The Ensign Winter 2026

ensign‌ UNITED STATES POWER SQUADRONS®‌

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THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF AMERICA’S BOATING CLUB®‌‌

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INSIDE:‌ CRUISING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD‌‌ VOL. 114 NO. 1 | WINTER 2026‌

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SHIP’S‌ STORE‌

Prom ote A meric Boati a’s ng Cl ub wi brand th ou ed sw r a g ! New are ad items ded p eriod Check ically. out o ur on shop line for m ore.‌

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SHOP THE COLLECTION‌ 01/‌ ‌MEN’S RAIN JACKET‌‌

03/ LADIES’ ZIP-UP VEST

02/‌ ‌WOMEN’S RAIN JACKET‌

04/ BALL CAP

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VOL. 114 NO. 1‌

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FEATURED‌ 26‌

A message from the‌ Chief Commander‌

A DECADE STRONG‌ Fort Myers Squadron’s 10-year partnership with Sea Scouts

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SOUNDINGS‌

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CURRENTS‌ Updates to marine LEDs and more‌

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DESTINATIONS‌ The Nile River, Egypt‌

SAVING THE MANATEES Boaters should know the rules of their local waters‌

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BOATING GONE BAD‌ Modifications sink boat

2026 ANNUAL MEETING‌

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Join us in Myrtle Beach, S.C.‌

PADDLE SMARTS‌ Transporting and launching‌

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SHIP’S LIBRARY‌ Your next must-read‌

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SHIPSHAPE‌ Safe boating at night‌

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LAST HORIZON‌

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WAYPOINTS‌

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CLASSIFIEDS‌

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BITTER END‌ The excitement of sailing races

ADOBE STOCK‌

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BUCKET LIST REALIZED‌ Member reminisces on conquering open water‌

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FROM THE BRIDGE‌

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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 © 2026 United States Power Squadrons‌

FROM THE BRIDGE‌ BY‌ RALPH BERNARD‌ CHIEF COMMANDER‌

► As another year ends, I find myself reflecting on our organization with gratitude, admiration and renewed determination. America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons has always thrived on a simple but powerful idea: When knowledgeable, confident boaters come together with a shared purpose, we elevate not only our own on-the-water experiences but also the safety and vitality of the entire boating community.

The organization has seen significant changes in the past two years. Our new member management system, iMIS, is now in place with more features to come. Thank you to the headquarters staff for their tireless work implementing the system.

Through the challenging work of National Treasurer Shirley Heald and Rear Commander Ruth Witzum, we have insurance coverage for squadrons again. On the marketing end, Marine SEO is making progress with cooperating squadrons and districts. We all know that the payoff for advertising takes time.

Our education programs remain the heart of who we are.

Thousands of members delivered courses, seminars and hands-on training to boaters of every experience level. In an era of rapid change in marine technology, navigation systems and environmental conditions, our commitment to teaching and developing relevant courses is more important than ever. →

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→ I am proud of the members who volunteered countless hours refining curricula, adopting new teaching tools, and ensuring that both in-person and virtual classrooms remain engaging, accessible and relevant. Your work saves lives and strengthens our reputation as the nation’s premier provider of boating education.

This was a good year for cooperative charting, vessel safety checks, environmental initiatives and countless local service projects. Our members always step up quietly and dependably with professionalism. From beach and river cleanups to programs for the public, you represented the best of our organization while helping to preserve the waterways for future generations.

Our expanded partnerships with the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, local marinas and civic groups underscore the trust we have earned during our 112 years of service.

”‌ You represented the best of our organization while helping to preserve the waterways for future generations.‌

Our success has always rested on our people. We welcome new members from all backgrounds: power boaters, sailors, paddlers, anglers and those who simply share a love of boating. The energy they bring, combined with the wisdom of our longstanding membership, can keep our squadrons vibrant. We all need to provide an avenue to keep our members involved and active so that districts and squadrons can thrive.

America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons continues to evolve. We are embracing digital tools, enhancing our brand, and modernizing how we connect with members and the public.

