24/02/2025 Topic: NOAA Compromised Daria Blackwell	And Starlink is about to face stiff competition from the Chinese. https://www.reuters.com/technology/musks-starlink-races-with-chinese-rivals-dominate-satellite-internet-2025-02-24/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_campaign=Daily-Briefing&utm_term=022425&lctg=617ad12050a9400155494e58
24/02/2025 Topic: Lithium Batteries Daria Blackwell	The question of Lithium batteries for boats often prompts discussion. A review of the subject by Stan Honey has been published on the CCA website. It includes useful recommendations by ABYC E-13 for the safe installation of LFP batteries. It may be useful for members with experience with Lithium batteries to add to this discussion. https://cruisingclub.org/article/lithium-batteries-few-notes
24/02/2025 Topic: Early Warning Systems Daria Blackwell	The Bermuda Race Organizing Committee, Cruising Club of America, and US Sailing, has published an excellent report on the loss of the 50-foot sloop Solution while on the return voyage from Bermuda after competing in the 2024 Newport Bermuda Race. https://www.ussailing.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Solution-Inquiry-Report.pdf There are valuable lessons for all of us from the highly experienced panel. edited by DariaBlackwell on 24/02/2025
27/03/2026 Topic: George Ehlers (nominated for Treasurer, 1st term) Daria Blackwell	Thanks for picking up where you left off, George!
27/03/2026 Topic: Charles Tyson (nomination for GC, 1st term) Daria Blackwell	Hi Charles, As the former marketing and PR Officer for OCC, I welcome your involvement. I have a trove of resources I developed over the years (logos, style manual, marketing plans, PR plans and lists) that I am happy to share with you post-election. I look forward to meeting you in Edinburgh. A question for you. We will have two young members on the General Committee who are interested in attracting young cruisers for participation in OCC. Do you have any ideas in that regard? Kind regards, Daria
27/03/2026 Topic: Rhys Cooke (nominated for GC, 1st term) Daria Blackwell	Hi Rhys, It will be interesting to have two members named Rhys on the General Committee, both of whom are interested in attracting young members to the OCC. Do you have any ideas about how to accomplish that? Kinds regards, Daria

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