Women for Women Charity Regatta Finally Sails

OCEANSIDE, CA — The Women for Women Charity Regatta to benefit the Women's Resource Center finally sailed Sunday — fog and all. Originally scheduled for mid-May, the event was postponed because of shoaling at the harbor mouth, which affected its depth and caused large waves to form before the dredge arrived.

Although there were light winds Sunday and the racing skippers had to play "hide and go seek" to find the racing marks in the often thick fog, the racers agreed that they had fun while raising some much-needed cash for the Oceanside-based group that aids victims of domestic abuse.

Among the vessels racing were Moana, with Cathy Sweet as skipper, Carleen and Darwin Southard owners; Island Spirit, with Rocket Buchanan as skipper, Susan and Mike Cobas owners; Nirvana, Barbara Radney as skipper and owner; Second Wind, Patty Mangles as skipper and owner; Jammin, Leigh Ann Severson as skipper, Paul Gadbois owner; and About Time, Kathleen Vorwith as skipper, Dan Avina owner.

Trophies were taken home by Moana, finishing first place; Second Wind, second place; Jammin, fourth place; and Island Spirit, fourth place.

Although folks on the race committee vessel, Bad Habit, tried to get a few photos of the racing action, it was just too foggy to capture much of the action.

While several of the racing vessels had all-female crews, others were co-ed, with men supporting the lady skipper. Team Jammin included John Slattabo and Trevor Partain crewing for skipper Leigh Ann Severson, while the owner, Paul Gadbois, cheered them on.

Following the regatta, racers and supporters gathered at the Oceanside Yacht Club for a post-race party, silent auction of donated prizes, and raffles — all to benefit the WRC. There was a "skippers' pledge" contest to see which of the racing yachts could bring in the most donation pledges, which was won by Patty Mangles with more than $400 in pledges.

The members of the OYC work year-round to support the organization. For example, in December, the club will be collecting new toys for the families served by the WRC.

— Photos and story courtesy of Pat Gadbois, Oceanside Yacht Club