ConferenceTable

Flat Screen TV

Palm Trees

Rocking Chairs

Bar Purse Rails

Hobie 17

 In 1969 Ocean Springs Yacht Club was began by a core group of charter members who dedicated their time and effort towards the development of a sailing yacht club.  Most of the founding members purchased a Sunfish when the club was formed and did much for the club in the critical early years including helping organize the various races and events.

An example of this commitment is exemplified by Matt and Joanne Grace, charter members who not only purchased a Sunfish at the club's founding, but also sailed in club sunfish races on Sunday afternoons, sometimes seeing up to 20 or more boats.  The club had divisions for doubles and for juniors for these weekly events.   At the end of the first year Bache Whitlock handed out handmade trophies (in his back yard because we didn't have a club yet), they were jelly jars marked with fingernail paint.  Matt and Joanne's son Mark received the "Best Sport" award for his positive attitude in the face of progress.

The philosophy of giving and helping continues today in Mark, also a club member who has recently donated a sunfish trailer to the club in honor of his parents. The trailer is helping us grow and protect our developing fleet.  Many others just like Mark take the opportunity daily to step up and take ownership of our club.

Other non-exclusive examples can be seen all around the club including

• Boston Whaler (Past Commodore Dennis Furey and his wife Bonnie)
• Palm Trees
• New Downstairs Showers
• Rocking Chairs
• All of the bar stools and bar tables
• Bar Purse Rails
• Large Screen TV in the Bar
• Hobie and Sunfish Sail boxes and trailers
• Hobie 17
• Prindle 16
• Sunfish 1
• Shelving Units Sunfish
• Two Flying Scotts
• THIS WEBSITE

Nearly everything that you see at the club happens because of volunteers and help is needed throughout the year. You will make friends that will last a lifetime and more importantly, your help makes a difference.

You don't have to give money to contribute, your time and effort are equally as important.  The following is a list of upcoming and long-term projects. Please give of yourselfas you are able to help make our mission of becoming the premiere sailing and social club on the gulf coast a reality.

Ongoing volunteerism--- 

1. Grounds committee---maintenance and repair (Contact: Pat Repka)
2. Pool--- maintenance, repair and upkeep (Contact: Bradley Randall)
3. Boats---sailboat and sailing grounds maintenance, repair and upkeep (Contact: Steve Collins)
4. Social Events- We need people to take on or assist in the coordination of specific events at the club throughout the year. Examples include: "steak night", Luau, Margarita night, cigar night, .....(Contact:   Greg Horshok or Mary Sloan)
5. Youth Events-- Children are the future of our club and we need your help to make our youth events roaring successes/
6. Regattas and Club Races -- These are our focal events providing the opportunity for our sailors to learn and improve as they develop their skills. From weekly "round the buoy" races to Special Olympics Race Committee to our signature distances races, Ocean Springs sailing is the reason that we are here. (Contact: Ken Altman)

Upcoming Projects:

• Project R.E.D. (Rebar elimination day). Bring your "saws all", plasma torch and sledge hammer and any chips on your shoulder for motivation and let's make our Rip Rap safe. (completed 09/01/09)
• Project Wall of Sound.  We need to wire our building for a multi zone P.A. and sound system and generate the funds to purchase this helpful device.
• Project Foxtrot Lima (Raising our Flagpole). Former Commodore Fury has built a beautiful multilanyard flagpole for the waterside of the building. We need your help to secure this beauty in the ground.
• Project Barnacle 2 (Improving the Barnacle Bar). Board member Karen Fleming and her family have started the project and it is now time for us to complete it. With the use of the remains of our temporary trailer's bar and a lot of ingenuity, the bar is up and running. Now it is time to improve the bar so that it can better serve the club safely and securely. (Contact: Rear Commodore Buzz Bussard)

Capital Improvement Needs

(These are projects that we need both volunteers and/or funds to make a reality)

• Project E.D. (Extend our driveway). While the gravel is functional our goal is to gradually extend the cement driveway and sidewalks to make the building more accessible to all.
• Project Lift And Deliver (L.A.D). We need a boat hoist for the base of our Pier, the post has been sunk and we are looking sponsors to help us launch boats from the club.
• Project Beauford (anemometer). We need a mobile weather station to help our boaters and sailors safely traverse the waters.
• Project Runway. We need to complete the ramp at the north tip of the property to allow our boaters to launch from the club!
• Project Rocks and Roll (removal of bridge debris). We need swimmers, divers four wheel drive owners and a Heavy Equipment operator to help remove the rocks, boulders and remaining submerged rebar from the water next to and beyond the pier (on both sides). Much has been done, more needs to be done. This project is ideal during low tides. (completed January 2010---thanks Mr. Arguilles)
• Project Sink or Swim. The club is always looking for working sailboats to add to our developing fleet of boats. These boats are the CORE of our youth and community sailing program. All boats can be donated to the club through the GYA Foundation a 501(c)(3) tax deductible organization.

So, don't just sit on the sidelines. Come on out and see what you have been missing and help make OSYC the greatest sailing spot on the Gulf Coast.

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