Ocean Springs Yacht Club Photo by Will Bramlett Aerial Photography

Photo by Will Bramlett Aerial Photography
Website news:
Well folks, the new OSYC website is launched (www.osyc.com) and boy is it
beautiful! Many thanks to Damon Linkous and tailoredwebdesign.com for its
design. [Commodore’s Note: Many thanks to Ken & Judi Altman who funded the
transition to and a year’s operating expenses of the new website.]
We intend to use the website as a primary tool in communicating information
with the membership, sharing ideas and moving our club forward. We will send
email updates to people who register at the website instead of emails from the
Commodore. Accordingly, please take the time to register on the home page
and get familiar with the layout. When you register, please do so using your
name (i.e. KenAltman) rather than a cute moniker like (sailingmonkeybeerflip).
While the latter certainly paints an image, it will also make it difficult for us to
know which members have registered and also make it tough on your fellow
members to identify your postings. As a registered user, you are free to create
and take part in a range of discussions concerning the advancement of this fine
yacht club.
The new and improved site contains a detailed photo section which we have
already loaded with a lot of interesting photos from our past. We are however
always looking for additional pictures from the club. This need is particularly
great for the History section because so much was lost in the storm. Please
submit any photos to Judi Altman ([email protected]) or drop off a CD with
your pictures to Judi’s attention at the club office.
In addition to the informational aspects of the web site, we will also keep The
Official OSYC Club Calendar on the site and host a forum for discussions on
activities at the club.
Please understand that the website is a work in progress, staffed by volunteers
and content is being edited and new pages added on a regular basis. We
expect to have a link where you can shop for OSYC Logo’d wear (shirts, hats,
bags, etc.) by the time you read this. Please be patient with us as we grow.
Ultimately it is our goal to make this website a one-stop portal for you to better
enjoy your yacht club experience.
Sincerely, Your website committee.
Ocean Springs Yacht Club
July, 2009
From the Commodore, Steve Sloan
[email protected] , 228-238-9812
Hi Everybody,
I hope you all can see a steady pace of
improvements around the club. Besides the
new website, some recent progress includes
the new pool furniture’s arrival and the
changing room/showers being completed in
time for the Slip-to-Ship regatta in May. We
also began lunch service and added a cook
on duty to prepare appetizers in the evening.
Last month, we experimented with offering
coffee service in the early morning hours, but
found there were not enough members coming
in for coffee regularly to make it worth our
while. My point is your Board of Governors,
OSYC Auxiliary, Manager and Staff are working hard to make your OSYC
membership experience enjoyable. Not everything we try will be a winner, but
the point is, we’re listening and we’re trying to serve the needs and desires of
our members.
If you have a complaint or recommendation, your first point of contact is the
Rear Commodore, Steve “Buzz” Bussard or me. I want to assure you we are
painfully aware of the air conditioning limitations – and perhaps by the time you
read this we’ll be well on our way to a solution – probably more insulation and
more air conditioning capacity.
About a month ago, I called for donations to help with the planned improvements
(for example, the pool furniture, showers/changing rooms and new website cost
more than $10,000). A few of you sent checks and we all appreciate that, but
the total result was about 1/10th of what I had hoped for. If you have not sent a
check yet, and you can afford to donate $50 or $100 dollars or more (or even
$10 or $20), please do so now. What a difference it makes to have funds to
tackle the projects on our wish list without having to wait, and what a difference
it would make if everyone could send something.
Before the year is out, the Board would like to reinvigorate the club committee
system. Running a club with this many members and this many activities is a
challenge and we could use more member participation. In the way of example,
our Vice Commodore, John O’Shaughnessy, established an incredible Sailing
Program by staffing a Sailing Committee, a Race Committee and a Regatta
Committee. This Sailing Team of committees that John established last year
and nurtured this year has moved our Sailing Program and Regattas forward in
leaps and bounds. We’d like to borrow John’s model to establish several other
committees including: House, Grounds, Pool, Social, Publicity and Bylaws. I am
asking each of you to consider where their interests lie and please volunteer
to serve on a committee for a year. If you would even consider serving as
Committee Chair, please volunteer to be the Chair! We’ll help you. Many hands
make light work, and we’d like to ease the burdens of a select few who are
doing very much, by spreading the participation to more members. Establishing
an effective committee system will move the entire club forward by leaps and
bounds. We’re ready! All we need is you! Please email me commodore@osyc.
com to volunteer.
