbor Rendezvous (August 20th) in Jamestown, otherwise known as the M&M best wine awards; you can eat your M&M’s or vote for your favorite vintage with them! The BYC Rendezvous Labor Day Weekend will include the popular “Seanchai” lobster boil. A fabulous sailing season is ahead for all OSCA vessels, captains, and crew!
John Impagliazzo
Commodore
Ocean State Catalina Association
