Living the Dream

44 Pages·2015·9.61 MB·English

Magazine of the United States Power Squadrons
®
EEEnnnsssiiigggnnn
the
®
Fall 2015
BOATING EDUCATION, FUN AND SAFETY
theensign.org
Living the
Dream
PLUS
Winterizing your trailer
NSBW roundup
Motion sickness remedies
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contents
EEnnssiiggnn
tthhee
Vol. 103 No. 4 Fall 2015
Bridge 4
V/C Bob Brandenstein, SN
Soundings 5
Currents 6
Boating Gone Bad 10
Shipshape 11
Trailer care, hull barrier
coating & more
Destinations 21
Bay of Fundy
Stargazer 22
Ship’s Library 25
Provisions 26
Scorecard 27 14
A versatile bilge pump
NSBW 2015 28
National Meetings 36 Becoming Sustainable
14
Last Horizon 38 The conclusion to a two-part story that
details one New York squadron’s efforts
Classifieds 40
toward organizational stability. In this
second part, squadron members explain
Bitter End 41
their experiment in turning a Junior Sailing
Esopus Meadows Lighthouse,
Transom tales & more program into an apprenticeship for
young boaters.
Stem to Stern 43
A Dream Come True
18
18
On a 7-day trip, one couple sets out to fulfill
a longstanding g oal: bareboating in the
Cover photo: Shutterstock
British Virgin Islands.
THE ENSIGN (ISSN 0744-3129) (ISSN 1949-
2294 online) is published four times per year
by United States Power Squadrons, a nonprofit
corporation located at 1504 Blue Ridge Road,
Raleigh, NC 27607-3906. Periodicals postage
paid at Raleigh, N.C., and additional mail- The Ensign magazine is printed using soy-based inks on
ing offices. Subscriptions are $15 annually.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE paper certified by the Rainforest Alliance to comply with
ENSIGN, P.O. Box 31664, Raleigh, NC 27622- Forest Stewardship Council® standards.
1664. Copyright © 2015 United States Power
Squadrons
Fall 2015 The Ensign 3
03_TOC_Ensign_Fall2015.indd 3 9/10/2015 9:53:17 AM
EEnnssiiggnn
I Bridge I tthhee
Change never stops
Publications Director
Yvonne Hill
Managing Editor
USPS is a different organization today than Amy Townsend
it was a year ago, and it will be a different
Assistant Editor
organization a year from now. The wants Tina Tibbitts
and needs of recreational boaters change constantly,
Design
and so must we. Weather radar on smartphones
Studio630.net
and GoToMeeting video conferencing are just two
examples of commonplace aids we didn’t have a few Creative Director
Simone Tieber
years ago.
During the past three-plus years, we have expanded
Regular Contributors
our participation in the Brunswick Dealer Advantage
C. Henry Depew, Bridget Doerner,
program to teach America’s Boating Course and George Doerner, Don Dunlap,
seminars to more students. In its fifth year, the Charlie Feldschau, Craig Grosby,
V/C Bob Brandenstein, SN program has more than 130 participating squadrons Tom Hudson, Ed Jones, Larry
National Educational successfully working with local dealers. MacDonald, Arnold Medalen,
Officer Today we advertise USPS educational products Dave Osmolski, Larry Stout,
in print publications such as Boating Magazine and Burrage Warner, Bob Zimmerman
Yachting Magazine, in cruising guides such as Quimby’s, in online sites such as Email [email protected]
Soundings, and through links on the Discover Boating website.
Phone [phone]
We have developed an award-winning recreational boating simulator. The USPS
Boating Skills Virtual Trainer gives students a realistic experience in docking, Advertising Sales
undocking and maneuvering a boat. We have 13 virtual trainers deployed across Yvonne Hill
the country with more on the way. Virtual trainers command boaters’ attention 888-367-8777 x226
at boat shows and similar events. Adding the trainer to Seamanship, Piloting, [email protected]
Advanced Piloting and Practical On-the-Water Training classes will make the
classes more attractive.
Our relationship with the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s Discover
Boating arm gives USPS greater visibility at national boat shows.
Our booths at Tall Ships America ports from Seattle and Los Angeles to Maine
and the Great Lakes introduce hundreds of thousands of attendees to USPS and
its mission.
USPS now has five interactive online seminars available on the BoatUS
USPS HEADQUARTERS
Foundation course platform with five more scheduled for release during the next
year. Seventy to eighty percent of these online students are non-members. Having 888-367-8777
demonstrated interest by buying our products, these seminar students are good Dial “0” for customer service.
prospects for membership. USPS automatically sends their contact information to
[email protected]
up to four squadrons near the student.