Innovation does not replace tradition; it strengthens it. Our ability to honor our heritage, while adapting to new realities, will define our future. →

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FROM THE BRIDGE‌

NATIONAL BRIDGE 2024–2025‌

→ As we set our course for the coming year, I am confident that we are heading toward a future filled with promise. Growing membership remains our largest challenge, and we need every member on board to assist.

Our mission remains clear: to make boating safer, smarter and more enjoyable for everyone on the water.

To every member, officer, volunteer and partner: Thank you. Your dedication inspires me, and your passion propels this organization forward. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as your chief commander. ■

ABOUT THE AUTHOR‌ Following in his parents’ footsteps, Ralph has been a member of Absecon Island Power Squadron/5 since 1979. Membership is a family affair that he shares with his wife, sister, brother and sister-in-law, daughter, two nieces, and grandsons. He spent 27½ years in the New Jersey State Police on assignments ranging from trooper to narcotics. He taught at the academy and oversaw training. After retirement, the U.S. Air Force veteran became a certified U.S. history teacher and softball coach. Having held all squadron and district bridge positions, he served as Rules Committee chair before being elected to the National Bridge and Chief Commander. He and his wife, Nance, live in Southern New Jersey and boat in Chesapeake Bay.‌ 6‌

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SOUNDINGS‌ ►‌The new year brings change and challenges for all of us. It’s easy to resist change, but as retired United States Army General Eric Shinseki said, “If you dislike change, you’re going to dislike irrelevance ‌even more.”‌‌ 2026‌is shaping up to be a good year for America’s‌ Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons. You‌ can be a part of shaping the future for your‌ squadron, district and national—if you are up for‌ the challenge.‌‌

‘What’s in it for me?’

BY THOMAS E. DAWSON‌

Joining a volunteer organization provides many‌ personal benefits, but there is a catch. You can’t be‌ a member in name only. To keep any club healthy,‌ people like you need to contribute their skills and‌ talents.‌‌ If you are asking, “What’s in i‌t for me?” the answer is a host of good, such as:‌ Sense of purpose:‌Volunteering offers a meaningful way to contribute to your community and make a difference in people’s lives.‌ Community connection:‌It helps you feel more connected to your community and fosters a sense of belonging.‌ Social opportunities:‌You’ll meet new people and make f riends who share similar interests and values.‌

EMAIL THE EDITOR‌ READERS CAN SUBMIT LETTERS, ARTICLES AND

Skills development:‌Volunteering can help you‌ learn new skills or enhance existing ones, which‌ can be beneficial for personal and professional‌ growth. ‌→‌

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ARTICLES WILL BE EDITED FOR LENGTH AND CLARITY.‌‌

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“‌ SOUNDINGS‌

There is no limit‌ to what you can‌ accomplish once‌ you get involved.‌‌

Mental health benefits: ‌Engaging in volunteer work can reduce stress and increase feelings of happiness and fulfillment.‌ Holding any club activity requires lots of work. This means volunteers are needed to plan, organize, set up, clean up—a‌nd more—to make the club‌ successful.‌‌ If someone had told me before I joined America’s‌ Boating Club Cape Coral/22 eight years ago that I‌ would have the opportunity to teach over 1,500‌ students as well as write over 200 articles‌ promoting boating safety and three books about‌ the local waters in Lee County, Florida, I would‌ have thought they were crazy. But thanks to‌ volunteering in the Cape Coral education and‌ cooperative charting programs, I did those things.‌‌ Now it’s your turn; there is no limit to what you can‌ accomplish once you get involved.‌Your leadership team is always looking for people willing to join their ranks. All it requires of you is to step forward and say, “I would like to help.”‌‌ Reach out today to your squadron commander or anyone on your executive or member committees; they would be happy to hear f rom you.‌‌ Here’s to your success in 2026! ‌■‌

ABOUT THE AUTHOR‌ Thomas E. Dawson is an instructor at America’s Boating Club Cape Coral/22, where he‌ leads a local waters seminar. Tom is also the author of two books, ‌“‌Safe Boating in‌ Southwest Florida: Cape Coral Edition‌” and ‌“‌Barret Bonden’s Local Knowledge‌ Recommended—Things You Wish Someone Had Told You About Boating Here‌.”‌

