Directors
Leslie Goldsmith, Program Director
My first sailing season with OWSA was in 2014 and I have loved the experience of sailing on the Columbia on Wednesday Night Sails, meeting new people and gaining more confidence in my sailing skills. I grew up sailing in Buzzard's Bay, near Cape Cod, in small boats and overnight cruising on my dad's sloop. I am a recently retired preschool teacher. My husband Reed and I moved to Portland in 2011 to be near our children and grandchildren. I am excited to join OWSA's Board as Program Director.
Carol Baker, Education Director
When I found OWSA classes in 2010, everything sailing came into focus. I bought a boat, then moved to a house on the river to save the commute. Since then I have cruised solo to British Columbia and all around Puget Sound as well as the Columbia River. In the Fall 2019 OWSA companions and I chartered in Croatia. Presently I have a 1983 Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20 at home I am upgrading and caring for. There is always something to learn that a boat can teach.
Katie Phillips, Social/Membership Director
Katherine started sailing when she was 24 years old and got her first sailboat; a 18' Hunter. She completed her first sailing class at Willamette Sailing Club. Katherine joined OWSA in 2012.
She participates regularly in the Wednesday Night Sails. Katherine recently completed the First Mate Program. She enjoys crewing on different boats at Portland Yacht Club, Set Sail for a Cause, Mauna Elliott & SYSCO races. She just started volunteering with the SYSCO race events.
Leeta Anderson, Operations Director
I have always been a water baby, but growing up in landlocked Utah meant skiing was a better bet than boats. Prior to OWSA, I took some sailing classes where I heard about an amazing women's group. I found OWSA and joined 5 years ago, first enjoying Wednesday night sailing and taking classes. After taking the OWSA racing class, I started racing 3 years ago and have crewed on several different boats for the Columbia races. There is no faster way to develop skills than to be out on a race! In 2019, I crewed on the Offshore race to Victoria providing an entirely different experience than river sailing.
This is my first all-in volunteer position with OWSA, and I hope I'll be able to help get more women out on boats. I'm looking forward to another great year on the water with this awesome group.