Fax [phone]
USPS is on the verge of offering e-books as an alternative to printed texts. Many
M–F 0800–1630 ET
issues and details have to be worked out, but we expect to offer two titles in both
e-book and print format by year’s end. United States Power Squadrons
Virtually all the work of implementing these changes has been performed by P.O. Box 30423
Raleigh, NC 27622
volunteer members like you. We owe a huge thank-you to members who have
volunteered their time and personal resources to make these changes happen. Submissions may be sent to The Ensign,
Organizational challenges could alter the look and feel of our organization, and P.O. Box 31664, Raleigh, NC 27622-1664 or
[email protected]. The editor reserves
we will face other changes we cannot yet imagine. Indeed, we will never arrive; we
the right to edit and modify materials in a
will continue to change. style that best serves the needs of The En-
Thank you for granting me the privilege of serving as your national educational sign. Articles, opinions and advertisements
do not reflect USPS policy or endorsement
officer. B
unless so designated. Projects described in
The Ensign may be based on copyrighted
or patented plans or descriptions that
require permission for use or reproduction.
4 The Ensign Fall 2015
04_Bridge_Ensign_FALL2015.indd 4 9/3/2015 11:10:01 AM
I Soundings I
PAYING IT FORWARD
I’ve been thinking about the concept
of paying it forward, where you do
something good for someone else in
response to a good deed done for you
by another person.
I spent a weekend going over the
various safety aspects of a sailing
trip with my crew, followed by navi-
gation training before taking a rath-
er exciting run around the bay in 25-
to 27-knot winds. I ensured that they
could steer by compass, handle a
crew overboard situation, and safely
N
reef the boat should the winds prove E
L
L
a little on the strong side. A
Y
So how does paying it forward M
M
come into this? I was the only one JI
on the boat who knew how to navi-
USPS LEADERSHIP
gate. What if a lightning bolt struck following the seminar and a box
the boat, incapacitated me and fried CONFERENCE SET lunch during the meeting, which will
the electronics? Everyone needed to FOR RALEIGH be held at the Ramada Inn.
know how to take a last position and As in past Leadership Development
plot a course to the nearest safe har- USPS will hold a two-day Leader- programs held in Raleigh, attendees
bor without using navigational aids. ship Conference during its Board of arriving on Thursday are invited to
I owe my thanks to the many in- Directors meeting in Raleigh, North join a group for dinner that evening at
structors over the years who coached Carolina, on 20–21 Nov. 2015. The The Pit (thepit-raleigh.com). Attend-
me up through Junior Navigation. conference consists of the Leader- ees may also optionally join a group at
Because of this training, I could ship Development 101 seminar on The Angus Barn (angusbarn.com) af-
pass on the knowledge of how to get Friday and an all-day meeting with ter the conference Saturday evening.
a fix, read a position, draw a course the national Board of Directors on Both restaurants have been extreme-
on a chart, and figure out TVMDC leadership and other USPS topics ly well-received by former attendees
that would allow my crew to use an on Saturday. of these seminars and offer unique
old-fashioned onboard compass and A block of rooms has been reserved dining experiences.
knot log to navigate safely. for the conference at the Ramada Get more information or regis-
By passing on this knowledge to Inn adjacent to USPS headquarters ter at usps.org/national/ot. This is a
the next sailing generation, I hope I at 1520 Blue Ridge Road. The room wonderful opportunity for you to join
have paid it forward. The knowledge rate is $74.30 per night, and the res- fellow members in Leadership Devel-
may save not only their lives but oth- ervation code is GCUSPS. Make your opment and meet with the Board of
er lives as well—including mine. It reservation by calling 919-832-4100. Directors at the same time.
may have also inspired them to take Cost for the two-day conference Email Anita Walker at anita5040@
the full range of USPS courses and is $90. This includes the cost of the bellsouth.net or me, Harold O’Briant
become capable offshore skippers in LD-101 seminar as well as lunch Jr., at [email protected] with any
their own right. –Jim Tyson during the seminar, a buffet dinner questions. –Harold O’Briant
The Ensign could not exist without contributions from USPS members.
Please send us your articles and photos for publication by using the
form on our Facebook page at facebook.com/uspsensign or our website,
theensign.org/submit, where you’ll also find additional information on
submissions. If you have questions, email [email protected].
