I met a guy at the fuel docks a couple of weeks ago who was very enthusiastic about the study courses offered by the local branch of the United States Power Squadron (USPS). They apparently offer study courses in Seamanship, Navigating and Piloting. A positive point to USPS, in his opinion, was being able to take these courses year around and not have to have them crammed into your head in a fews days at a commercial school. And of course, being able to take them right here at home. Has anyone had any experience with USPS? My goal is to eventually grow beyond fresh water lake sailing to occasional bare boat chartering and possibly some cruising in the Carribian after retirement. I am thinking of taking a week at the Collgate school in Florida for my wife and I to be Bareboat Charter certified. That's the 3-4 year plan. Can USPS be of any value in this plan? I'd appreciate it if you would share your views. Many thanks, Wynn Ferrel S/V Tranquility
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Peggie Hall/Head Mistress
power squadron
I have taken the introductory class, this is a great organization, all of the instructors are volunteers,, the basic class is for sail and power, and here in Ohio it was geared a bit more to power boats than sail but the other courses get more specific as you progress, they only charge you for the books you need for the course and you keep them, overall very worthwhile, , regards Mike B
I have taken the introductory class, this is a great organization, all of the instructors are volunteers,, the basic class is for sail and power, and here in Ohio it was geared a bit more to power boats than sail but the other courses get more specific as you progress, they only charge you for the books you need for the course and you keep them, overall very worthwhile, , regards Mike B
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Wayne Estabrooks
Sail & Power Squadron
The USPS is an excellent organization working to promote safe boating through education. I took the basic course in 1990 and joined. I have taken many of the advanced courses and have met many fine people. You need to be prepared to give back some by serving in some capacity, helping teach courses, writing articles or editing the newsletter or serving on a comittee such as boating activities or fund raising. We changed the name of the local chapter from Durham Power Squadron to Durham Sail and Power Squadron. The Power Squadron has as many sailors as power boaters in fact we have more sailors in Durham. The courses are excellent I have taken all but 2. You need to pass either a USCG basic course or USPS course to be eligible to join. Wayne s/v Wind Drift - h340
The USPS is an excellent organization working to promote safe boating through education. I took the basic course in 1990 and joined. I have taken many of the advanced courses and have met many fine people. You need to be prepared to give back some by serving in some capacity, helping teach courses, writing articles or editing the newsletter or serving on a comittee such as boating activities or fund raising. We changed the name of the local chapter from Durham Power Squadron to Durham Sail and Power Squadron. The Power Squadron has as many sailors as power boaters in fact we have more sailors in Durham. The courses are excellent I have taken all but 2. You need to pass either a USCG basic course or USPS course to be eligible to join. Wayne s/v Wind Drift - h340
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Chris McLoughlin
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Gene
Power Squadron Courses
As a past commander of the Erie Power Squadron, I highly recommend their courses. One is on sailing, another on weather, one on engine maintenance, marine electronics, and others in addition to the navigation courses such as Advanced Piloting and celestial navigation. Good luck
As a past commander of the Erie Power Squadron, I highly recommend their courses. One is on sailing, another on weather, one on engine maintenance, marine electronics, and others in addition to the navigation courses such as Advanced Piloting and celestial navigation. Good luck
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Tom Payne
Wynn, I had the opportunity to meet you
right before I moved from Lake Stockton down to Naples, Fl. My Boats name is Daddy's Dream, a 1990 Vision 32. I was right in front of you at State Park. Heard you went to Orleans Trail. Hope Ron is taking good care of you!!! I have not taken a Power Squadron Course, but have heard great things about them. Having moved from lake sailing to the Gulf of Mexico, I found out some important things to learn about. #1, Reading Charts, The deapest water I ever see is 25 ft and find myself in less than 10 ft all the time. Do not forget Red right return #2 Tide Tables, knowing what tides are coming and how fast and how big not only help you in anchoring but also with the currents. It's a lot faster going out to and coming back from the Gulf with the currents helping you not fighting you. Currents also play a big role in what kind of waves to expect when leaving or entering a pass. #3 Weather Forecasts, I never go out without knowing the marine forecast. #4 Auto Pilot, Cann't imagine sailing in the gulf without one. The main difference between Lake Stockton & the Gulf of Mexico is there is very little tacking involved. You normally get nice constant winds so you set your sails, then your auto pilot, Go down below, turn on Jimmy and start making margaritas for your guests. The waves in the Gulf are normally tame but can make for an exciting ride. I have only burried the bow two times. Once from a crusier "Son of a %$#@", and once leaving a pass ( I should not have gone out, but what an experience). Please send my regards to Jeff and Vangie, please let them know I am always thinking of them. Hope Hallmark is doing great and Good Luck with your sailing goals. Tom
right before I moved from Lake Stockton down to Naples, Fl. My Boats name is Daddy's Dream, a 1990 Vision 32. I was right in front of you at State Park. Heard you went to Orleans Trail. Hope Ron is taking good care of you!!! I have not taken a Power Squadron Course, but have heard great things about them. Having moved from lake sailing to the Gulf of Mexico, I found out some important things to learn about. #1, Reading Charts, The deapest water I ever see is 25 ft and find myself in less than 10 ft all the time. Do not forget Red right return #2 Tide Tables, knowing what tides are coming and how fast and how big not only help you in anchoring but also with the currents. It's a lot faster going out to and coming back from the Gulf with the currents helping you not fighting you. Currents also play a big role in what kind of waves to expect when leaving or entering a pass. #3 Weather Forecasts, I never go out without knowing the marine forecast. #4 Auto Pilot, Cann't imagine sailing in the gulf without one. The main difference between Lake Stockton & the Gulf of Mexico is there is very little tacking involved. You normally get nice constant winds so you set your sails, then your auto pilot, Go down below, turn on Jimmy and start making margaritas for your guests. The waves in the Gulf are normally tame but can make for an exciting ride. I have only burried the bow two times. Once from a crusier "Son of a %$#@", and once leaving a pass ( I should not have gone out, but what an experience). Please send my regards to Jeff and Vangie, please let them know I am always thinking of them. Hope Hallmark is doing great and Good Luck with your sailing goals. Tom
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Wynn Ferrel
I'm signin' up!!
Many thanks to everyone for their input. I shall take your advice and get signed up for the courses. Sounds like a perfect solution for me. Tom Payne, if you see this, please email me at wferrel@earthlink.net. Thanks again, Wynn Ferrel
Many thanks to everyone for their input. I shall take your advice and get signed up for the courses. Sounds like a perfect solution for me. Tom Payne, if you see this, please email me at wferrel@earthlink.net. Thanks again, Wynn Ferrel
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Bruce
I'm a member!
I have been a member since 1993. My squadron (Goldsboro, N.C.) changed it's name to include Sail and Power Squadron. I found this group much more receptive to sailors than the squadron I previously was with in Florida. The education is great, join if you can! Fair Winds, Bruce S/V "Alli D" H260
I have been a member since 1993. My squadron (Goldsboro, N.C.) changed it's name to include Sail and Power Squadron. I found this group much more receptive to sailors than the squadron I previously was with in Florida. The education is great, join if you can! Fair Winds, Bruce S/V "Alli D" H260
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