I would be remiss if I did not congratulate the Sailing Team led by John
O’Shaughnessy, Ken Altman and Steve Collins for an incredibly successful
Slip-to-Ship Regatta. Special thanks also go to Judi Altman who spearheaded
sponsorship and Regatta Fundraising. Let’s also thank the OSYC Auxiliary who
sponsored the Family Fun Day on June 20th. Greg Horshok, BJ Fortier, Ann
Jones, Shannon Ford, Mary Sloan, Stacey Randall, Lisa Baker, Kathy Tosch
and others did an amazing job coming up with fun events for all.
See you around the club. Yours in service, Steve
From the Vice Commodore, John O’Shaughnessy
[email protected] , 228-323-4321
Oh Boy !!! What a month it’s been. I hardly know
where to start.
We had our first major regatta, “Slip to Ship”
Memorial Day weekend. It was without a doubt
the best one we’ve held in a number of years,
thanks to the dynamic duo – Ken Altman our
Fleet Capitan and his lovely wife Judi. If you
were there then you know how much fun it
was. If not I’ll let Ken give you the details in
his report. I do want to thank all of the Race
Committee folks who participated in the regatta.
Special thanks to the Ragin’ Cajun, and chef
extraordinaire-Robbie Holstead - for Saturday
night’s dinner. The guy is awesome. I also want
to thank Kevin Rejda, who came from Florida at
our request and was our Principle Race Officer for the regatta.
The success or failure of the regattas is determined by the number of volunteers
that come out and support the effort. PLEASE come out and support your club.
You don’t have to be a sailor to help with a regatta. It takes a racing team of 15
to 20 volunteers to have a successful regatta.
Power boaters. You and your boats are vital in having a safe and fun regatta.
Please volunteer your time and boat to help us have safe and fun sailing
events.
The end of May we hosted the US Sailing Level 1 Instructor Course – 40 hours of
instruction and evaluation to certify our sailing instructors. All 4 of our instructor
candidates successfully completed the training, and are now US Sailing Assoc.
Certified Instructors. They are Steve Collins, Sail Director, Nick Gault, Jerin
Collins and Jackson Weldon. Our congratulations guys. We added a fifth sailor
as an Asst. Instructor this year, Sean Fleming. Welcome aboard Sean.
For all you folks who wanted to get your child into the course and were told the
classes were full, now have an opportunity to register for classes 3 and 4. Prior
to the instructors passing the course I couldn’t accept more applications than
2 instructors could safely handle. With 4 instructors on hand reporting to Steve
Collins our Sail Director, we are able to accept a few more students. Go to www.
osyc.com to register.
Thanks to Ken Altman and our Board of Governors we were able to complete
the showers before the regatta. Dave Johnson Construction built them for us in
3 days. Many thanks Dave.
Another very special thanks goes to Commodore Bob Rashka and Joe Seward
for the countless hours they spent building our boat racks and shelves in the
sail locker. This was no small task; the material alone cost over $5000.00. This
extraordinary sailor, benefactor, carpenter and all around great guy would not
allow us to pay for the material. When Bob gets back from Wisconsin be sure
to thank him for his generosity and tireless efforts on behalf of the club. Bob
sailed his catamaran “Miassis Dragon” in the “Slip to Ship” regatta. He and his
crewman Nathan were the oldest and youngest sailors in the race. I won’t tell
how old Bob is but Nathan was 11years old and there were 64 years between
their ages.
