SNEAK PEAK: WBFV Newsletter

Hi folks, 

We have had a BUSY year so far, and while we build the newsletter we wanted to put out the highlights:

• Greg and Nan hosted a wonderful get-together and fundraiser at their home, it was a really special event.  Frank did an amazing job with the planning and then he wrote up a really valuable "how-to" guide that we can use for future events.  
• Frank and James began developing the sailing program for RASCAL, SUNDA and OCEAN QUEEN V, and have built a great plan to sail all three boats this season
• We welcomed Jody Watt, a seasoned boat restoration project manager, to oversee the next phases of CLOVER's restoration.  He's completed schematics and parts lists for the electrical and plumbing systems, and roughed out a design for the pilothouse.  Jody is a huge addition to making the next phases of Clover's restoration occur efficiently.
• We hired Brion Toss Rigging to build the rigging to the original sail plan.  Ian Weedman came out and began his work, and he expects to be finished by the end of summer.
• Rascal's sailing outing with veterans from two new groups have been really successfully: Swords to Plowshares and the Women Veterans Alliance.  We look forward to introducing more veterans to sailing from these and more groups!
• Sunda raced with an all veteran crew on the Master Mariners Race on Memorial Day weekend.  It was a beautiful day and the crew gave a good account of themselves.
• WBFV welcomed new project manage Jody Watt to the team of Advisors and staff.  Jody brings over 30 years of experience to the Clover restoration Project, and we are excited with what he has achieved so far.
• Clover is scheduled to haul out at Svendsen's Bay Marine on August 9th, to receive her new engine, have her topsides re-caulked, and the remaining floors, lodging knees and rotted frames replaced.  After this haul-out Clover will get a new electrical system.  Clover also has a brand new 12 ft skiff donated which will serve as her tender.
• Ocean Queen V is also scheduled to haul out at Svendsen's Bay Marine on August 9th, to repair leaks and replace her standing rigging as well as service her engine and upgrade her bilge pumping and electrical systems.  We are excited to get her back in service as quickly as possible.
  
• In May WBFV received a very warm welcome at Westpoint Harbor, the home port for Ocean Queen V.  Over 100 were in attendance to hear from our board members James, Frank, and Jen.
• The American Classic Boat Society - Tahoe Chapter, wonderful sponsors that they are, teamed up with us to co-host a potluck dinner at the Pt. San Pablo Yacht Club in June 11th in Richmond, and a Veteran's Rally in Stockton Marina.  We are really grateful for their efforts to bring wooden boats of a different size and caliber to veterans.
• WBFV was well represented at a very special event at the St. Francis Yacht Club, sponsored by our long time supporters the Order of St. John. 
• WBFV also received wonderful support from Saltchuk/Foss, Matson, the Bohnell Family, the Stern Family, MMBF, and the Overwatch Alliance.

Finally, we want to extend a warm welcome to Charlie Hart - our newest Board Member.  Charlie is well known to all in the Bay Area sailing and non-profit communities, and you can find out all about him on our website and a separate blog post.

Our upcoming events:

August 20th - All women veterans crew racing in the Sausalito Yacht Club women's only race

September - Farallons sail and ROLEX (hopefully) 

October - Fleet Week

Veterans Day - Celebration and Open House aboard Clover.