About OSCA
As published in the August 2001 issue of Mainsheet
Although the Ocean State Catalina Association's
charter is dated January 1984, the idea of forming an association was born the
previous October. OSCA's founders, Rich & Nancy Alexander, Bill &
Marianne Sullivan, and George & Loretta Wilcox, each ordered C 30s from
To solicit members, our founders created a mailing list compiled from information gathered at marinas, canvas shops, sail makers, local marine retailers and by walking the docks looking for other Catalina owners. The first meeting of the Ocean State Catalina Owners Association ("Owners" was later dropped) was held in January 1984 at the East Greenwich Yacht Club. The 26 members attending this meeting elected Bill Sullivan as commodore and George Wilcox treasurer. In all, our Association has elected 12 Commodores. Notably, in 1994 Jo-Ellen Ferriera became the first female member to serve in the top post. She fondly recalls "working with a wonderful group of people who love sailing".
We are fortunate the founders opened up membership to boats of all size, and we are proud to be among the very first groups founded as an "All Catalina Association". Since that auspicious day in 1984, OSCA has grown to over 100 families, with boats ranging in size from the C 22 to the C 42. Jo-Ellen also remembers the day 15 years ago when, with her husband and 2 of their 3 small children, she sailed into Potter Cove in their C 22. "It didn't matter that we had a small boat (everyone else had huge 30 footers), we were welcomed with open arms to be part of this group".
Although we do not have a central "meeting
point" on land, we are graced with
For those who want to spread their wings,
Other places within an easy day's sail of
Over the years, individual OSCA members have
stepped forward to organize special events. In 1994, OSCA hosted the C 34
National Regatta. This event, co-chaired by Mike O'Connell and Luke Thorpe,
along with race chair, Jack Ellis, drew over 40 boats and included the C 30
Narragansett Bay Championship. In the summer of 1999, Bill Cote brought to
fruition his idea of a "Block Island Bash"; sending invitations to
all local fleets covering
In those years since 1984, it has been the Board's goal to provide services to our members, above and beyond the value of our annual dues (currently $25). In addition to the annual Fleet Nights at various marine retailers that provide discount shopping for spring commissioning needs, in 2001 OSCA joined the Yachting Club of America to provide members with reciprocal privileges at marinas and yacht clubs through out the US. Last year OSCA joined the electronic age, and began communicating with 85% of our members via e-mail. This year we are proud to announce the formation of our web site, www.oscafleet.org. Both are efforts to disseminate information on a timely basis, and control printing and postage expenses. OSCA's current slate of Flag Officers is comprised of Past Commodore Dick Boldt, Commodore Edie Stanich, Vice Commodore Jeff Mahall, Rear Commodore Ed Lynch, Treasurer Luke Thorpe, Secretary Deb Hutchins and Fleet Captain Dave Rothfuss.
(The names of OSCA's current board are located
on the Officers page.)
17 years and counting. Rich Alexander writes "Nancy and I are really proud of what many people have done towards the success of this organization. Never did we think or foresee that OSCA would be what it is today. We honestly believe all three objectives have been fulfilled, and continue to be fulfilled with the ever increasing membership". It would not be practical to list everyone who has served on OSCA's Board, or hosted an event, or contributed in some way, but their efforts are well known and very much appreciated. I would however, be remiss if I did not acknowledge Eastern Yacht Sales of Rhode Island, who has been the greatest supporter of our organization.
Special thanks to our Founders, and to Jack Ellis, Claudette Piette, Bill Cote, Jeff Mahall, Jo-Ellen Ferriera and Bob Stanich who researched the "OSCA archives" and put ink to paper to provide this opportunity to introduce the Ocean State Catalina Association and share our little piece of the world.
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"The purpose shall be to promote the enjoyment of sailing, cruising, and racing." "To promote a program of family cruising and social activities so that members may enjoy the good fellowship associated with sailing a Catalina sailboat." "Cooperating with other yachting organizations and, in return, to insist on the observance and compliance with the rules and regulation of those organizations." |
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Revised:
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