Summer is here! Acorns and Saplings are arriving at the Oakcliff Sailing Center
by Oakcliff Sailing 18 Jun 2020 06:09 PDT
Acorns and Saplings are arriving © Lexi Pline
Our first batch of trainees arrived this Monday. It is finally starting to feel like a normal summer again (somewhat at least). Today marks 100 days of isolation for the Oakcliff team.
Even though local regulations have loosened up, we are committed to maintaining a safe environment so that trainees, Supporters, and racers can still make good use of our fleet of 100+ boats as creatively and safely as possible.
Two weeks ago we hosted our first Quaranteam Clinegatta and this Saturday we are hosting a Grade 5 with the same safety protocols. Follow on Facebook for race updates, photos, and drone footage.
We have socially-distanced options available to get Supporters out on the water. Go for a sail or have a picnic on one of our Classics or Match 40s. Sign up on our calendar or email the Development Manager at if you have questions.
Our Performance Party Face Covers are available on our online store. They are perfect for socializing safely or using while sailing. Learn more and get yours here.
Grade 5 Regatta this weekend
If you're missing match racing, come spectate the Grade 5 regatta this Saturday, June 21. While spots to race are full, feel free to come and anchor by the racecourse on your own boat and watch some fun and informative match racing. Races start at noon on Saturday and last until around 4. Please have your VHF set to Channel 69 so you can follow the race committee's actions and, if they have time, they will answer any questions you have.
Email Patrick Burks at with any questions about weekend racing.
High performance heats up
This week, we welcomed our first Acorns and Saplings of the season into the bubble, kicking off with High Performance. While the start of the program was delayed due to COVID-19, the implementation of the Oakcliff Bubble has allowed us to safely test and vet each new arrival.
Yesterday, the trainees worked with coach Nate Housberg on rigging a 49er and then got an intense footwork session. Afterwards, they hit the water and worked on their crew work. They returned to the bunkhouse with beaming smiles around 6pm and chowed down on some well-earned tacos. The official report from Coach Housberg is that the trainees had "a pretty epic first day of skiff sailing."
Acorn sessions this summer are on rolling enrollment. Read more about our Sapling and Acorn programs and sign up on our website.
You can also email the Training Program Director Ethan Johnson at with questions or call the office at 1(516) 802-0368.
Shifting the team with shifting times
Oakcliff is shifting and adapting to these challenging times and so is the team here. We recently brought in a new Media & PR Manager, Lexi Pline. Lexi graduated in 2019 from Boston University with a degree in Journalism and has been working at the Martha's Vineyard Times for the past year. She sailed all four years of college and continued sailing Snipes in the Vineyard but didn't get out as much as she wanted to and that's what led her to apply to Oakcliff.
With Lexi filling the Media and PR role, Francis George will move into the Development Manager position as Chris Bellerjeau moves on to other projects. Chris plans on staying plugged into the Oakcliff community sailing Classics, which is how he first got involved with the organization.
Bringing families together on the water
This summer is a time of rebuilding and Oakcliff is committed to helping families get out on the water to make the most out of these challenging times. Oakcliff is offering socially distanced sails to our Supporters and their families to help them build their sailing foundation. Or you can just bring your own picnic, relax on a boat, and escape for a few hours. We want to serve our Supporters and our local community in whatever way we can.
The time slots available for sailing (for now) are every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 12-5pm. You can sign up for a sail or a picnic on online calendar. We have Lasers, Match 40s, Classics, a Sunfish, and a paddleboard available.
Contact the Development Manager Francis George at with questions or requests.
Get your performance party cover
Our Performance Party Covers are flying off the shelves - get one while they last. These patent-pending face covers are UV resistant, moisture-wicking and antimicrobial. Each cover has a grommet in the back that can be turned to the front and used as a straw hole, so you can sip a beverage without compromising safety.
We all know that face coverings help to keep us safe but these also protect against sun burn and keep you cool. Plus they are easy to deploy.
They are also made with locally sourced materials and produced right at home so they are 100% American. Buffs can be purchased with or without a reusable metal straw from our shop. Buy the Performance Party Cover.
This week on the Cocktail Breeze