Crystal Sail Award

The Sharon Sites Adams Award, AKA "The Crystal Sail", honors outstanding OWSA volunteers who are The Wind In Our Sails. This award recognizes individuals who have gone above and beyond in their dedication, passion, and service to our organization.

The awards namesake, Sharon Sites Adams, is a true local hero and an Honorary OWSA Member. She made history in 1965 as the first woman to solo sail from Los Angeles to Hawaii, and again in 1969 when she became the first woman to solo sail from Japan to San Diego. Sharon generously gifted the crystal sail sculpture to OWSA to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism.

Past Recipients:

2023 Laura Gadley

2022 Carol Baker

2021 Stephanie Walker

2020 Fernanda Gwimmer

2019 Carisa Bohus

2018 Julie Demaree

2017 Shancy Holland

2016 Krista Heiden

Board members may be nominated:

• For years they were on the board, but only voted and approved after they had left the board.
• Laura Gadley 2023 - Rear Commodore in 2023 - awarded in 2024
• Carol Baker for 2022 - awarded in 2023 - board 2020 and 2022 Education and 2023 (Marketing)
• Shancy - list only goes back to 2019
• For years they were on the board and may still be on the board for activities they did in outside board responsibilities.