The Ensign Spring 2025

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF AMERICA’S BOATING CLUB

UNITED STATES POWER SQUADRONS®

®

YOUR FAVORITE PHOTOS OF 2025 ISSUE 113 NO. 2 | SPRING 2025

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ISSUE 113 NO. 2

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A message from the National Treasurer

FEATURED 20

CHAPMAN AWARDS 2024 winners of the prestigious teaching awards

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CURRENTS News from ABC | USPS and more

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MEETING ROUNDUP Highlights from the 2025 Annual Meeting

INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY Boaters move new boat from Montreal to Seneca Lake

SHIP’S LIBRARY Your next must-reads

2025 PHOTO CONTEST Your favorite boating photos of the year

FROM THE BRIDGE

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PADDLE SMARTS Taking a boating safety course

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DESTINATIONS French Broad River

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BOATING GONE BAD The value of boater education

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SHIPSHAPE Safety check uncovers surprises

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CLASSIFIEDS

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LAST HORIZON Remembering those who have crossed the bar

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BITTER END Île Vierge Lighthouse

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STEM TO STERN

THE ENSIGN (ISSN 1949-2294 online) is published four times a year by United States Power Squadrons, a nonprofit corporation located at 1504 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607-3906. Copyright © 2025 United States Power Squadrons PHOTO CREDIT TO JUDITH HUST; COVER PHOTO CREDIT TO ANSELMO MIRANDA

FROM THE BRIDGE BY SHIRLEY HEALD NATIONAL TREASURER

EMAIL THE EDITOR READERS CAN SUBMIT LETTERS AND ARTICLES TO ENSIGN@HQ.USPS.ORG. ARTICLES WILL BE EDITED FOR LENGTH AND CLARITY.

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► As I often say, the biggest challenge in ensuring the sustainability of America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons is attracting good leadership. At all levels of the organization, we must identify member leaders with the best combination of aptitude, attitude and purpose. As a volunteer organization, our human capital is our greatest asset.

At the helm of the organization, the Board of Directors plays a crucial role in steering the organization through turbulent times by setting strategic goals, overseeing financial management and implementing membership growth initiatives. However, it’s also the role of leadership to evaluate and adjust our business model to align with current market demands while fostering innovation and member engagement. By leveraging our collective expertise and providing guidance for local clubs, the board seeks to ensure that the organization remains resilient and adaptable in pursuit of renewed profitability and sustainability. Our clubs must do this as well.

Leadership at all levels must anticipate and adapt to environmental shifts. It’s critical that we define the meaningful influences outside our operating environment so that we can overcome challenges, seize opportunities and achieve our goals.

To succeed, we need to adjust to external factors, including shifting market demands for boating education and fellowship. →

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→ To that end, we must: Decide what business we are in and not in. As leaders we must define our core business, evaluate our product portfolio, and prioritize investments to drive growth and strategic alignment.

Balance the need for fast results with the need for future investments. Delivering shortterm performance while making strategic investments for long-term success ensures both immediate impact and sustained progress. For example, our Educational Department is developing new products to deliver to the underserved market of recreational boaters with 20-foot center-console boats who navigate inland waters. Additionally, the board has invested in a strategic marketing firm, Marine SEO, to help attract this market. And finally, the board has invested in new software that will bring our IT infrastructure into the 21st century, which will serve us well in the long run as we phase out 40-year-old software.

Delegate. When you do something that isn’t on your officer task list, you’re doing someone else’s work. Delegating tasks to the appropriate team members not only allows them to grow and contribute more to the organization’s success but also moves decision-making closer to the action, making the organization more responsive and agile.

Cultivate the culture of our organization. Creating experiences that shape beliefs about our mission empowers leaders to act. Remember: Everyone is important.

Make your people your brand.

Burn the free fuel, appreciation, recognition and encouragement.

Give people a purpose, not just a job.

Volunteer today to be a leader who can make a difference! ■

Vice Commander Shirley Heald began boating after completing a sailing voyage

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

on the Texas Gulf Coast. She joined Dallas Sail & Power Squadron/21 in 1990 and attained the grade of Advanced Pilot. She became squadron commander in 1996 and district commander in 2009. During her tenure in Dallas, she also taught the basic boating and Sail classes. Next, Shirley began taking extended charter cruises in Greece, Maine, and the Texas Gulf Coast. Much to the dismay of her sailing friends, she purchased a Bombardier Sea-Doo 4-Tec Sportster jet boat, The Well Heald, and trailered it to many squadron events. After the Dallas Squadron dissolved, Shirley became a member of Houston Sail & Power Squadron/21, where she is learning to kayak and is looking forward to helping teach the basic boating class with Texas Parks and Wildlife.

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americasboatingclub.org/benefits

SHIP’S LIBRARY

The how-to book of modern boat maintenance ►This excellent reference book is a compilation of DIY columns inspired by the popular “Boatkeeper” column of Motor Boating & Sailing magazine. Want to pull a propeller without spending a lot on buying or renting such a device? This book includes plans to make one yourself. (I built one, and it worked.) There are also plans and instructions for building a radar reflector. The list of projects is long. The first two chapters deal with the exterior of the boat, and the rest addresses interior maintenance and improvements. While outdated, the sections on glues and sealers still have ideas on getting the job done. A second edition of the book, titled “More Boatkeeper,” features more DIY projects and tips for keeping your boat ready for use. Both books are good reference tools and can help you figure out what to do on your own—and what to hire out. Both books are well illustrated by Fred Wolff and have an extensive index. –C. Henry Depew

“BOATKEEPER: THE BOATOWNER’S GUIDE TO MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, AND IMPROVEMENT” EDITED

BY BERNARD GLADSTONE & TOM BOTTOMLEY

A nautical page-turner ►This isn’t your typical book about naval action set during the Revolutionary War. Rather, it’s a compelling story of the work and dangers besetting Capt. Isaac Biddlecomb in his efforts to get his frigate Falmouth ready for sea. The captain devotes much of his time and skill to keeping the frigate out of the hands of the British navy and brigands who want the ship for their use—all as he tries to complete the vessel with less-than-adequate resources. Intermixed in the main story is the activities of the sloop Sparrowhawk, which was taken over by Capt. Angus. Finally, there is also Biddlecomb’s wife, Virginia, who is trapped in Britishoccupied Philadelphia and doing what she can to help him behind the scenes. All in all, the two subplots enhance this action-packed story. –C. Henry Depew

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“THE FALMOUTH FRIGATE: AN ISAAC BIDDLECOMB NOVEL”

BY JAMES L. NELSON

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STEVE ERICKSON

CURRENTS

CALENDAR 2025

May 17–23 National Safe Boating Week

Jun 19–21 BOD meeting Raleigh, N.C.

ABC | USPS NEWS 2025 Annual Meeting pics now online ► Members can check out photos from the 2025 Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida, to see all the highlights, such as the Back to the ‘70s DinnerDance.

For a full roundup of the meeting events, including award recipients, turn to page 12. →

Sep 1–7 Governing Board Grand Rapids, Mich.

2026

Feb 9–15 Annual Meeting

CLICK TO VIEW MORE ▲ PAST CHIEF COMMANDER CRAIG D. FRASER AND LIANA MIHALCA EMBODY THE ‘70S VIBE FOR THE 2025 DINNER-DANCE.

Myrtle Beach, S.C.

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New member benefit available

STEVE ERICKSON

► America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons is partnering with navigation app Ditch to provide members with the latest cutting-edge navigation technology.

As part of this exclusive partnership, America’s Boating Club members will receive Ditch at no cost for one year, including its unlimited route-planning features.

A DITCH REP WORKS A BOOTH AT THE 2025 ANNUAL MEETING TO DISCUSS THE APP WITH MEMBERS.

This collaboration furthers America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons’ commitment to fostering boating safety and boosting confidence in boaters of all ages and experience levels.

“Navigation is an essential part of a great day on the water, so providing a world-class navigation tool like Ditch to all our members allows us to continue to drive our mission to make boating better for all,” said Chief Commander Ralph Bernard.

Bringing next-level technology and AI-driven algorithms directly to boaters’ screens, Ditch’s tools help boaters navigate waters with unmatched confidence and safety.