As you know Hurricane season is upon us, and we’re trying to implement
a Hurricane preparedness program for the club. With 17 boats in our little
fleet now, figuring out how to protect them has been a major priority. First
we need a place to take them. Mr. Charlie Glenn, Manager of Ocean Spring
Lumber didn’t hesitate before saying yes, when I asked him if we might store
them in their warehouse. So the first part of the problem is solved. Now I
need volunteers to help us prepare and move them, if a storm is expected. I
know this is a lot to ask as everyone is busy then trying to protect their own
property. But remember the boats are YOUR boats. Please see me, Steve
Collins or Ken Altman if you’d like to help us prepare for the worst.
The Junior Sailing classes are going very well. The first 2 classes complete the
course today. We have nearly 100 students sign up this year for one of the 8
classes offered. We’ve also added an advance training program for experienced
students who have signed up for the course again this year. Another special
thanks goes to Shannon Ford RN, for volunteering her summer to be our Medical
Officer. We could sure use a couple more medical folks to give Shannon some
relief. If you’d like to help us out please see me or Shannon.
This weekend we are hosting the US Sailing Assoc. Small Boat Level 2
(Beginning racing) Instructor course. We are very fortunate to have on of the
premier Yachts women in the country as course instructor. All of our certified
instructors will be attending this intensive 20hr course this weekend.
Level 2 certification will allow us to teach the US Sailing beginning racing course
next year. We’re hoping to incorporate some of the course information this year,
as well.
Speaking of racing, Steve Collins has started Sunfish racing “round the Buoys” on
Friday nights. Last week was the first race and Jackson Weldon was the winner.
Let Steve know if you want to come out and race. SPECTATORS WELCOME !!
Cheer your favorite sailor on from our deck or down on the beach.
I know I stress the US Sailing Small Boat courses when discussing junior sailing.
It is important to note that these courses are by no means junior courses. More
adults are taught using this course then youngsters.
We are now offering 3 different ADULT SAILING courses. Contact me or Steve
3.25” W X 2” H
Collins for more information.
I don’t want to leave the power boat folks out of the news. Last week the US
Power Squadron completed our first Power Boat course. This 12 hr course is
a must for power boaters and their children. The course is taught in 6 – 2hr
sessions in the evening over a period of 2 weeks. The folks that attended the
course will attest to my claim.
Well that’s more than enough from me. (I told you it was a busy month).
The club is your back yard. Your paying for it, you own it, come be part of the
fun. JJ
From the Rear Commodore, Buzz Bussard,
[email protected]
This month we’re focusing on use of the pool. We’ve had some very hot weather
and the pool is getting lots of use. That’s good. Some pool users are making
enjoyable use of the pool difficult. Our overarching goal is an enjoyable pool
atmosphere for all members and guests. We need all members to help enforce
the rules and keep the pool area clean.
The pool is for the exclusive use of full club members, their families, and invited
guests. “Family” includes husband, wife, parents and children residing in the
same household. Other household residents may be considered “Family”
subject to review by the Board of Governors on an individual basis. (Everyone
coming to the pool is required to have a membership card and show this card
to the lifeguard when asked)
The lifeguard in attendance is directly responsible for the safety and well being
of every person both in the pool and within the pool area. It is their responsibility
to ask for the removal of any person(s) whose actions jeopardize the safety and
will-being of others.
The Lifeguard’s job is to watch the pool for safety issues, He/She are not paid
to babysit; they will watch out for children or adults in distress, but they aren’t
babysitters!!!!! Parents are expected to supervise their children at the pool.
Lifeguards are allowed to take breaks and will notify members at the pool that
they will be away from the pool on a designated break. Every hour the life guard
will allow a ten minute break as they see fit for adult swim which means all
children will come out of the pool and take a break. (Any problems with a life
guard are to be addressed to the Manager or Rear Commodore ONLY!!!!!!!)
Everyone entering the pool area must sign the register. Members must write the
names of their guests and pay a guest fee to the bartender at the rate of $1.00
per guest per day.
