Charting Our Course for 2026

Published 7:08pm on 7 Dec 2025

OWSA Board members gathered for a retreat to review member feedback, clarify priorities, and set a strong direction for 2026. Retreat discussions reaffirmed the years survey feedback: members are seeking expanded cruising opportunities, clearer pathways for intermediate skill development, and more ways to connect as a community. The Board left with clear alignment, renewed energy, and an actionable path forward.

2026 PRIORITIES

Based on survey results and retreat discussions, OWSA will focus on three major themes:

1. Cruising

Cruising emerged as the strongest area of member interest.

• 86% want day cruising; 75% want overnight cruising.
• Members expressed high interest in flotillas, Columbia River overnights, and future San Juan Islands opportunities.
• Cruising is deeply connected to both confidence-building and community, and will be integrated more intentionally into our education and programs.

2. Intermediate Skill Building

Many members shared that they feel stuck after Basics and want more hands-on practice.

• Strong interest in docking, diesel basics, navigation, systems, and charter preparation.
• The Board committed to relaunching Cool Maneuvers, adding ASA 103/104 study groups, and creating structured, predictable intermediate pathways.

3. Networking & Connection

Members consistently said community is as important as sailing skills.

• Over 60% value socializing at club meetings and social events.
• Members want clearer onboarding, greeters at meetings, and more low-pressure ways to meet others.
• OWSA also sees a major opportunity to strengthen relationships with other Pacific Northwest sailing groups through joint events and regional meetups.

ORGANIZATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS FOR 2026

The Board identified several internal priorities to support a smoother, more transparent member experience:

Volunteer Support & Recognition

Volunteers are central to OWSA, and many roles require significant time. The Board will work with volunteers to strengthen recognition, clarify roles, and improve onboarding.

Education & Programs

OWSA will continue to build a full learning pathway—from Basics through Intermediate Skills—with more hands-on practice and better communication around next steps. 

We will explore the idea of creating local cruising opportunities by developing a roster of skippers and boats interested in participating in and hosting day and overnight cruising. This program would be dependent on volunteer skipper participation.

Fleet & BOAST

The Board will evaluate Calypte for program suitability, define criteria for an ideal intermediate boat, and clarify skipper/crew expectations to support safer and more consistent programming for BOAST. A strong effort will be made to increase mentorship to BOAST participants.

Update: The Board voted at the December Board meeting to sell Calypte and accept the generous donation of a 27 Catalina, contingent upon final negotiations.

Communications & Operations

OWSA will improve website experience, align email and newsletter communication, and provide clearer documentation of policies and processes.

Finance & Transparency

Members will see simpler, visual budget explanations, clearer fleet-related costs, and a strengthened reserve strategy.

2026 COMMITTEES & EARLY ACTION ITEMS

Committees will be formed to lead the work forward. Most will begin meeting by early January.

• Programs: Evaluate and create pathways to expand cruising opportunities and strengthen intermediate skill development.
• Education: In addition to the Basic Sailing class, develop docking, diesel, and navigation offerings; relaunch Cool Maneuvers; establish ASA 103/104 study groups.
• Social/Membership: Launch greeter program; improve meeting flow; plan social and cross-club events.
• Operations: Improve website experience; align email and newsletter messaging; host training with OWSA volunteers to review club policies and procedures.
• Finance: Finalize the 2026 budget in alignment with recognized nonprofit accounting practices; enhance financial transparency for members; develop a reserve strategy to ensure long-term organization stability.
• Marketing/Fundraising: Develop a marketing and fundraising strategy to sustain and strengthen the long-term success of our mission.

LOOKING AHEAD

OWSA is heading into 2026 with shared purpose and strong alignment. The membership survey results made clear that our members want connection, confidence, and more ways to get on the water. With clear responsibilities, concrete next steps, and a member-driven vision, OWSA is well-positioned for a year of growth, energy, and momentum.