This collaboration will go beyond just providing access to technology. America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons and Ditch are committed to fostering a culture of lifelong learning and bridging generations of boaters through joint initiatives focused on education, skill development and responsible boating practices.

Learn how to access your member benefit here. You can find the promo code to unlock your free one-year subscription on the member website. ■

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STEVE ERICKSON

CURRENTS

MEMBERS GET GROOVY AT THE 2025 DINNER DANCE. CHECK OUT MORE PHOTOS FROM THE 2025 ANNUAL MEETING ONLINE.

BOATING NEWS Be wary of letters offering USCG documentation renewal ► Boaters with vessels that have a U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation should be wary of any letter arriving by U.S. mail offering renewal.

While USCG does send official annual renewal notices

by U.S. mail, other notices are not from the Coast Guard but rather third-party companies whose name or return addresses may appear similar to that of the official U.S. Coast Guard National Vessel Documentation Center.

These letters direct recipients to websites that may be mistaken for the actual Coast Guard NVDC in Falling Waters, West Virginia, and appear to show a significant increase in the annual fee to renew documentation. →

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→ USCG’s renewal process is simple for most vessels, and the price ranges from $26 for one year up to $130 for a five-year expiration, which is often much lower than what thirdparty services charge.

To renew, go to the Coast Guard National Vessel Documentation Center website and click on “Instructions and Forms,” and then “Certificate of Documentation Application for Renewal.”

Boaters who have received mail that they believe is misleading or deceptive should contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

–BoatUS

Coast Guard Foundation opens 2025 scholarship applications ► The Coast Guard Foundation is accepting applications for the 2025 Coast Guard Foundation scholarship season until April 1.

This annual scholarship program provides financial assistance to Coast Guard children pursuing higher education through college or trade school to support tuition, room and board, fees, books and other education expenses. Eligible applicants can be dependents of either enlisted members or commissioned officers and may attend a community college, four-year university or trade school. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years if recipients continue to meet eligibility requirements.

All interested high school seniors and collegeage children of Coast Guard members can check eligibility requirements and application instructions online. –Coast Guard Foundation

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#ICYMI In case you missed it, here’s what’s been happening with our clubs and squadrons on social media.

Pompano Beach Sail & Power Squadron/8 had a great turnout for its America’s Boating Course certification class.

America’s Boating Club of Cape Coral/22 members cruised together on the Matanzas Pass to get lunch.

Akron Sail & Power Squadron/7 held its Change of Watch. They also had a “soup night” meeting and commemorated Founder’s Day. Members of America’s Boating Club Atlanta/17 attended the 2025 Annual Meeting, where they received the BoatUS Civic Service Award.

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MEETING ROUNDUP

A recap of the 2025 Annual Meeting

+ ALL PHOTOS BY NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER STEVE ERICKSON

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► In February, members converged on Orlando, Florida, for the 2025 Annual Meeting of America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons. As in previous years, we celebrated member achievements, presented awards and had lots of fun.

Make plans to join us this fall in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for the 2025 Governing Board Meeting, and in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for the 2026 Annual Meeting! →

▲ SEVEN PAST CHIEF COMMANDERS ATTEND THE 2025 ANNUAL MEETING: CRAIG FRASER, MARY PAIGE ABBOTT, LUIS OJEDA, ROBERT A. BALDRIDGE, FRANK A. DVORAK, G. LESLIE JOHNSON AND THEODORE H. SMITH.

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2025 MEMBERS EMERITUS

TOP: DURING THE AWARDS NIGHT DINNER ON THURSDAY, FEB. 6, LIFE MEMBERS ARE HONORED FOR EARNING 25 MERIT MARKS.

+ Rodney M. Allen + S.P. Chapman Jr. + Bernard W. Conrad + Duane O. Leathers + Kenneth J. Mart + James R. McCurry + Robert A. Ridle + Douglas R. Rocho + Robert G. VanEwyk

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BOTTOM: CHIEF COMMANDER RALPH BERNARD HONORS THE NEW MEMBERS EMERITUS IN ATTENDANCE: DUANE O. LEATHERS (LEFT) AND JAMES R. MCCURRY. THIS YEAR, THE ORGANIZATION WELCOMES NINE NEW MEMBERS EMERITUS, WHO REPRESENT IMMEASURABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO BOATING SAFETY AND EDUCATION. MEMBERS EMERITUS HAVE AT LEAST 50 MERIT MARKS AND YEARS OF SERVICE TO AMERICA’S BOATING CLUB | UNITED STATES POWER SQUADRONS.

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MEETING ROUNDUP BOATUS-USPS CIVIC SERVICE AWARD EACH YEAR, BOATUS AND AMERICA’S BOATING CLUB | UNITED STATES POWER SQUADRONS HONOR SQUADRONS AND CLUBS THAT GO ABOVE AND BEYOND IN CIVIC SERVICE. THIS YEAR’S BOATUS-UNITED STATES POWER SQUADRONS CIVIC SERVICE AWARD WINNER IS AMERICA’S BOATING CLUB ATLANTA/17.

SQUADRON SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT CHAIR CONNIE SHAY (RIGHT) JOINS BOATUS FOUNDATION’S TED SENSENBRENNER TO PRESENT THIS YEAR’S AWARD TO COMMANDER CINDY RINGWALL ON BEHALF OF THE SQUADRON.

JAMES ACHESON MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT FUND AWARD CHIEF COMMANDER RALPH BERNARD (LEFT) AND PAST CHIEF COMMANDER ROBERT BALDRIDGE PRESENT THE INAUGURAL JAMES ACHESON MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT FUND AWARD TO JAMES C. ACHESON, WHO PASSED AWAY IN 2023, FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE IN SUPPORT OF THE FINANCIAL STABILITY OF AMERICA’S BOATING CLUB | UNITED STATES POWER SQUADRONS. HIS WIFE, SUSAN, ACCEPTS THE AWARD ON HIS BEHALF.

USCG EXCELLENCE IN RECREATIONAL BOATING SAFETY AWARD ON BEHALF OF THE U.S. COAST GUARD, CHIEF COMMANDER RALPH BERNARD PRESENTS DIANNE MARSHBURN WITH A BURGEE RECOGNIZING HER HUSBAND, PAST CHIEF COMMANDER ERNEST MARSHBURN. HE AS WELL AS MARTY LAFFERTY RECEIVED POSTHUMOUS RECOGNITION FOR THEIR SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO RECREATIONAL BOATING SAFETY.

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FINLEY SEA SCOUT SERVICE AWARD TOP: THE FINLEY SEA SCOUT SERVICE AWARD RECOGNIZES SEA SCOUTS OR AMERICA’S BOATING CLUB | UNITED STATES POWER SQUADRONS MEMBERS FOR EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY, ABC | USPS, AND THE SEA SCOUTS. CHIEF COMMANDER RALPH BERNARD (CENTER) PRESENTS USPS FINLEY SEA SCOUT SERVICE AWARDS TO STEVEN BAKER, SUSIE BECVAR, MONICA K.G. CROSS, ALAN W. CROSS AND QUINN E. LAFFEY (NOT PICTURED).

COOPERATIVE CHARTING AWARD MIDDLE: THE COOPERATIVE CHARTING COMMITTEE’S HORST BOETTGE EXCELLENCE IN COOPERATIVE CHARTING AWARD RECOGNIZES OUTSTANDING EFFORTS AND PARTICIPATION IN NAUTICAL OR GEODETIC COOPERATIVE CHARTING. THIS YEAR’S AWARD GOES TO JERRY L. BROWN OF FORT VANCOUVER SAIL & POWER SQUADRON/32.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS AWARDS BOTTOM: DEBRA ALLEN ACCEPTS THE FIRST-PLACE COMMUNITY RELATIONS AWARD ON BEHALF OF AMERICA’S BOATING CLUB LAKE MURRAY/26.

PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, THE FIRST-EVER COMMUNITY RELATIONS AWARDS HONOR CLUBS FOR THEIR EFFORTS TO BUILD, SUSTAIN AND PROMOTE BENEFICIAL LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS. SECOND PLACE WENT TO MINNETONKA POWER SQUADRON/10, AND THIRD PLACE WENT TO FORT MACON SAIL & POWER SQUADRON/27.

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MEETING ROUNDUP VESSEL SAFETY CHECK AWARDS TOP INDIVIDUALS 1st

Robert D. Holub, Jones Beach/3

2nd

Thomas F. Rossini, Cyber/50

3rd

Edward P. Furst Jr., York/5

4th

Anselmo Miranda, San Juan/33

5th

Wesley S. Heusser, Balboa/28

TOP SQUADRONS 1st

Jones Beach/3

2nd

Cyber/50

3rd

San Juan/33

4th

York/5

5th

Balboa/28

TOP DISTRICTS

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1st

District 3

2nd

District 5

3rd

District 50 (Cyber)

4th

Districts 9 & 27

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2024 POLARIS AWARDS ► In 2024, the Educational Department created the Polaris Award to recognize excellence in team teaching. At the 2025 Annual Meeting, National Educational Officer Chuck Wells presented the award to the ABC Dream Team from Cape Coral Sail & Power Squadron and the Kayaking and Standup Paddleboarding Instructional Team from Houston Sail & Power Squadron.

The squadron of each winning team received an award as well as a $500 check to be used to advance the squadron’s educational programs.

New educational award recognizes excellence in team teaching

BY AMY TOWNSEND Throughout 2023 and 2024, Cape Coral graduated over 200 students in America’s Boating Course, largely due to the ABC Dream Team’s efforts— this despite Hurricane Ian having closed down the squadron for part of 2023.

ABC DREAM TEAM + Ted Dawson + Tom Dawson + Bill Harris.

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All three instructors have extensive experience and knowledge in safe boating education. Ted Dawson, the 2020 Florida Wildlife Commission Educator of the Year, was instrumental in establishing Cape Coral’s ABC3 program and helped recruit a team that shares his educational values. Ted, Tom Dawson and Bill Harris believe in taking their time with the material and have modernized the classroom using technology as a pedagogical tool. → 17

2024 POLARIS AWARDS → They also incorporate videos and information about the local boating environment.

Students are encouraged to talk with the instructors one-on-one and play with the classroom tools, whether it’s an electronic chart or America’s Boating Channel video.

While each team member can capably teach the material on his own, squadron educational officer Neil Pignatano said that as a team they provide a level of redundancy and back each other up—and still play their own unique part.

Scott Steele, who took America’s Boating Course in 2018 with the ABC Dream Team, confirms that each instructor has his own unique skill set.

“Ted is a storyteller with years of experience, Bill is a walking encyclopedia of navigation rules and boating law, and Tom pulls it all together with his ability to create content and practical visual aids,” he said. He found their knowledge useful in learning to navigate the waters of southwest Florida, even with his own years of boating experience.

Since 2011, the team has taught over 3,000 students. “One of the reasons is the enthusiasm and energy that this team brings to education,” Steele said. Their excellence in teaching means students leave with a positive experience and opinion of America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons, which is why approximately half of the squadron’s new members have taken ABC3 and why Cape Coral is one of the largest squadrons in the nation.

The Kayaking and SUP Instructional Team teach a basic kayaking course in the greater Houston area.

KAYAKING & SUP INSTRUCTIONAL TEAM + Amy Taylor

+ Linda Crowl

+ Cathy Leavitt

+ Monica Cross

+ Chris Leavitt

+ Susie Becvar

+ Heather Gamber

+ Olivia Cross

+ Irmi Willcockson

(qualified kayak asst.)

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In addition to providing a robust paddlecraft education, the program has increased squadron membership, spawned the Kayak Rendezvous program with monthly on-the-water trips, funneled kayakers into the Texas Parks and Wildlife boater safety class, expanded opportunities with Sea Scouts units, and increased recognition and visibility of the squadron and the America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons mission beyond the typical boating community. →

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→ Each instructor is a qualified American Canoe Association Level I or Level II instructor. The basic kayaking course follows the ACA guidelines and lesson plans and is delivered once a month plus a training day. Two years ago, the team added a standup paddleboard course to the curriculum. They use instructional materials as well as hands-on tools like throw ropes and tow tethers. Each class features two instructors who tackle different sections, and for the on-the-water session, there is a lead kayak and a sweep kayak.

Since its inception, the team has taught over 300 students. The program has helped bring in 12 new members and brought new opportunities for partnership, including teaching Paddle Smart to 120 high school students and advertising with local REI retailers.

Mary Christensen, a student-turned-member, said the team made her feel welcome and at ease from the moment she arrived in class. “The instructors were incredibly patient and provided clear, informative guidance throughout,” she said.

‘It takes a whole team to put on a quality program.

Everyone is important to the success of the class and eventually to the development of the whole program.’

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Another student agreed. “The instructors were thorough, personable and attentive,” Theresa Keefe said. She and her husband also went on to join the squadron.

This dedicated, hands-on instruction makes the team and the program successful.

“It takes a whole team to put on a quality program,” Cathy Leavitt said. “Everyone is important to the success of the class and eventually to the development of the whole program.” ■

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Amy Townsend is the Deputy Communications Director at America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons headquarters. When she’s not busy trying to keep her rambunctious toddler alive, she’s remodeling her house one DIY project at a time.

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CHAPMAN AWARDS

Winners of the 2024 teaching awards were honored at the Annual Meeting

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During the 2025 Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida, National Educational Officer Chuck Wells presented the 2024 Charles F. Chapman Award for Excellence in Teaching to three

BY AMY TOWNSEND DEPUTY COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

outstanding instructors: Peter Dion, Carl Ericsson and Jay Higgins. ► This year’s winners represent the best of the best of America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons.

The Chapman Award is the highest recognition awarded to our educators, selected each year from a pool of nominees by the Chapman Awards Selection Team of the Instructor Development Committee. The honorees receive a recognition plaque, a gold Chapman Award lapel pin, a fouryear Certified Instructor wallet card and their names inscribed in a permanent logbook kept in the Chapman Memorial Library at headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina.

PETER DION + HILTON HEAD SAIL & POWER SQUADRON/26 + MEMBER SINCE 2001 + 10 MERIT MARKS

STEVE ERICKSON

First qualifying as an instructor in 2015, Peter Dion has since become a Boat Operator Certification trainer and certifier. He has taught most of the courses and seminars offered by America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons—including America’s Boating Course, Boat Handling, Piloting, Advanced → THEENSIGN.ORG

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CHAPMAN AWARDS Peter Dion’s enthusiasm, accomplishments and strong teaching abilities make him deserving of recognition and honor.

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→ Piloting and Jump Start—and trained and certified members on the BOC-Inland Navigation and Coastal Navigation levels. As squadron educational officer and squadron commander, Peter was one of the key team members in 2022 to build up the BOC program, working with national to get trainer/certifier support and with the district to get funding and participation from other squadrons.

According to district educational officer H. Michael Zafoot, Peter’s enthusiasm, accomplishments and strong teaching abilities make him deserving of recognition and honor.

His dedication and passion for teaching have earned him the respect of his students and peers. Don Becker said Peter is an ardent advocate for in-person teaching especially, but “whether in the classroom, on the dock, or underway, Peter coaches students with patience, ensuring that each one gains confidence and competence.”

Becker said that Peter is always the first to volunteer to teach and is eager to share his knowledge.

“What sets Peter apart in the classroom is his ability to facilitate learning in a way that resonates with all students, regardless of their level of experience,” Becker said, going on to praise Peter’s student-centered approach to instruction.

“His dedication and passion for teaching have inspired countless students and fellow instructors,” Becker said.

This not only enhances individual learning, but also “strengthens our squadron’s mission to promote safe and effective boating.”

According to Rick Sturges, going beyond the basics is a trademark of Peter’s instruction style. He is “always looking for a two-way dialogue with his students to stimulate and reinforce learning,” Sturges said.