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CURRENTS‌

BOATING NEWS‌

CALENDAR‌

New standards for marine LEDs‌ ►‌The American Boat & Yacht Council has issued new standards to ensure that LED vessel lighting, including navigation lights and cabin lighting, will not interfere with AIS reception due to “hash,” or electromagnetic interference, generated by low-quality lights. LED EMI can harm your ability to track and identify the targets on your chart plotter, disrupt AIS operation and cause problems in communicating on your VHF marine radio.‌ The new standard will require marine LED manufacturers to make products that will not interfere with other electronics. This is important, whether piloting in a crowded harbor or seeking situational awareness beyond sight of land. The ‌ABYC C-5‌standard incorporates the Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services 13700.0 LED electromagnetic compatibility standard as a requirement. ‌→‌

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Feb 8–15‌ Annual Meeting‌

Myrtle Beach, S.C.‌

May 16–22‌ National Safe Boating Week‌

Sep 20–27‌ Governing Board‌

Cary, N.C.‌

2027‌

Feb 7–14‌ Annual Meeting‌

Tampa, Fla.‌

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#ICYMI‌ In case you missed it, here’s what’s been happening with our clubs and squadrons on social media.‌ Members of‌‌A‌merica’s Boating‌ Club Peace River/22‌ participated in a Veteran’s Day‌ parade. Later in November, they‌ held their ‌annual chili cook-off‌.‌ Beaverton Sail & Power‌ Squadron/32‌‌celebrated its‌ 50th anniversary in October.‌ America’s Boating Club of‌ Cape Coral/22‌held a meeting‌ at which a representative f‌rom‌ Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife‌ spoke.‌ America’s Boating Club‌ Atlanta/17‌also hosted their‌ annual chili (and soup) cook-off.‌ America’s Boating Club‌ Bluegrass‌/24‌held their annual‌ Christmas party.‌

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→‌America’s Boating Club | United States‌ Power Squadrons has been an active‌ participant in development of this standard.‌ The U.S. Coast Guard Office of Design and‌ Engineering Standards has released CG-ENG‌ Policy Letter 01-25, which provides guidance‌ on and authorizes the us‌e of ABYC C-5 for the‌ design, construction, performance and testing‌ of navigation lights, which must be certified‌ by a USCG-recognized independent‌ laboratory. The standard referenced in titles 33‌ and 46 of the CFR, UL 1104, is no longer‌ maintained. Navigation lights that adhere to‌ UL 1104 remain acceptable.‌ This policy allows existing and new navigation‌ light manufacturers to more easily access and‌ comply with modern standards and provides‌ additional standards for use on vessels subject‌ to Titles 33 and 46. The full text of the policy‌ letter can be found on CG-ENG’s policy‌ website ‌here‌.‌ Questions or feedback related to this policy‌ letter should be sent to ‌CGENG@uscg.mil‌.‌ –‌Gene Danko‌

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DESTINATIONS‌ The Nile: Not just a river‌ in Egypt‌

BY RICK HINDERY‌

+‌THIS ARTICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE AMERICA’S BOATING CLUB GOLDEN ISLES/22 NEWSLETTER, THE PORT HOLE.‌

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► ‌A picture of a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailing craft, that appeared on the cover of National Geographic Traveler was the catalyst for our latest adventure. One look at the boat and my mind unlocked all the memories that had accumulated over seven-plus decades of my life.‌ I was 9 years old when I sat with my parents, mesmerized by Charlton Heston and Yul Brynner in “Th‌e Ten Commandments.” A few years later, when‌ I was allowed to stay up until 10:30 on Friday‌ nights, I watched Boris Karloff as “The Mummy”‌ being brought back to life through the power of a‌ brew made f rom tana leaves.‌‌ As a grade school student studying Egypt, I‌ learned about the Great Sphinx of Giza, the‌ pyramids, and Antony and Cleopatra. I learned‌ about Napoleon’s attempt to conquer Egypt and‌ the discovery of the Rosetta stone. Sharon and I‌ were two of the one million people who visited the‌ King Tut exhibit at the Field Museum in Chicago in‌ 1977.‌ Still, Egypt was never on our list of places to visit‌ until something about that picture of the felucca‌ caused me to think, “Let’s go!” ‌→‌