Fall 2015 The Ensign 5
05_Soundings_Ensign_FALL2015.indd 5 9/3/2015 4:11:11 PM
I CCuurrrreennttss I
News and information from around the boating world
USPS
Picton Castle
with schooners
supports Alert and Fritha
in Portland,
Maine
Tall Ships
2015
Challenge
20–24 Oct
CPS AGM
Niagara Falls,
Atlantic
Ontario, Canada
18–22 Nov
Coast
USPS Board
of Directors &
Leadership Academy
Raleigh, N.C. This summer tall ships sailed
2016 up the East Coast for the Tall
Ships Challenge 2015, making
14–21 Feb stops in Cape Charles, Virginia;
Annual Meeting Philadelphia, Pennsylvania/
Rosen Centre Hotel Camden, New Jersey; Greenport,
Orlando, Fla. New York; and Portland, Maine.
6–9 Mar As part of the United States
IBWSS Power Squadrons–Tall Ships
San Diego, Calif. America partnership, USPS
received booth space at each of
21–27 May
these spectacular events, some
National Safe
of which attracted as many as
Boating Week
100,000 visitors.
2017 Our display featured the Boat-
ing Skills Virtual Trainer simula-
19–26 Feb
tor, which attracted crowds and
Annual Meeting
long lines. Many thanks to those
Rosen Centre Hotel
in Districts 3, 5 and 19 for the help Oliver Hazard
Orlando, Fla.
Perry in Portland,
in coordinating our display.
Maine, on its
2018 Through this collective effort,
maiden voyage
we introduced thousands of at-
18–25 Feb
tendees to USPS’ many programs
Annual Meeting
and activities.
Rosen Centre Hotel
Next year the Tall Ships
Orlando, Fla.
Challenge will return to the
Great Lakes. Tentative ports
include Cleveland, Ohio; Bay
City, Michigan; Chicago, Illinois;
Green Bay, Wisconsin; Duluth,
Minnesota; Toledo, Ohio; and Erie,
Pennsylvania. –Don Stark
6 The Ensign Fall 2015
06-09_Currents_Ensign_Fall2015_0827.indd 6 9/3/2015 11:11:23 AM
I Currents I
I Currents I
Partnership Vero Beach
instructor
reaps
receives state
rewards
recognition
Acouple of years ago Pitts- At the Vero Beach Power
burgh Power Squadron/7 Squadron/8 Change of
began looking for additional Watch ceremony in January
places to teach America’s 2015, Past Commander Daniel
Boating Course. About that Thomas received the Florida
time, the squadron received Boating Educator Award for
a call from Diane Schafer at 2014. Capt. Thomas Shipp of
Fox Chapel Marine’s Diane Schafer and Cdr Jane
Fox Chapel Marine as a result Brandenstein, SN, of Pittsburgh Power Squadron/7 Florida Fish and Wildlife Con-
of Brunswick’s Dealer Advan- with Fox Chapel’s Brunswick Master Dealer Award servation Commission Division
tage Program. Diane asked if and the squadron’s Brunswick Platinum Award of Law Enforcement presented
our squadron wanted to teach the award at the Vero Beach
classes at the dealership. We did, and our partnership began. Yacht Club.
After teaching our first classes, we met with Diane and provided a list of USPS cours- Part of the NASBLA certifica-
es and seminars for her to review. The Boating on Rivers, Lakes and Locks seminar tion and award program, the
immediately caught her eye. Fox Chapel Marine is on the Allegheny River at Lock 2, award recognizes outstanding
one pool above Pittsburgh. Boaters must navigate this lock to visit the city by boat. We boating safety instruction on the
suggested teaching the seminar and then putting students on boats to cruise through water and in the classroom.
the lock and back. Diane loved the idea, which proved to be a huge success. Thomas has extensive class-
In 2014 we sat down with Diane to discuss the plan for the summer, which included room teaching experience for
teaching America’s Boating Course, the locking and anchoring seminars, and a four- Vero Beach Power Squadron as
hour Kids Boating Safety Class. For the kids’ class, the marina provided lunch and well as many hours of volunteer
use of extra life jackets. Diane also invited us to set up a booth during Marina Days to experience as education direc-
inform local boaters of the squadron’s activities. A squadron vessel examiner docks at tor and instructor for the Youth
Fox Chapel Marine to perform vessel safety checks as needed. Diane also advertises Sailing Foundation of Indian
our classes in the marina newsletter. This year, we completed the application for the River County. The squadron
Brunswick Boater Education competition and won first place and a check for $1,000! supports the foundation by
Just as Brunswick CEO Dusty McCoy outlined at an annual meeting several years teaching youth and adults sail-
ago, this partnership has proved to be a win-win for us: The dealership provides the ing techniques in conjunction
space and brings in the students, and we teach the classes. –Jane Brandenstein with the foundation’s education
program. –Nigel Hargreaves
USPS course leads to naval career
Vincent LaRocca took a boating course from Watc-
hung Sail & Power Squadron/4 when he was
12 years old and scored one of the highest grades in
the class.