Children 12 years (in accordance with the school year, Dec.31) and older who
are qualified swimmers, will be permitted in the pool or pool area unattended.
Qualification will be determined by the lifeguards. Children under 12 years of
age are not permitted in the pool unless accompanied by a parent or responsible
escort of at least 16 years old. Children must be 12 years of age to invite guests.
Children under 12 years are not to be watched from the deck.
Use of the Kiddies Pool is restricted to children 6 years of age or younger. A
child may not use the Kiddies Pool unless a responsible escort remains in the
immediate area. Babysitters accompanying members’ children need only pay
the guest fee if they use the pool. Babysitters supervising children must be at
least 16 years old.
Everyone must take a shower before entering the pool. Bathing suits or bathing
trunks only must be worn by swimmers. Eating is not permitted in the pool
(nearby ok, but not in the pool). Glass containers of any kind are not permitted
inside the enclosed area. There is no running or horseplay in the pool area.
There will no loitering or horseplay in the cabana or shower area. Parents
please help enforce.
If you are planning a party for your child, you must coordinate with the Manager
before the date. The Manager will determine if an additional lifeguard is required
– usually it is for more than ten children. Additional lifeguard charge is at member
expense. Please remember...the lifeguard’s job is to protect you, your family
and guests.
Pool furniture is not to be removed from inside the pool fence. We have already
had two new chaise lounges broken by being removed to the pergola area and
dropped. Please be considerate. Please take responsibility for your possessions
and garbage. Take all your belongings when you leave the area and please
don’t leave any garbage. This is not the lifeguard’s job.
I don’t like having to cover this, but we had a problem. . . Infants/children who
are not toilet trained and adults who are incontinent, who wish to enter any pool,
must wear clean diaper or disposable swim diaper cover by separate rubber/
vinyl pants, all of which must fit snugly around the legs and waist. If a diaper
becomes soiled, this person must leave the pool immediately, and cannot
return to the pool until he/she has taken or been given a soap shower and been
recovered by a new diaper with clean rubber/vinyl pants.
Let’s enjoy the pool by using common sense.
From the Fleet Captain, Ken Altman
[email protected], (228) 365-4168
Sailing season is in full gear. I wanted to start this month’s article with a big
thank you to Mark Grace who has donated a
sunfish trailer to the club in honor of his parents
Matt and Joanne Grace charter and still active
members of our club. Mark informs me that
his parents donated a Sunfish to the club at its
inception and were active in the development
and running of the sailing program. More
information on their story will be included in
a section soon to be up on our new web site
concerning volunteerism.
Despite the threat of a tropical system, The Slip to Ship Regatta was a roaring
success. While the weather shortened our Saturday course and limited our
participants to 33 boats, all involved had a blast. The sailing and racing were
excellent and the food and party were monumental. For over 90 minutes we
were giving away raffle items culminating in our Grand Prize, a two night stay
at the Emerald Grande Resort in Destin Florida (with an included fishing trip or
round of gold) which was won by our principal race official Kevin Rejda, very
appropriate.
I want to thank everyone who stepped up to help in spite of the threatening
weather. In particular, our volunteers on the ground, on the sea and in
the kitchen, it could not have happened without you. Also, I wanted to give
special thanks to our Premier Sponsors who made this regatta happen: South
Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center, South Mississippi Surgeons and
Emerald Grande at Harborwalk Village, many thanks. Please check out this
PRSRT STD
u.s. postage
Ocean Springs Yacht Club
PAID
N. 30° 40.99244’ W 088° 84.0578’
PO Box 821
Ocean Springs, MS 39566
edition of the newsletter for a listing of all of our Slip to Ship sponsors. Please
support these businesses that support our yacht club (and tell them that we
appreciate them).
This year featured custom HAND MADE glass awards by local sailing legend
and artisan, Missy Allen. They were an absolute labor of love and are very much
appreciated. Also, this year we launched the Deer Island Race Perpetual Award
given to the sailor who has the fastest adjusted time sailing our 22 mile Deer
Island Course. Congratulations to Duly Chaltain and Ross Roundtree, the first
with their name on our new trophy.
