Nominations for the Crystal Sail Award

Published 1:03pm on 16 Oct 2026

Have you worked with someone special during the past year of OWSA. Someone who has gone out of their way to help you accomplish a task? Someone who has inspired you? Please take time to tell us about this individual. We are taking nominations for the Crystal Sail Award. These nominations will be taken at the October Annual Meeting. If you cannot make the October Annual Meeting please mail your nominee to Julie Schumann, the Rear Commodore at rearcommodore@OWSA.net.

The History of the Crystal Sail Award:

Crystal Sail – The Sharon Sites Adams Award

This award honors outstanding OWSA volunteers; individuals who have gone above and beyond in their dedication, passion, and service to our organization.

The award’s 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:

2024 Kathy Clevenger 

2023 Laura Gadley

2022 Carol Baker

2021 Stephanie Walker

2020 Fernanda Gwimmer

2019 Carisa Bohus

2018 Julie Demaree

2017 Shancy Holland

2016 Krista Heiden