He joined USPS as a family member and received
his safety certificate when he turned 13. He became
involved with the squadron and taught members of his
Florida Fish and Wildlife
eighth grade class about safety during National Safe
Conservation Commission
Boating Week. Capt. Thomas Shipp; FWC
This year, Vincent graduated from the U.S. Naval Boating Safety Outreach
Academy in the top 10 percent of his class. At a private Coordinator Brian Rehlwinkel;
Vincent LaRocca and P/C Daniel Thomas, SN; and
graduation party hosted by his parents, Adm. Dennis
Cdr Ted Wallace, AP, of National Secretary V/C Peter W.
Morel presented Vincent with his officer’s sword. He
New Jersey’s Watchung Mitchelson, SN, after the Florida
Sail & Power Squadron/4 will be stationed in Jacksonville, Florida, where he will Outstanding Boating Educator
serve aboard the USS New York. —Ted Wallace Award presentation
Fall 2015 The Ensign 7
06-09_Currents_Ensign_Fall2015_0827.indd 7 9/3/2015 11:11:29 AM
I Currents I
Meet the staff:
Kathy Kesterson
As Manager of Administrative Services, Kathy Kester-
son writes programs and queries, and manages the
interface between the headquarters IBM iSeries main-
frame and the cloud-based NetSuite software. She has
worked at United States Power Squadrons for the past
16 years and continues to enjoy her job.
“It has been a great place to be,” she said. “I enjoy seeing
my co-workers every day and still find my job interesting
and, at times, challenging.”
Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Kathy moved to
Raleigh when she went to work for IBM at the start of her
career.
Kathy and her husband, David, have been married 46
years and have two children and four grandchildren who
keep them busy and laughing.
In her spare time, she knits, sews, gardens, and does pen
and ink sketches of houses. Kathy enjoys spending as much
time as possible creating memorable times with family and
friends, which she says is her secret for a happy life. Kathy’s
family gets together often and spends a week each summer
relaxing on the North Carolina coast. At Christmas, the
N
O
family gets together and enjoys Kathy’s rouladen, a German S
R
E
beef dish she has perfected. ST
E
K
For the past 30 years, Kathy has volunteered to teach the T
AT
4- and 5-year-old Sunday school classes at her church. M
Someday Kathy would like to see more of the United Kathy and David Kesterson with their grandchildren:
States, including the western states, Alaska, and Hawaii. Martha, Helen, Delia and Levi
Boating News operated their craft through a series
of beginner-level maneuvers. Eight
Standards project underway paddle/rowing subject matter ex-
In May the New Orleans Yacht Club perts observed the crafts’ operation
hosted the USCG National On-Water to determine whether the standards
Standards Validation Project for being developed reflect beginner-level
human-propelled recreational craft human-propelled craft operation.
with support from the Louisiana Support team members included
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Commander Greg Deis and Pete Lang
Law Enforcement Division, USPS, and Jr. of the New Orleans Power Squad-
the New Orleans Fire Department. ron/15, among others.
A team of experts participated in a The Coast Guard is developing na-
two-and-a-half-day program to con- tional on-water standards and rubrics New Orleans Power Squadron/15
firm paddling and rowing skills that for sail, power and human-propelled members Cdr Greg Deis, SN, and
educators can build into on-the-water recreational vessels with help from a P/Lt/C Pete Lang Jr., SN, support
the USCG National On-Water
boating programs across the country. core team of 44 subject matter experts
Standards Validation Project at the
Throughout the weekend, 12 com- from the recreational boating com-
New Orleans Yacht Club.
munity volunteers participated in munity. For more information, visit
two-hour test sessions, where they onwaterstandards.org.
8 The Ensign Fall 2015
06-09_Currents_Ensign_Fall2015_0827.indd 8 9/4/2015 10:18:15 AM
I Currents I
2014 boating deaths second inattention, improper lookout, opera-
lowest on record tor inexperience, excessive speed and
The U.S. Coast Guard’s 2014 Recre- alcohol use rank as the top fi ve prima-
ational Boating Statistics revealed the ry contributing factors in accidents.
