Getting Into It: The Boating Organization Man
S
everal years ago, my thoughts turned toward ways to improve my knowledge of sailing as well as mix with other sailors during the winter months. I had already joined my Alberg 30 association but was looking for education, too. I scanned the magazines and boating news looking for organizations that might offer useful information and be interesting at the same time. I discovered the U.S. Power Squadrons by chance. I remembered in my youth of being chastised by old guys in uniforms whenever I attempted to sail up Back Creek on a Sunday afternoon. Horns would blare, and words would fly as I attempted to tack my way up the creek to my slip. Didn’t they realize my outboard would not start and this
was my only option? I would usually keep trying until a Good Samaritan came along and offered me a tow to the end of my dock. But in 2010, I was one of the old guys, and I needed to learn more about an inboard that ran only on alternate Saturdays and exactly what five blasts of the horn actually meant. That was when I remembered the Power Squadrons. My initial contact with the Rockville Sail and Power Squadron was excellent. The Commander contacted me at home and welcomed me to a breakfast with the other officers. Did I mention that I like breakfast? I was hooked immediately. I signed up for the seamanship class as soon as it was available. Then, I took piloting; then sail; then … more courses. Next I
volunteered to teach a course. That was when they asked me to become an officer. As I was nearing retirement, I thought this would be a good use of my new-found time: serving the community and doing what I enjoyed. It couldn’t be better. That was about the time I discovered the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. After an initial inquiry, I attended a meeting of a flotilla in Rockville. The mission was what captured me: to support to the Coast Guard for its civil missions. So, I joined. The flotilla commander asked for volunteers to help with the unit’s public affairs. I couldn’t resist: I became the public affairs officer. Then I became the training officer and then the vice flotilla commander. By now, you should be see-
ing a trend. Unfortunately, so did my wife. So, for a while, I had to reduce some of my extracurricular activities and spend more time working on important household activities like vacuuming. I was content continuing to enjoy my membership and leadership activities in both organizations as I continued to work. Then I retired, our daughter left for college, and the Windjammers of the Chesapeake looks like an interesting organization. I wonder if they need some help... Chuck Wells is the Administrative Officer of the Rockville Sail and Power Squadron, the Vice Flotilla Commander of Flotilla 24-02 of the USCG Auxiliary, and a member of the Alberg 30 Association, BoatUS, and more.
Diversified Marine Services INCORPORATED
YACHT RESTORATION Awlgrip / Imron
on North Sails quality, durability & performance!
Professionally Applied Industrial Coatings Environmentally Safe, Climate Controlled Repair Facility Located at Bert Jabin Yacht Yard - ABYC Certified Marine Technicians - Licensed Marine Engineer - Prompt, Professional Yacht Repairs -
Factory Certified Technicians
Phone/Fax: 410-263-8717
www.dms i nc .ne t
Follow us!
It’s easy to measure your own boat and save on the world’s best cruising and racing sails. Log on to northsailsdirect.net or call 888-424-7328.
Free tape measure with every order!
SpinSheet February 2011 45