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→ ‌While the felucca triggered the idea of a trip‌ to the Nile, it was the SS ‌Misr‌, a historic, luxury‌ steam-powered Nile cruise ship that sealed‌ the deal.‌‌ We visited the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and‌ enjoyed a preopening visit to the new Grand‌ Egyptian Museum in Giza. We visited the‌ pyramids, marveled at the Great Sphinx and‌ rode a camel as every tourist must, but it was‌ the ‌Misr ‌that captured our imagination.‌ The SS ‌Misr ‌(Arabic for “the kingdom of‌ Egypt”) is one of only two steam vessels still‌ sailing the Nile. Built in 1918 by the British‌ Royal Navy, it was later converted into a‌ floating palace for Egypt’s last king, Farouk.‌ After languishing for years, it was restored to‌ its royal vintage glory in 2003.‌

TOP: ‌A DECKSIDE VIEW‌ OF THE NILE‌ BOTTOM: ‌SS ‌MISR‌ OPPOSITE PAGE:‌FELUCCAS AND FERRIES ON THE NILE‌

There are 24 cabins, each with a private‌ balcony for a maximum of 48 passengers. A‌ crew of 60 provides for passengers’ every need‌ with personalized service.‌‌→‌

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DESTINATIONS‌ →‌‌During our stay, we were the only Americans among three Germans and a tour group of 24. We were treated like kings while we cruised gently up the Nile f rom Luxor to Edfu to Aswan.‌ Each mornin‌g, our guide would pick us up for a‌ da‌y of visiting ancient sites. We spent afternoons leisurely motoring on the Nile and observing the rural life along its lush green banks, the desert only a short distance away. Small villages were different f rom the chaos of Cairo, with fewer cars and more donkey carts and horses.‌ Boats were everywhere. There were many other river cruise boats, all larger than ours. Overnight we would raft up at docking—three deep, so we had to walk through the lobby of other ships when disembarking for a night tour.‌ Life in Egypt centers around the Nile. The river provides water to drink, irrigation for the fields, transportation and food. Fodder for the livestock is collected by boat f rom the river’s edge.‌ Alongside the many fishermen, we saw row boats, small passenger ferry-type boats and the picturesque felucca sailboats. Small boats would tie up to ours while cruising, and the guys would holler, “Hello, hello!” to get our attention. They would then display their wares such as blankets and robes. If you liked something and agreed on a price, the merchant would wrap it in a bag and toss it to you. You would enclose the payment in the bag and toss it back.‌‌

TOP: ‌MERCHANTS SELL FROM THEIR BOAT ALONGSIDE OUR CRUISE SHIP.‌ BOTTOM: ‌THE LOCAL FAMILY THAT‌ HOSTED US FOR DINNER‌

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We spent a morning in the Valley of the Kings,‌ entering several tombs, including King Tut’s. Only‌ King Tut’s mummy remains in the beautifully‌ decorated tomb; all furnishings are in a museum‌ in Cairo. We even took a plane to see the Abu‌ Simbel temples. ‌→‌

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→‌In Cairo, we toured the pyramids, the‌ Sphinx, various temples and tombs, the‌ Coptic Christian churches, and the Mosque‌ of Muhammad Ali. We visited both the old‌ Egyptian Museum and the new Grand‌ Egyptian Museum as well as the bazaar.‌‌ We spent our final night with a Cairo family‌ in their home, learning how to make and‌ share a typical meal with them. It was the‌ high point of our trip.‌ Everyone we met was knowledgeable, passionate, interesting and fun. We had an incredible time. ■

TOP:‌DESERT JUST BEYOND THE HIGHWAY‌ BOTTOM:‌RURAL FARMERS ON AN‌ AFTERNOON BREAK‌

ABOUT THE AUTHOR‌ Rick Hindery and his wife, Sharon, retired to the Golden Isles in Georgia in 2012 and are active in the local squadron. Sharon is a past commander, and Rick has served as administrative officer (and class clown). They enjoy socializing with more active boaters as well as the challenge and fun of the advanced educational classes.‌ THEENSIGN.ORG‌