second-lowest number of yearly boat- Where the cause of death was
ing fatalities on record at 610. known, 78 percent of fatal boating
The lowest number of yearly boat- accident victims drowned; of those
ing fatalities was 560 in 2013. The drowning victims, 84 percent were not
greatest number of boating deaths was wearing a life jacket. Where boating
recorded in 1973, when there were instruction was known, 77 percent Forever stamp honors USCG’s
1,754 fatalities. of deaths occurred on vessels where 225th anniversary
Injuries from 2013 to 2014 in- the operator had not received boating The U.S. Postal Service commemo-
creased from 2,620 to 2,678, and the safety instructions. rated the U.S. Coast Guard’s 225
total number of accidents increased The most common types of vessels years of service by creating a Forever
from 4,062 to 4,064. Even with these involved in reported accidents were stamp. The stamp shows two icons of
increases, 2012 to 2014 collectively set open motorboats, personal watercraft the Coast Guard: the cutter Eagle, a
record lows for accidents, deaths and and cabin motorboats. The vessel three-masted sailing ship known as
injuries. types with the highest number of fa- “America’s Tall Ship,” and an MH-65
The report lists alcohol use as the talities were open motorboats, canoes Dolphin helicopter, one of the Coast
leading contributing factor in fatal and kayaks. Guard’s rescue aircraft. The postal
boating accidents, accounting for To read the full report, go to service will issue 15 million U.S. Coast
21 percent of the deaths. Operator bit.ly/2014CGstats. –USCG Guard Forever stamps. –USCG
Peace of Mind
Day or Night
Member discounts The Boat Operator
on cruising guides Certifi cation
Program has new
United States Power Squadrons
members receive 20 percent off titles
Managing the Waterway cruising
At BoatU.S., we’ve been insuring boats and only boats for over 45 years. Our low-cost, customized policy
guides, nautical books and electronic Regional Certifi er is now Regional
options and expert claims service make your days on the water, and nights at the dock, the best they can be.
charts. To get the discount, you must Director. Advanced Certifi er is
order through managingthewa- now either Inland, Coastal, Advanced
For a fast, free quote today, call 1-800-283-2883 (Priority Code 4824)
terway.com, use the voucher code Coaster or Offshore Certifi er. And for
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All policies subject to limits and exclusions. In the state of California, the BoatU.S. Marine Insurance Program is provided through Boat Owners Association Insurance Services, CA License #0H87086.
late.” –Chris Brown
The Ensign_7.5x4.75.indd 1 8/31/15 2:18 PM
Fall 2015 The Ensign 9
06-09_Currents_Ensign_Fall2015_0827.indd 9 9/3/2015 3:08:51 PM
I Boating Gone Bad I
Rescue at the bridge
Putting the USPS pledge in action
By Mike Moye
We had not taken our boat the binoculars and quickly spotted Fortunately, he still had some strength
out much last summer, something in the water. Just like the and could help himself up.
so we decided to take My books describe, the victim was hard to Already in sight of the Coast Guard
Sharona to the Golden Isles Sail & spot and hard to keep in sight, and we station, we called 911. Sharon com-
Power Squadron/26 get-together at weren’t even that far away. forted the young man, while I found
Brunswick Landing Marina. On the When we got close enough to see out where to dock. It was a short trip
return trip to Jekyll Harbor Marina, the man without binoculars, I took the to the Coast Guard dock, where 20
the unthinkable happened. helm while Sharon grabbed the life or so people awaited us. Coast Guard
Imagine the splash made by some- preserver and opened up the stern ac- personnel helped secure the boat,
thing falling from 185 feet above the cess door. Having taught the personal while four paramedics went to work
water. We had never seen anything flotation device section of the ABC on our passenger.
like it. From the helm Sharon spotted course, I knew we needed a Type IV We attribute our success to skills
a stopped vehicle at the center span throwable device. The challenge was obtained from USPS courses and are
of the Sidney Lanier Bridge. Realizing getting it close enough for him to grab. glad we remembered those lessons
that someone had fallen or jumped off We positioned the boat beside him well enough to be able to render as-
the bridge, we went into rescue mode. so we would move together with the sistance when needed. B
We’re not trained first responders or current, and I maneuvered close
Coast Guard rescue swimmers, but enough for Sharon to throw the life Mike Moye, JN, of Golden Isles Sail &
we had decades of boating experience preserver. At this point the tide began Power Squadron/26 is a retired techni-
as well as many United States Power to drop, causing a swift current under cal college president and a licensed
Squadrons courses on boat handling the bridge. We needed to get close but captain. He and his wife, Sharon, live
and safety at sea at our disposal. not so close that the boat and props in Moultrie, Georgia, and cruise the K
C
O
The first thing you’re taught to could cause harm. I dropped the swim Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway aboard T
S
R
do in a crew overboard situation is ladder and struggled to get the victim their Californian 48, My Sharona, out TE
T
U
keep an eye on the victim. I grabbed to the ladder and onto the platform. of Jekyll Island, Georgia. H
S
10 The Ensign Fall 2015
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