Winners of the Regatta are as follows:
Overall-
Andy Humphries and Buster Horton
Open Spinnaker- Andy Humphries and Buster Horton
Hobie 16- Karl and Bridget Renelt
Open A-
Jay Meeks and Fani Manney
Open B-
Duly Chaltain and Ross Roundtree
By the time that you read this, we will have hosted the Regional Special Olympics
featuring sailing teams from throughout the southeast. I hope that you had the
chance to attend the event and see some excellent sailing and sportsmanship
from these athletes.
On July 4-5 we are hosting our second major regatta, the Horn Island Hop. This
two day distance event features a race to Horn Island and back and a Sunday
race around Deer Island. If you have a boat, the party on the Island is a lot of
fun. If you don’t, the party at the club Saturday night should be incredible. Given
that the race falls on July 4, 2009, I hear that they will be shooting off fire works
to celebrate our mastery of the sailing universe. We will again be having a
chock full raffle with the same incredible two night vacation package (plus a
round of golf or fishing trip) from the Emerald Grande in Destin, one of our
two Premier Sponsors. Also, special acknowledgment goes to club member, Dr.
Ed Aldridge whose On Call Medical Clinic has stepped us a Premier Sponsor!
Hopefully Dr. Ed can bring his beautiful trimaran for the hop. Come and join us
and have fun.
Nancy Dorroh, abr®
realtor®
(228) 872-3330 Business
(800) 530-7209 toll free
(228) 872-0521 fax
(228) 324-7552 cell
[email protected]
permit #911
gulfport, MS
Our first Catamaran Open House and Family Fun Day took place on June 20
and was a great success. Eight of our members rigged up personal boats and
offered sailing rides to members all afternoon. Also, Da Beach House, joined us
and brought out several Kayaks for member to try out. At last count, nearly 40
people caught the sailing and boating bug…..I hope that it is contagious.
I’ll end this month’s edition with a brief story. A couple of weeks ago, I was rigging
up my boat for an afternoon sail when I noticed a forlorn looking club member
staring at my boat through the pool fence (not unlike a caged animal). I carefully
approached this member (we will call him Todd) and struck up a conversation.
It turns out that Todd is a new member and was at the pool with his girlfriend
“sunning”. Now having some knowledge of these matters and recognizing that
most guys have as much interest in sunning as an ant being burnt under a
magnifying glass, I asked him about his sailing experience. He indicated that
he has not sailed other than a single adventure many moons ago. So, I told him
that we will solve that problem and invited him out for a sail. I will say without
reservation that when we returned to the beach after a great spinnaker run,
Todd was all smiles. Todd’s experience is my experience. In 2001, I was sitting
with my wife at our old club pool watching these cool cats sailing when club
member, David Beall invited me out for my first sail on a Hobie Wave. Hat tip to
David. That’s the funny thing about sailors; we love to Pay it Forward.
If you are interested in learning about sailing or volunteering for our race
committee or sailing committee, please send me an email expressing your
interest.
See you on the water, Ken
OSYC joined with Coldwell Banker United Realtors, East Beach
Specialties, Lighthouse Tours and Fort Bayou Wine & Spirits to host
the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours on
June 18th. Special thanks to The Shed, Al Fresco and Bar of De’Nile
for food donations. Also, special thanks to Mermaid’s Purse, Hillyer
House, Sandra Payne, Massage Therapist and Grants Menswear for
door prize donations. Great time was had by all!
Bow to Stern Marine Services
Professional fiberglass repair & paint,
12 volt and 110 troubleshooting & repair,
Light mechanical
united, realtors®
6913 Washington Avenue
Ocean Springs, MS 39564
www.justcallnancy.com
Captain Woodie W. Allen IV . . . . . Ph.: (228) 282-2038