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BOATING GONE BAD‌ Boat modifications lead to surprise tragedy‌‌

BY DON JAHNCKE‌

+‌THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN THE BILGE CHATTER NEWSLETTER OF AMERICA’S BOATING CLUB BIRMINGHAM/9.‌

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►‌Recently, I learned about Bryan from Ontario, Canada, who modified his boat ‌RingUL8r ‌to be 100% electric—no minor upgrade. Despite Bryan’s best efforts, not everything went to plan.‌

The changes‌ After acquiring the 35-foot 1995 Oceania trawler in autumn 2022, Bryan removed the twin 90-horsepower diesel engines, generator and fuel tanks, and replaced them with twin 30-kilowatt (approximately 40 horsepower) permanent magnet alternating current liquid-cooled electric motors and four banks of 48-volt, 300-amp-hour lithium batteries. With this configuration, he expected to cruise for eight hours at 4 to 5 knots. He sealed the through-hull exhaust ports but retained the through-hull water inlets for cooling the electric motors.‌‌ The 48-volt system would provide a balance between safety and performance, delivering adequate power while remaining within safe voltage limits for handling and maintenance. Each motor in Bryan’s setup could draw as much as 400 amps at maximum speed (approximately 26 horsepower), which would be challenging for lower voltage systems. The higher voltage reduced the current required for a given power output, thereby minimizing losses due to resistance in the wiring and increasing overall efficiency. ‌→‌

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→‌Following the conversion, the boat was approximately 2,000 pounds lighter. To restore the boat to its designed waterline, he shifted some lead ballast forward and added sandbags. For power, he installed 4-kilowatt solar panels and an auxiliary gasoline generator on the swim platform as a backup. In summer 2024, Bryan added two more 48-volt, 300-amp-hour batteries for greater range.‌

LEFT:‌HELM OF ‌RINGUL8R‌ RIGHT:‌TWO OF THE 300-AMPHOUR BATTERY PACKS‌

Disaster follows‌ Then, he started the Great Loop around eastern North America in ‌RingUL8r‌. About three-quarters of the way around the Loop, while anchored in Fort Pierce, Florida, RingUL8r ‌was struck by a strong wind gust on the starboard side. The boat heeled over, and before it could recover, a second gust rolled it onto its side.‌ Bryan, on the flybridge at the time, barely had time to grab his life jacket and abandon ship. The incident happened so quickly that he escaped with only the shorts and shirt he was wearing—no wallet, no phone, no shoes or even his ID. He swam to a nearby boat, where the crew hauled him out and called the U.S. Coast Guard. Unfortunately, the boat sank in 16 feet of water.‌ America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association quickly‌ mobilized to assist Bryan. Nearby members provided‌ him with the use of a car, a place to stay, and numerous‌ invitations to lunch and dinner. The Looping community‌ is incredibly generous and supportive of fellow Loopers. ‌→‌

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BOATING GONE BAD‌

Any significant‌ modification to a‌ boat can alter the‌ original design‌ intent and safety‌ of the vessel.‌

→‌The boat was a total loss. However, Bryan was undeterred in his quest to complete the Loop. Just three weeks after the sinking, he purchased a 40-foot aluminum trawler with a single Perkins diesel. Last I heard, he was sailing it from the Bahamas to Fort Pierce to continue his Loop. He does not plan to convert this boat to electric, but he intends to find a catamaran that he can convert to electric when he gets back to Canada.‌ Why did the boat capsize while at anchor? My guess is that replacing the heavy diesel engines and fuel tanks with lighter electric motors and batteries mounted higher raised the center of gravity, reducing the vessel’s stability.‌ Additionally, the large structure added to the flybridge to accommodate the heavy solar cells contributed to the higher center of gravity. It seems that once the vessel heeled over, the large solar panels acted like a sail, catching the wind and pushing it onto its side.‌

Lessons to learn‌ First and foremost: Always have your PFD close at hand even when at anchor; preferably, you should have it on. Bryan was glad that his was within arm’s reach when he was scrambling to abandon ship.‌‌ Second, the equipment we load onto our boats can add significant weight and affect the vessel’s stability.‌‌ Finally, any significant modification to a boat can alter the original design intent and safety of the vessel.

