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eady for another great summer boating on the Chesapeake Bay? So are we. Here are some clubs and groups that are aiming to make Summer 2016 safer, more fun, and more social.

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Patuxent River SPS Offers Free Vessel Safety Checks

aryland Natural Resources Police are pushing hard this boating season to make it safer than 2015, when there were 147 boating accidents with 21 deaths, eighteen of them not wearing life jackets, 125 injuries, 25 lost vessels, and about $1 million in damage. To help make our Maryland waters safer, certified vessel examiners of the Patuxent River Sail and Power Squadron are ready to provide you a free Vessel Safety Check (VSC) recommended by the Coast Guard for all recreational boaters, including personal watercraft and paddle sports. This courtesy VSC is performed at your boat—whether in a slip, at the launch ramp, or in your driveway, at a mutually-convenient time, and usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending upon

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To request your free VSC call (301) 481-2547. Remember, no vessel is too large or too small to be safe – and in compliance. The safety of your family, friends, and fellow boaters depends on you!

Classic Yacht Club of America Gets Ready for Summer

he Classic Yacht Club of America (classicyachtclub.org) held its 45th annual Flag Raising Ceremony Saturday, June 18th, at the Tolchester Marina in Chestertown, MD. Fleet captains Stephen and Bonnie Meloy did an outstanding job organizing a lovely event, which kicks off the Club’s cruising season. Mem-

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the size of your boat. Items that are checked include fire extinguishers, distress signals, navigation lights, and life jackets. Boats that pass the examination are awarded a distinctive VSC decal that alerts the Coast Guard, Harbor Patrol, and other law-enforcement agencies that your boat was found to be in full compliance with all federal and state boating laws. If your boat doesn’t pass, you’re provided a written report of how to correct the deficiencies and a VSC can be scheduled at a later date. There is no negative consequence if your boat doesn’t pass!

bers enjoyed a casual Friday evening BBQ picnic followed by the flag raising ceremony. The event was well attended, with 13 boats and over 50 folks for the Saturday event, including some welcome guests. Fleet captains Mark and Sandi Wojcicki have us set up for Mid-Summer Rendezvous, July 15-17, at Baltimore Yacht Club in Essex, MD.

See classicyachtclub.org/rendezvousschedule for more details and our full rendezvous schedule. If you would like to get out on the water this summer with a great group of knowledgeable boaters, please contact Vice Commodore Michael Haines (hainesfurniturerestoration@gmail.com) for more information!

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