While Peter is always ready, willing and able to teach, he is also a team player and is willing to step aside to encourage a new or lesser-used instructor to take over. →

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‘The responses from students as He believes that a strong educational program undergirds the success of the organization. “One of my you help them put most important roles over the last several years [has their training into been] to encourage and train new instructors to grow organizational capability and maintain it for the future,” action is very he said. According to Peter, the squadron’s educational program is one key to the squadron’s success because it’s rewarding.’ “a source for providing safe boating skills, new member → Peter has been instrumental in recruiting and grooming new instructors.

enlistment and retention of our existing members.”

”

Particularly important is person-to-person contact in the classroom because it builds relationships, Peter said. He regularly stops during material delivery to welcome questions and expand on the discussion. He also shares his phone number and email with students after class to provide him with valuable feedback and address additional questions.

His favorite part of teaching is the on-the-water element.

“The responses from students as you help them put their training into action is very rewarding,” he said.

CARL ERICSSON + TYBEE LIGHT SAIL & POWER SQUADRON/26 + MEMBER SINCE 2017 + 6 MERIT MARKS

STEVE ERICKSON

As a retired college professor of 40 years, Carl Ericsson has demonstrated exceptional knowledge and mastery of his profession in teaching America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons classes. As squadron educational officer for Tybee Light, he has overseen a variety of programs such as → THEENSIGN.ORG

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CHAPMAN AWARDS Carl Ericsson is knowledgeable, thorough and passionate in his teaching. He takes his time to make sure students understand the material and concepts.

“

→ on-the-water training, BOC, advanced grades and elective classes. He has taught America’s Boating Course and Boat Handling and has provided on-water coaching sessions through Crew at the Helm and BOC. “I feel his knowledge has been a positive influence on the development of class instructors along with developing better teaching aids and class presentations,” said district educational officer Michael Zafoot. “Carl sets goals for the members and enthusiastically is getting them to achieve a one-class or seminar goal per year.”

Eschewing a lecture format, Carl prefers to keep his classes intimate and get students involved.

“I have no problem asking specific people questions related to the topic. And even if they don’t know, I still don’t let them off the hook. They get to brainstorm, guess or ask others for help,” Carl said. “My role is student involvement. I want them to appreciate the hours they spend and to become better boaters, not just pass the exam.”

Peggy Hegarty, who took Boat Handling and America’s Boating Course with Carl, said he is knowledgeable, thorough and passionate in his teaching. He takes his time to make sure students understand the material and concepts. “No question is too basic or silly to ask,” she said.

He also gets students and members involved in other ways, inviting them to join when he volunteers with Dolphin Project, Clean Coast and in local sailing regattas.

This allows them to further their boat handling knowledge and skills with on-the-water training while assisting a worthy cause.

As SEO, Carl conducted a survey to discover what members were interested in learning, and he follows through with scheduling those courses. Each year is filled with a full, comprehensive schedule of classes.

According to Mike Helgesen, “All good teachers communicate clearly, know their material and come to →

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→ class prepared. Superior educators, however, bring much more to the process.”

‘My role is student involvement. I want them to appreciate the hours they spend and to become better boaters, not just pass the exam.’

”

And what Carl brings is patience for struggling students, enthusiasm for both the subject matter and the process of delivering knowledge, a surprising knowledge about his students, extra preparation, and an ease in teaching adults and youngsters alike. More than that, Helgesen said, Carl has the “humility to include several of our squadron’s senior members as instructors” and attends classes even when he’s not the designated instructor.

He is the type of instructor who easily connects with students and makes the subject matter understandable, which encourages students to get involved, said Dennis Cusanelli.

“Carl has the great ability to read the classroom and cater the instruction to match the student’s ability and desire to learn.”

Thanks to Carl, Tybee Light has one of the highest numbers of America’s Boating Course students both signed up and passing the exam.

JAY HIGGINS + LAS VEGAS SAIL & POWER SQUADRON/13 + MEMBER SINCE 1974 + 6 MERIT MARKS

STEVE ERICKSON

After obtaining the Senior Navigator advanced grade, Jay Higgins became a full certificate holder in 1991. He also has a 50-ton Captain’s License and cofounded a sailing club in the Chicago area.

Upon moving to Nevada in 2018 and getting reinvolved with America’s Boating Club | United States → THEENSIGN.ORG

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CHAPMAN AWARDS Under Jay Higgins’ leadership, his involvement in the squadron’s educational program has been nothing short of transformative.

“

→ Power Squadrons, Jay began teaching, starting with Junior Navigation and Navigation. Now, he has taught an array of classes, from America’s Boating Course, Rules of the Road and VHF Radio seminars to advanced subjects like Celestial Navigation.

Under his leadership, his involvement in the squadron’s educational program has been nothing short of transformative. As SEO, he led the squadron to hold a winter seminar series that included How to Use a Chart, Rules of the Road, Weather for Boaters and Trailering Your Boat, as well as a summer seminar series that included VHF Radio and DSC and How to Use a Chart. He presented a NOAA Custom Chart app seminar at a District 13 spring conference in 2024 to update members on NOAA’s transition to electronic vector charts.

His students and peers describe him as “an instructor’s instructor” and say his commitment to learning and collaboration sets him apart. He partners with subject matter experts for their refreshing expertise—like when he brought in commercial airline pilots to participate in the instruction of the Weather course.

In his classes, Jay always looks for opportunities to use teaching aids and equipment so that the students have a hands-on experience to see and feel the equipment being presented. For example, he incorporates red and green jackets in class to emphasize which is the stand-on and give-way vessel.

“Using myself and a squadron member, I create the head on, overtaking and crossing situations, and ask the student to place the green jacket on the stand-on vessel and red jacket on the give-way vessel,” Jay said. “I use an 18-inch-tall sail on a stick to represent the sailing vessel.”

Amilia Saunders, who took Sailing and Navigation with Jay, credits him with being able to pass the Navigation exam.

“His class teaching was so comprehensive that it gave me the knowledge to dive deep into the sailing →

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‘If through teaching safe In fact, it’s Jay’s patience and one-on-one instruction style boating courses, I that have resonated with so many students. can prevent just “He guided me without judgment to problem and one serious exercise solutions, all without simply providing the answers and then discussing them,” said Allan Bombard, boating accident, who also took Navigation with Jay. “He helped me put it all together by joining me on a path to understanding the serious injury or principles behind the activities.” death, then all of Having taken a number of Jay’s classes, Kirk Fulks echoed this sentiment and praised his calmness and patience. my efforts as a “He inspires students to keep learning and go to the next level in every course I have taken with him.” volunteer instructor will be Jay keeps his teaching philosophy simple. worth it.’

“If through teaching safe boating courses, I can prevent → techniques,” she said. “I believe he has a gift for speaking to students. I found him to be patient, serious and well-experienced.”

”

just one serious boating accident, serious injury or death, then all of my efforts as a volunteer instructor will be worth it,” he said. ■

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2025

PHOTO CONTEST

Your favorite photos of the year LAWRENCE GOLKIN

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ANSELMO MIRANDA

► For our 2025 Photo Contest, we asked you to send in your best boating photos. The Ensign staff narrowed the field down to five finalists and then asked readers to vote for their favorite.

With over half the votes, Anselmo Miranda of San Juan Power Squadron/33 won first place. Second place went to Juan Pablo Miranda of San Juan Power Squadron/33. Third place was Lawrence Golkin of Ventura Power Squadron/13.

FIRST PLACE SUNSET AT BOQUERON BAY, PUERTO RICO

Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to everyone who participated! ■

THIRD PLACE PELICAN’S LEE ON SANTA CRUZ ISLAND, CALIFORNIA

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JUAN PABLO MIRANDA

2025 PHOTO CONTEST

SECOND PLACE SUNSET AT CABO ROJO, PUERTO RICO

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ANGELO KEENE

HONORABLE MENTION BOATING IN VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA

ALLAN BOMBARD

HONORABLE MENTION IL PORTO DI PALERMO, SICILY

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PADDLE SMARTS Should paddlers take a boating safety course?

BY JIM GREENHALGH

PADDLERS NEGOTIATING BOAT TRAFFIC

+ ALL PHOTOS BY JIM GREENHALGH

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► Early on March 26, 2024, the container ship Dali struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing the catastrophic collapse of the bridge and closing of the harbor. Immediately, the U.S. Coast Guard established a safety zone for all navigable waters within a 2,000-yard radius of the bridge, per Marine Safety Information Bulletin 03624. Reported on the national news, this safety zone prohibited entry of all vessels or people without authorization of the USCG Captain of the Port.

In mid-May, with most of the wreckage and ship still in place, a crew was filming the ongoing cleanup operation when a sea kayaker paddled right down the side of the collapsed bridge in what appeared to be a sightseeing trip.

Approximately halfway across in the area of the main channel, a USCG patrol boat intercepted the paddler. After a stop and some discussion, the paddler returned quickly in the opposite direction.

This encounter was posted on YouTube. By the appearance of the paddling equipment and ability, this individual appeared to be an experienced kayaker but demonstrated a lack of knowledge of the rules. →

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→ Had this individual taken America’s Boating Course or a similar boating safety course, they would have learned about Homeland Security and the various restrictions within USCGdesignated safety and security zones.

DEFINITIONS FROM CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS 33 CFR 173.3

Few paddlers ever take a boating safety course. Many believe that these courses apply only to powerboats and have nothing to do with paddlecraft. In a recent discussion on social media about requiring all boaters to take a safe boating course, many paddlers felt that such a requirement should apply only to powerboaters, not to paddlers. By the responses, it was apparent that few people understood that paddlecraft are considered boats and that paddlers are subject to the same rules as any other vessel operator.

Furthermore, few paddlers are aware that if they were involved in a collision with a powerboat, they, too, would be charged with violations of the Navigation Rules and share fault with the powerboat operator.

Vessel: Every description of

Paddlecraft are boats

control or in charge of a vessel

Canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and other human-powered watercraft are by law considered a vessel; the person in control is the operator and subject to the same rules as any other vessel operator.

watercraft or other artificial contrivance used, or capable of being used, as a means of transportation on water Paddlecraft: A vessel powered only by its occupants, using a single- or double-bladed paddle as a lever without the aid of a fulcrum provided by oarlocks, thole pins, crutches or similar arrangements Operator: The person who is in while it is in operation

What do you learn in a boating safety course?

All who operate any type of vessel on the water should have a working knowledge of the federal and state regulations that apply to them and their vessel. Boating courses cover in depth the various operator responsibilities regarding the rules, regulations, required equipment and other safety concerns.

Registration: All vessels equipped with propulsion machinery must be registered in the state of principal use. Each state has rules regarding vessel registration, and some require paddlecraft to be registered. A boating course will cover the laws of the state where the course is offered. →

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PADDLE SMARTS → Required safety equipment: Paddlecraft operators are required to carry a USCGapproved wearable life jacket or personal flotation device, and a sound-producing device (a whistle is acceptable). If operating at night, they must display navigation lights; if operating at night and paddling in coastal waters and the Great Lakes, they must also carry visual distress signals.

RESTRICTED NAVIGATION AREA

PFDs: Paddlers will learn about the various types of PFDs available, the level of buoyancy, and the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

Boating safety courses also discuss maintenance and care to ensure the PFD remains serviceable.

Sound-producing devices: Paddlers will learn about the different sound devices available to boaters along with the various signals that must be used in accordance with the Navigation Rules.

Navigation lights: Paddlers will learn the different types of lights available to meet the requirement that paddleboats operating at night must display navigation lights.

Visual distress signals: Paddlers operating at night in open waters are required to carry visual distress signals. They will learn about both pyrotechnic and electronic types, where they are to be carried, and how they are to be used.

Navigation Rules: All boaters, including paddlecraft operators, should have a working knowledge of the Navigation Rules, often referred to as “the rules of the road,” which are a set of rules intended to prevent collisions. As paddlers encounter various types of vessels on the water, they need to understand the responsibilities between vessels to be able to immediately determine whether they are the stand-on or giveway vessel in overtaking, head-on or crossing situations. Students will also learn the required navigation lights, sound signals and distress signals to be used on the water.

ATONS: Paddlers will learn the U.S. Aids to Navigation System, which refers to the various buoys and beacons found on the water. These →

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→ markers assist all boaters to navigate their vessels in safe water, know their location, and provide information regarding navigation safety and regulated areas. Paddlers will learn the “red, right, returning” rule used in U.S. waters so they understand the traffic pattern when navigating around channels and other vessel traffic.

PADDLECRAFT ON A BOAT TRAILER

Restricted navigation areas: Many boating areas are restricted or exclude all or certain types of vessels. Some of these areas are clearly marked on the water while others are only marked on the nautical chart. Safe boating course students will learn about various vessel exclusion zones, such as swimming and environmental areas, and the Homeland Security restrictions around bridges, power plants, dams, harbors and other critical infrastructure.

A wealth of information can be learned in a safe boating course, including the responsibilities to render assistance to distressed mariners, accident reporting, marine VHF radio procedures, and how to use a compass and GPS. These courses also cover other subjects useful to paddlers, including boating in adverse conditions, boat trailers, and water sports safety including paddle sports.

America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons offers two versions of America’s Boating Course. The eight-hour class includes the information discussed above. A 16-hour version includes an introduction to navigation, nautical charts, digital charting and chart plotting. →

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PADDLE SMARTS

Safe boating courses are for everyone All paddlers should consider taking a public boating safety course such as America’s Boating Course. These courses are for all boaters and not just powerboats. The more paddlers understand how power and sailboats operate and the rules they must follow, the less likely they are to become involved in a potentially deadly collision with one of these vessels.

FROM CLOCKWISE: EQUIPMENT DISCUSSED IN A BOATING COURSE; AIDS TO NAVIGATION; AND REFERENCE MATERIALS AND TOOLS USED IN A BOATING COURSE

Paddlers will be pleasantly surprised by the amount of information they will learn in a boating course, and graduates will become more knowledgeable boaters, increasing the safety of all mariners on the water. Also, as I can tell you from experience, it’s a lot of fun! ■

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jim Greenhalgh of St. Petersburg Sail & Power Squadron/22 is a senior navigator, vessel examiner, and instructor, having taught boating safety and navigation since 1991. He draws on his vast sail and powerboating experience as a lifelong boater and avid sea kayaker. Jim leads trips for the Kayak Adventure Group, a sea kayaking club based on Florida’s west coast that he co-founded. He also wrote Navigation Rules for Paddlecraft, a must-read for all paddlers.

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americasboatingclub.org/benefits

DESTINATIONS Summer voyage down the headwaters of the French Broad River

BY DON WOODARD

+ THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN THE LAKE HARTWELL BOATING CLUB BLOG, FROM THE HELM.

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► Last summer, a group from Lake Hartwell Boating Club/26 took a kayak adventure down the French Broad River in western North Carolina. This was a revisit of a delightful springtime journey we took in 2019, except it was a little shorter in distance. We had a larger group this time: three couples (the Guderians, Roses and Woodards) plus Rosemary Stevenson.

We met at 11:15 a.m. at Headwaters Outfitters in Rosman, North Carolina, for orientation. Headwaters Outfitters is a family-owned business with nice facilities and a friendly, courteous staff. We were not permitted to take our own boats, so we had to rent their beamy, heavy, sit-on-top kayaks. After a short shuttle ride to the outfitter’s put-in, we received our boats, paddles and life jackets. Around noon, we boarded our vessels just below some Class II rapids on the French Broad River, where the West Fork and the North Fork form the French Broad itself. The rest of the journey had nothing above Class I water.

The weather was sunny and hot, and the river was low. Another 6 inches of depth would have been perfect. Our destination was the Headwaters Outfitters campground at Hannah Ford, some 6 miles downstream. Our little fleet of six recreational-style kayaks (one tandem and five singles) negotiated →

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→ some shallow, rocky stretches in the upper section before settling into easy water the rest of the trip. We stopped at a sandbar about a mile downstream for a picnic lunch. In contrast to our earlier trip, we didn’t see much wildlife along the route.

Because of the heat, the low river and the heavy boats, our three-hour trip took nearly four hours.

We felt better because a younger couple that embarked with our group arrived at the same time. Chris and Nioka Rose earned the fitness award since they arrived at the take-out about 30 minutes earlier than the rest of the group. The main body of the group found it necessary to stop several times for rest and posterior recuperation— the rental kayaks had uncomfortable, hard seats.

After a shuttle ride back to Headwaters Outfitters and a change of clothes, we took a brief journey northeast on U.S. Route 64 to downtown Brevard, where we enjoyed an excellent meal at The Square Root on Times Arcade Alley. As the sun sank lower in the sky, we all reflected on a good day and resolved to meet again soon for another kayak adventure. ■

TOP LEFT: THE LOWER PART OF THE VOYAGE TOOK US THROUGH FARMLANDS. TOP RIGHT: ONE OF THE FEW TIMES WE WERE ALL TOGETHER BOTTOM: SHORTLY AFTER PUT-IN

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Don Woodard and his wife, Janice, joined Atlanta Power Squadron in 1974 after taking a boating course. A former bridge officer and Navigation course instructor, he and Janice now spend their boating time in kayaks and in a 17-foot multi-species Starcraft fishing boat. He is a member of Lake Hartwell Sail & Power Squadron/26.

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ADOBE STOCK

BOATING GONE BAD Recent cruise reveals the value of boater education

BY BRIAN RACHAL

+ A VERSION OF THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN THE AMERICA’S BOATING CLUB OF SNOHOMISH COUNTY/16 NEWSLETTER, THE PIKE POLE.

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► As with many of our cruises, our Labor Day trip to Sucia Island, Washington, highlighted the importance of quality boater education. As a matter of fact, in just a few hours of sitting on the dock at Fossil Bay, we saw three prime examples of how someone might have benefited from a Boat Handling in Close Quarters seminar.

Our original plan was to rendezvous with a couple of other boats from America’s Boating Club of Snohomish County/16 at Jones Island. By the time we got underway, we heard reports that the dock was full and that the anchorage was filling up. We decided to head to Sucia Island instead. The next morning, a spot at the end of the dock opened, so we pulled up anchor and headed over. To be polite, I tied up at the end with the bow hanging over to leave as much dock space for others as possible.

That extra space led to some entertaining moments.

The first boat—let’s call it “the clubber”—a singleengine Ranger Tug, took three tries to get to the open spot on the end of the dock across from us.

Considering he was docking with the help of a bow thruster, the captain sure made it look hard. However, there was no significant drama, and he eventually got within 6 or 8 feet. He tossed us lines, and we pulled them in—a successful docking.

The next boat, “the clown boat,” was a different story. → THEENSIGN.ORG

→ A 21-foot cuddy with six people in the cockpit pulled up to the space behind my boat.

When I looked over, no one was at the helm! The captain had left the helm to run up to the bow and jump on the swim platform of a beautiful Grand Banks to prevent the clown boat from hitting it. Perhaps he didn’t know how to use reverse gear. Once again, we took lines and pulled them in. Then, 11 people disembarked from the clown boat.

That’s a small boat for 11 people coming across the bay from Bellingham.

Had I brought business cards with me, I would have given the captain our information and suggested a class or two. The seminar Boat Handling in Close Quarters, which is part of the Boat Handling course, teaches the proper ways to dock a boat in different conditions. The clown boat would have done fine had the captain stayed at the helm and used the throttle to get to the dock.

The third boater, “the parallel parker,” pulled up and asked if there was enough room.

There was more than enough dock length for the boat, but it’s the first time I’ve ever seen someone try to follow the proper approach for parallel parking a car. It didn’t work.

He backed up and eventually had his boat pointing straight off the dock with me holding a dock line and his two massive dogs ready to jump off the stern. He muttered something about trying again, and all I could say was, “Turn to port and give it a little forward.” We put that stern line on a cleat and got the boat turning in the right direction, and then I stood on my swim platform to grab his bow rail before it hit anything.

By the time we were done, the two dogs were on the dock playing with our dog, Sugar.

In this captain’s defense, he did warn us that he might need some “dynamic fender placement.” I think that’s new-boater talk for “fend off, or I’ll hit your boat.” I give him props for not calling them bumpers.

If you’re thinking that you’ve got a lot of experience or won’t learn anything, I have two things to say to you. The first is that I’ve got experience, I’m a decent boater, and I’ve taken the classes, but I sat through the Boat Handling in Close Quarters seminar recently and still learned something. I also shared something that I saw another member do that I thought was genius, and someone else thought that was a great idea and wanted to try it. There’s always something more to learn.

Here’s the second thing: If you’re still thinking, “Nah, there’s nothing more for me to learn,” then teach. Please offer to teach something so others can benefit from your knowledge, experience and wisdom. I daresay you will probably still learn something. ■

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Brian Rachal is a member of America's Boating Club of Snohomish County/16, where he currently serves as SEO. Brian has experience sailing bareboat charters in the Caribbean and Lake Huron, as well as power boating in the Puget Sound region and Chesapeake Bay. THEENSIGN.ORG

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Boaters bring their new boat home from Montreal to Seneca Lake 42

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► My wife, Jacqueline, and I cleared our calendars, grabbed fresh cups of coffee and set up camp in my office: We would devote the day to compiling a PowerPoint presentation for our Cruising Under Power and Sail class as well as studying for our final exam. Jacqueline and I wanted to learn everything we could in this course, especially because we would be embarking on our first-ever cruise in a few days, and our presentation represented our readiness for the trip. To add more anxiety to the mix, our final exam would take place aboard our new boat, trawling across the Erie Canal, with our instructor aboard the vessel distributing No. 2 pencils and exam booklets.

After several years of contemplating how to enter the hobby of boating, we made the adventurous decision to jump in with both feet and purchase a 39-foot cabin cruiser with twin diesel engines, two staterooms and two heads. To make our first boat purchase even more interesting, we found our Azimut 39 in Montreal. We would need to navigate an international purchase, delivery over the water and U.S. customs. Fortunately, our friend and class instructor, Tom Alley, would be captain on this delivery trip. Another friend, Don Kloeber, would help us with the delivery. Don and his wife, Marge, inspired us to take up the hobby, and they have been our personal Moses, leading us through the boating wilderness. Don was also our Cruising Under Power and Sail instructor and would administer a vessel safety check en route to Seneca Lake in New York.

BY SHANE ALSWORTH OF AMERICA’S BOATING CLUB FINGER LAKES CHAPTER TOP: MONTREAL YACHT CLUB AND ITS FAMOUS CLOCK TOWER, THE START OF OUR INAUGURAL BOATING ADVENTURE

OPPOSITE PAGE: JACQUELINE ALSWORTH TENDS LINES IN ONE OF THE CANADIAN LOCKS.

The timing of our cruise was perfect. We were diligently working through our Cruising Under Power and Sail course, and every new chapter gave us a list of items to prepare for our trip.

Fortunately, our class presentation went well, and we learned a lot from the feedback we received. →

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INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY

LEFT: THE CORE DELIVERY CREW OF DON KLOEBER, TOM ALLEY, JACQUELINE ALSWORTH AND SHANE ALSWORTH RIGHT: A FREIGHTER LEAVES A LOCK ON THE ST. LAWRENCE AS SEEN FROM THE HOLDING AREA FOR RECREATIONAL VESSELS.

→ Shortly after our presentation, we drove up to Montreal for our fourth and final trip to survey the boat. The seller had allowed us to use their slip in the Montreal Yacht Club for three days after closing to prepare for the voyage.

This gave us time to acclimate to the boat, find items that needed immediate repair and provision for our trip. We also found time to enjoy the beautiful Old Port section of the city, the many great restaurants and nightcaps on our new flybridge. Tom and Don arrived the night before we set sail and immediately went to work helping with lastminute preparations and reviewing logistics. The next morning, we had a nice breakfast and then pushed off the dock. We entered the St. Lawrence Seaway, leaving the majestic Clock Tower in our wake.

Locking through the St. Lawrence Seaway We prepaid lock fees for the day online and soon entered the St. Lambert lock, and in quick succession we made our way through the Côte-Sainte-Catherine lock. We marveled at the large commercial freight carrier ships we encountered and the engineering that makes these incredible locks function. We cruised through the locks with only one other recreational boat. → 44

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→ Tom and Don coached us through the process.

Wrapping the tether lines that lock staff tossed to us around a cleat with one hand, we pushed off the wall with a boat hook in the other. Initially, we felt the need to use all our energy, as if we had to sacrifice our bodies to save our boat from scraping the lock walls. By the end of this trip, we were lazily handling our duties, mindful but not panicked.

We made our way up to the Beauharnois locks, which had easy operation and friendly staff. After passing through the lower lock, we entered the upper lock, tied up and waited for the same staff members to arrive in their golf carts to help us through the second lock.

Later that afternoon, we came to the Saint-Louis-deGonzague lift bridge. There was no option to communicate with the bridge master, but we arrived well before the scheduled lift time for that day. We floated around, waiting for the green light until about 15 minutes after the bridge was scheduled to lift. There was virtually no vehicle traffic over the bridge, but there was also no commercial traffic waiting to go under the bridge. We eventually set anchor and lay out on the bow and flybridge to nap. About an hour later, the green light came on, and the bridge began its ascent. With no sign of human operation, we were left to ponder how the decision was made to lift the bridge. Fortunately, we didn’t have to wait long at the next obstacle, the Valleyfield Bridge, but we were running behind our most optimistic target time frame.

We arrived at the U.S.-operated Snell lock around 10:30 p.m. We were instructed to wait in a dark mooring area until the commercial traffic, which has priority, had passed. By the time we had pushed through the other side, it was 1:15 a.m.

TOP: SAINT-LOUIS LIFT BRIDGE, ST. LAWRENCE SEAWAY BOTTOM: SINGER CASTLE ON THOUSAND ISLANDS IN THE ST. LAWRENCE SEAWAY

The Snell and Eisenhower locks had a cable bollard running on an indented channel in the concrete sidewall. We had to thread our own line around the cable, using the end of a boat hook, and then wrap it in a half turn to our midship cleat. This arrangement made pushing off the wall more cumbersome but → THEENSIGN.ORG

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INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY The sight of two diesel pumps running concurrently to fill each of our boat’s 132-gallon tanks haunts my dreams to this day.

“

→ manageable. I had paid the lock fees online ahead of time; however, the response email indicated that we must have a printed paper receipt to give the lock staff. Getting a receipt in Montreal before we departed was a challenge.

In the future, I will likely use cash, the only other payment option.

We powered on to the Eisenhower lock, arriving at 2 a.m. and departing at 3 a.m. From there we had a wide-open channel with well-lit buoys to lead us to Crysler Park Marina. The marina itself was less well-lit, and we discovered that the aft location of the flybridge spotlight was less than ideal. We landed at an open spot on the Tdock and passed out asleep for a few hours.

The next morning, we refueled. The sight of two diesel pumps running concurrently to fill each of our boat’s 132gallon tanks haunts my dreams to this day. We then departed for Heart Island, passing through the Iroquois lock. We had an appointment with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to pay an import tax for bringing a foreign vessel into the U.S. By this point, I understood just how understated the old BOAT (“Bust Out Another Thousand”) joke really is. As I wiped away my tears, a sight that drew great laughter from my crewmates, we headed to Alexandria Bay for a pit stop.

Bringing our boat home There we welcomed District 6 assistant educational officer Ira Goldman and District 3 Boat Operator Certification chairman Bob Holub aboard. They joined our voyage so that Bob could provide Boat Operator Certification and skills testing as we crossed Lake Ontario the next morning.

We then made our way to Cape Vincent.

As we pulled up to the marina, an open slot between two boats seemed to be calling us. Little did we know that there was an unmarked concrete slab in the same location anchoring the dock in place. We ran aground, lightly damaging one 22-inch bronze propeller and getting stuck.

After considerable time and heroic efforts involving about 200 feet of line stretched to a parallel dock, we could → 46

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→ kedge off and find our way to another slip. It was then that I decided to stop counting expenses. When the excitement wore off, we completed a thorough vessel safety check, heeded advice from a boat full of America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons instructors and enjoyed the quaint town of Cape Vincent.

The following day we had a leisurely breakfast and headed out to the open waters of Lake Ontario. The sun was shining, the wind was rare and the lake was shimmering glass. We opened the throttles and skipped across the lake on plane. The damaged prop had only modest impact on the ride. We cruised into port in Oswego, New York, to refuel and stretch, and then we continued on through the Oswego Canal. We traversed eight more locks (all with wet hanging ropes to grab onto) and passed under seven bridges before docking in Baldwinsville, New York. It was a beautiful day, and the slow pace of travel gave us an opportunity to talk boating and soak up knowledge from the experienced brain trust that was helping bring our boat home.

Bob and Ira departed the next morning, and the original crew continued the trek west through the Erie Canal and down the Cayuga-Seneca Canal. Trawling at a blissful pace, we soaked up the sun and relished the breeze, completing five more locks and traveling under 30 more bridges. Our boat has a 14-foot, 5-inch air draft to our navigation light, but with the recent rainfall, we decided to take down our slightly taller Bimini top to squeeze under the 16foot-high S-3 state Route 89 bridge. Standing on the flybridge bench seat, we could reach up and touch the bridge, but it seemed much closer as we approached the fixed steel structure.

YOU DON’T APPRECIATE HOW BIG THESE SHIPS ARE UNTIL YOU’RE RIGHT NEXT TO THEM!

Reflecting on what we learned As we came into Seneca Lake, a sense of accomplishment came over me. In just four days, the knowledge we gained from applying what we had recently learned in our coursework was immense. →

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INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY

LEFT: TAKING ON ADDITIONAL CREW AT ALEXANDRIA BAY, NEW YORK (DON KLOEBER, TOM ALLEY AND BOB HOLUB) RIGHT: JACQUELINE AND SHANE PRACTICE “SOLO” TRANSITING ONE OF THE LOCKS IN WATERLOO, NEW YORK.

→ Both Jacqueline and I had handled lines and taken the helm through 18 locks with varying tethering systems. We had traveled next to gargantuan freighter ships and locked up next to small fishing boats.

We saw large factories, electric power dams, beautiful castles, farms, small villages, quaint homes and towering vacation properties.

It was a perfect day to take a ride down Seneca Lake, but this ride felt different. We pulled into Seneca Lake Resorts Marina at Sampson State Park, our new home port, and Don disembarked. After an exhausting trip, we could tell that he felt the same sense of accomplishment as a teacher that we felt as students. We enjoyed sharing this experience with him and felt blessed to have his tutelage.

We motored down the full length of the lake to our temporary destination, the Village Marina in Watkins Glen. The next day, we would be putting the boat on the hard so a traveling service could install bow and stern thrusters. Capt. Tom had successfully completed what was for him a familiar route in an unfamiliar boat, through long days, all the while mentoring us through the journey. He set a standard for us, with his detailed planning and ability to adeptly work through any obstacle.

He gave a master class on preparedness.

This was the type of cruise that we had dreamed of and the reason that we purchased the boat. It was the reason that we signed up for courses and took the risk of diving in despite our inexperience. It was profound to see that such a cruise was possible with proper planning. We have much to learn before we can undertake such a cruise on our own, but we are over the hump and on our way toward seeing it come to fruition.

We hope that our experience will encourage other newbies to take up the challenge and to know that they have fantastic resources available through America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons. ■

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POSTSCRIPT: LEVERAGE TEAMWORK FOR RESULTS This trip would not have been possible without the assistance of people at all levels within America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons. One goal of the trip was to provide an opportunity for District 6 members to obtain advanced certification under the Boat Operator Certification program.

LEFT: US CUSTOMS AT HEART ISLAND, NEW YORK RIGHT: ENTERING THE OSWEGO CANAL IN OSWEGO, NEW YORK

At the national level, we received help finding a certifier, and an Educational Fund grant helped defray transportation costs to get the certifier to our location. District- and squadron-level support allowed us to coordinate the efforts of various volunteers from different squadrons to help with logistics and execution of the plan.

In the end, thanks to teamwork, we completed 12 certification activities.

The lesson? Don’t be afraid to ask for help! –Tom Alley, editor of America’s Boating Club Finger Lakes Chapter’s newsletter

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Shane Alsworth and his wife, Jacqueline, are brand new members of America’s Boating Club and proud new owners of a 2000 Azimut 39 “baby yacht” that consumes what little free time they have. They are owners of a wealth management firm and are soon to be empty nesters as their four daughters enter various stages of adulthood.

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SHIPSHAPE Routine check uncovers onboard safety surprises

BY STEVE HODGES FIGURE 1: MANY RECOVERY TETHER LINE FAILURES

+ THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN THE SANTA BARBARA SAIL & POWER SQUADRON NEWSLETTER, SIGNAL HOIST.

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► During a routine check on Frolic’s safety gear, we found several nonfunctional items. If, like me, you tend to take these items for granted, think again.

1. Crew overboard recovery system We removed our Lifesling crew overboard kit to clean and inspect it. Fortunately, we did this before relying on it!

The kit had been mounted on Frolic’s stern for years, stowed in a hard plastic case, and includes a sun-protection sheath covering the short part of the line that comes out of the case and is tied to the boat for figure 8-type COB recovery. We found many failures on the polypropylene line inside the case, such as visible discoloration (Figure 1). In some places, the line parted in my hands, and the web strap connecting the ends of the float had also disintegrated. For what it’s worth, the strobe on the flotation did operate. This gear is retired!

Our 50-foot throw rope is in good condition and worked well in a test throw.

My recommendation: Check your COB kit thoroughly at least annually. →

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2. Electronic strobe Our U.S. Coast Guard-approved SOS electronic strobe did not operate when I twisted the lens to turn it on. The batteries were clean and at full charge. I removed the electronic module from the lens and saw no signs of corrosion. However, after I lightly sanded the three metal surfaces using 600-grit cloth sandpaper and finger pressure (Figure 2), the strobe worked. (It’s bright, so I advise covering the lens with your hand when testing!) In the future I plan to check this strobe before any nighttime passage.

FIGURE 2: MILD SURFACE CORROSION WAS REMOVED WITH FINE-GRIT SANDPAPER.

3. Electrical outlets Frolic’s AC outlets are in use most of the time when we are connected to shore power. We leave the battery charger and golden rod heaters on. While plugging in my laptop computer charger, I noticed that the outlet moved. I removed the plugs and outlet cover plate to find that the outlet was cracked and coming apart! The wiring had been in place since we acquired the boat back in 1996, and some wires were doubled up on a screw terminal—a big no-no. The doubledup wires on this outlet were soldered into a crimp connector (another no-no), which was screwed to the outlet. When I removed the outlet, the wire broke at the soldered ends. → THEENSIGN.ORG

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SHIPSHAPE

SUCCESSFUL RESCUE LINE TOSS

4. Liquid petroleum gas Added by a previous owner, the liquid petroleum gas/propane locker on our 50-year-old boat houses a 5-gallon, 20-pound horizontal LPG cylinder. The propane locker vented into the cockpit so that the heavy gas would drain out the cockpit scuppers. Since the cockpit coaming is higher than the bridge deck, there was a chance a fast leak could flow into the cabin—an unacceptably dangerous situation. So, I glassed over the cockpit vents and plumbed a vent from the bottom of the propane locker to a new through-hull in the transom. When I checked on the two 2-pound backup cylinders I keep in the locker, I was glad I’d vented the locker overboard; both cylinders had rusty bottoms, and one was empty! Having a reserve of LPG fuel is nice, but the inexpensive general-purpose small cylinders must be protected and monitored for corrosion. They should be stored in a sealed compartment that vents overboard. ■

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Steve Hodges started sailing over 50 years ago on the Chesapeake Bay and East Coast lakes. In 1977, he moved to Santa Barbara, California, where he sailed a 27-foot wooden boat. Since 1996, he has sailed aboard Frolic, a 1974 Islander 36. After hundreds of trips to the Santa Barbara Channel Islands, the Sea of Cortez, San Francisco and Hawaii (as part of the 2012 and 2014 Singlehanded Transpac races), Frolic and crew look forward to more time on the water, now with grandchildren. Steve and Susan have been members of Santa Barbara Sail & Power Squadron/13 since 1996.

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SHARE YOUR LOVE OF BOATING. FORWARD THIS ISSUE TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

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LAST HORIZON Merit Marks Senior Member, 5 merit marks

P/D/C Gene R. Alligood, AP Pamlico (NC) Squadron/27 Senior Member, 14 mm

Lorraine Peoples, P Phoenix (AZ) Squadron/30 P/C Charles P. Richardson Jr., JN San Carlos Bay (FL) Squadron/22 Life Member, 41 mm

Life Member, 25 merit marks

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Emeritus Member, 50 merit marks

Paul Buckley Duluth (MN) Squadron/10

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How to submit

Roger S. Cooper, P Vermilion (OH) Squadron/7 Senior Member, 14 mm

P/C Myron J. Sears, JN Cape Cod (MA) Squadron/34 Senior Member, 7 mm

Lt Michael Cramer, S Cape Fear (NC) Squadron/27 Senior Member, 11 mm

P/D/C Don Shultz, SN Ventura (CA) Squadron/13 Emeritus Member, 65 mm

George A. Friend, P Greenwich (CT) Squadron/2 Life Member, 27 mm

James Stewart Sarasota (FL) Squadron/22

Family, squadron commanders or other authorized representatives may submit reports of members who have crossed the bar.

Submit online

+ Indicates online obituary

Dennis P. Gornick, P Grosse Pointe (MI) Squadron/9 Senior Member, 12 mm P/C Francine H. Hall, AP Cape Fear (NC) Squadron/27 Life Member, 26 mm Robert J. Hecht Sr., P Duluth (MN) Squadron/10 Life Member, 30 mm P/D/C William E. Lehner, SN Columbus (OH) Squadron/29 Life Member, 36 mm P/C David A. Mattson Duluth (MN) Squadron/10 Life Member, 29 mm

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P/C Patrick Venuti, S Lakes Region (NH) Squadron/19 Senior Member, 8 mm P/C Richard L. Walker, SN Pompano Beach (FL) Squadron/8 Life Member, 27 mm P/C Hans B. Wessels, AP Anna Maria Island (FL) Squadron/22 Life Member, 32 mm Dean W. Young, N Clearwater (FL) Squadron/22 Senior Member, 8 mm Betty L. Zimmerman Anna Maria Island (FL) Squadron/22 Life Member, 26 mm

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BITTER END ► First lit in 1902, the granite Île Vierge Lighthouse is located in Finistère off the northwest coast of Brittany in the English Channel. At 271 feet tall, this is the tallest lighthouse in France, the tallest stone lighthouse in Europe and the tallest traditional lighthouse in the world.

The day we went to visit this light was foggy and cool.

We had to walk down a wet pier slippery with green algae. We caught a boat to the lighthouse in small groups. Inside the light, 360 steps of stone and 32 iron stairs lead to the lamp platform. Paneled with opaline glass tiles, the spiral staircase is so polished that dust won’t cling to it.

Near the Île Vierge Lighthouse is an older, smaller 108-foot-tall lighthouse that was built in 1845. It had a white light visible for 14 nautical miles and remained in use until the second lighthouse was built. Even though the taller Île Vierge Lighthouse is automated, it’s still manned, and the keeper stays in the older lighthouse. ■

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FALKEN

Île Vierge Lighthouse

BY BRIDGET DOERNER

+ A VERSION OF THIS ARTICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE SKOKIE VALLEY SAIL & POWER SQUADRON/20 RUNNING LIGHTS NEWSLETTER.

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ALLAN BOMBARD

BITTER END

Where away?

Email ensign@hq.usps.org by May 15 with the location depicted here for a chance to win a gift from our Ship’s Store. We will choose a winner at random from all correct responses. No one correctly guessed the Winter 2025 location of Watkins Glen Village Marina in New York. The Ensign is always accepting new photos for Where away? Send your photos to the above email for possible inclusion in an upcoming issue!

The motions of our sail— the play of its pulse so like our own lives, so thin and yet so full of life.

HENRY DAVID THOREAU 56

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