Make sure you thoroughly study any planned modification to understand the impact on the boat. ‌■‌

ABOUT THE AUTHOR‌ Don Jahncke is past commander of America’s Boating Club Birmingham/9. He and his wife completed the Great Loop in 2017. They now boat in the Great Lakes as Don has for the past 50-plus years. A big fan of Boston Whalers, he has owned one or more for the past 45 years.‌ 18‌

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PADDLE SMARTS‌ Transporting and launching‌

BY JIM GREENHALGH‌

►‌Most paddlecraft average 6 to 20 feet in length and weigh 20 to 100 pounds. They can usually be handled by one person—or two for some of the larger and heavier boats—so you can be out enjoying yourself on the water with minimal time and effort.‌ Now that you have a paddlecraft, how do you get it to the water? Let’s look at how to transport and launch a paddlecraft.‌‌

Transporting‌‌ Paddlers can easily transport canoes, kayaks and paddleboards to the water by automobile, SUV, truck or RV. They can even be transported via bicycle with a small cart or trailer.‌‌ If you use a cartop rack to transport your paddlecraft, make sure your system is sturdy and was designed and installed to carry the load and resist wind uplift.

Many factory-installed roof racks, like those on SUVs, are attached with sheet metal screws and not intended for heavy loads. Fixed roof racks need to be through-bolted to the vehicle structure.‌

▲‌LAUNCHING KAYAKS OFF A KAYAK LAUNCH‌

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Once, during a group paddle trip, one participant had loaded an SUV with two kayaks and an upside downmounted canoe. ‌→‌

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→‌While caravanning on an interstate, the wind ripped the‌ rack from the roof, scattering the boats on the freeway and‌ nearly causing an accident. Fortunately, there were no‌ injuries and only minor damage to the boats and the car roof.‌‌ You can load paddlecraft onto a roof from the side using an extension rod- or ladder-type system. There are even mechanical lifting systems. To load over the rear, use rollertype loaders or just carpet to protect the vehicle while sliding the boat onto the cartop rack. Most loading systems are designed so that one person can load the boat without lifting more than half the vessel’s weight.‌‌

LEFT: ‌TWO DIFFERENT KAYAKS LOADED ON A VEHICLE FOR TRAVEL‌‌ RIGHT:‌LOADING A KAYAK ONTO A CAR ROOF‌ USING A CART‌

Once the paddlecraft is atop the vehicle, you need to seat the craft on the rack using a cradle, saddle, foam pads or blocks. Due to the design structure and curvature of the hull, canoes and paddle boards are usually transported upside down and kayaks right side up; however, there is no rule. There are also J-bars or other racks that allow vessels to be stacked on the edge, which works well for carrying multiple boats.‌ Take care to safely secure the vessel to handle the weather and highway speeds during transport. You can use straps to secure the boat to the rack and bow and stern lines attached to the vehicle. Protect paddlecraft against theft using various cable locking systems on the market. For visual safety, a red flag attached to the rear of the vessel is required by law if your load extends over 4 feet from the back of the vehicle (see ‌49 CFR 393.87‌).‌→‌ THEENSIGN.ORG‌

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PADDLE SMARTS‌

USING A CART TO CARRY A LOADED KAYAK TO THE WATER‌

→‌Many carry paddlecraft with a truck, using a topper‌ or bed-mounted racks, while some carry their boats‌ directly in the truck bed. An extender, called a T-bar,‌ can be attached to a receiver hitch to secure boats‌ that extend well beyond the tailgate. Again, make sure‌ to attach a red flag to warn following drivers.‌‌ Some paddlers carry their paddlecraft on a boat trailer.‌ Most trailers are lightweight ‌and designed like a typical‌ roof rack, and some even fold for s‌torage. A great choice for users who cannot or do not want to lift boats on top of a car or truck, they carry several boats and gear.

Paddlers do not need a boat ramp to launch off a trailer, although they can use one if available.‌ Another option for transporting paddlecraft is folding or inflatable paddlecraft. These are also popular with those who lack storage for regular boats, such as apartment dwellers. A number of skin-on-frame canoes and kayaks fold up and can be carried in a suitcase or large backpack for travel. There are also hardshell kayaks that come in waterproof modular sections that stack inside the larger sections for travel. I know from experience that these boats are strong and seaworthy, and some have been used in open ocean crossings.‌ In recent years inflatable technology has advanced so that inflatable paddle boards feel no different from solid models. ‌→‌‌

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Launch planning‌‌ Paddlecraft can be launched anywhere there is water access. Consult paddling guidebooks for information about locations, areas, waterways or states. Also, most states have websites showing the various launches on state waters. For example, Florida Boat Ramp Finder‌, made available by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, shows boat and hand launch ramps throughout the state. This site also provides detailed information about each ramp. ‌Paddling‌ Locations Map‌is another free resource showing paddling launches worldwide.‌‌

GETTING INTO OR OUT OF A KAYAK FROM A DOCK TAKES PRACTICE. THE PADDLER SHOULD REST THEIR BODY WEIGHT ON THE DOCK WHILE SWINGING THEIR LEGS INTO OR OUT OF THE BOAT.‌‌

Launching the paddlecraft‌‌ Once you have reached the launch site, the paddlecraft needs to be moved to the water. One or two people can carry a paddlecraft to water nearby; for longer distances, a cart may be useful. Buyers can choose among carts with different wheels for pavement, grass, beach sand or other ground. A middle-mounted cart carries most of the boat weight while an end-mounted cart only carries half the boat weight.‌‌ Usually, you can launch off a beach or the banks of a river,‌ but on occasion paddlers need to use a dock or boat ramp. ‌ Launching from a dock—especially a high dock—can be‌ an experience. ‌→‌ THEENSIGN.ORG‌

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PADDLE SMARTS‌ →‌Increasingly, you can find special paddlecraft launches in parks—usually floating plastic docks that use ramps, bars and rollers to launch the craft, and some are accessible for paddlers with disabilities.

Make use of books and training that teach new paddlers to get into and out of a paddlecraft from a beach or dock.‌‌ Paddlers should gain experience in using a ramp, especially a busy one. Remember, the ramp is for quickly launching and retrieving only. Do your preparation, loading or unloading in the parking area, away from the ramp.‌‌ A GROUP LAUNCHES KAYAKS FROM A PUBLIC BOAT RAMP. ALWAYS USE THE SIDES AND LEAVE THE RAMP CLEAR FOR TRAILER BOATS.‌

Often, I have seen paddling groups take up an entire ramp while leisurely preparing their boats, which can frustrate waiting trailer boaters. Many times, I have launched a group of paddlers off the sides of a boat ramp while waving larger trailer boaters in to launch or retrieve their vessel. These fellow boaters appreciate it, and it does wonders for the reputation of the paddling community.‌‌ When launching off a ramp, paddlers should be cautious of slippery algae on the surface. Many paddlers have taken a spill on a slick boat ramp.‌‌ Whether you’re transporting paddlecraft and gear aboard a family car or truck or are using a boat trailer, make sure the boat is adequately secured and attach a red flag if needed.

Consider creating a checklist to ensure all boating equipment is included and ready for travel before departure. Then you and your family will be ready for a safe, enjoyable trip. ‌■‌

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.‌ 24‌

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SHIP’S LIBRARY‌ Exploring the abyss‌ ►‌In “Ready to Dive,” Curt Newport treats readers to a fascinating account of his nearly 50-year career in the undersea world.‌‌ As a teenager, he designed his own diving gear before focusing on submersible vehicles. His first commercial diving job became a good basis for his work in the underwater vehicle field, where he piloted remotely operated vehicles.‌ He documents 10 of his projects, including the 1986 recovery of the space shuttle ‌Challenger ‌as well as the discoveries of the deepest ancient wooden shipwreck in 2001 and the sunken SS ‌El‌ Faro‌in 2015.‌ ‌ In 1999, Newport was able to recover ