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34 | OHCC LIVING | JANUARY 2026 | As we welcome the 2026 new year at Ocean Hills, it's time once again for one of the most spirited traditions on our calendar — Do Dues Day on Jan. 10. Abravanel Hall fills with energy, conversation, and friendly faces eager to share what makes their group special. With memberships only $15 per year, joining any OHCC club is one of the best bargains in our community. Of course, residents may join at any time, but DUES Day remains the perfect moment to explore what each club offers. For the Ocean Hills Sailing Club, it's our chance to show both longtime residents and new neighbors that OHSC is far more than sails, sheets, and sea breezes. With 291 members and growing, our club thrives because of the friendships, learning opportunities, and adventures that happen ashore as well as on the water. And speaking of the water — 2025 delivered a record 121 regular sails and 30 private sails. Building on the successful 2024 education plan led by Dave Ramgren, our 2025 season included a broad range of training, workshops, and unique field trips. Whether you sail or not, these experiences invite you to learn something new, explore fascinating places, and enjoy the camaraderie that makes OHSC so special. Our 2026 program will continue the same tack, incorporating member feedback and adding fresh "of-interest" sessions. Sailing Techniques & On-Water Skills: Meet & Greet OHSC: Meet Captains, Mates, and our support team. Learn how sails work, what a typical "plan of the day" looks like, and basic safety practices. Newbie Sailor Orientation: An introduction to terminology and on-water safety. Helpers, 2nd Mates / Crew-in-Training: For members eager to take an active role, captains introduce line-handling, docking assistance, and teamwork skills. First Mates: A complimentary on-the-water four-hour training session was led by Larry See that focused on strengthening confidence, boat-handling, and communication. Of-Interest Programs & Guest Speakers: • Knot Clinic • Natural Indicators of Navigation & Observer Training • Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT/CoPilot) Workshop • "Get to Know Our Harbor" and a Harbor 20-Photo Quiz that generated lots of competitive fun! • "Get to Know Our Boats" (Parts 1 & 2) • Whale expert presentation • Field Trips • USS Midway Museum • San Onofre Nuclear Site (non-operational) Tour • Whale Watching – March 2026 • Navy SEAL Museum Trip – 2026 We also host social events throughout the year — Pizza Night, the Regatta Celebration Dinner, and our themed end-of-year extravaganza. Please stop by our table on DUES Day and meet our captains and crew and see what's on deck for 2026. We'd love to have you aboard! If you can't make Do Dues Day but are interested, please email Julie Pashkowsky: pashohcc@gmail.com. Written by Pat Melzer Sailing Club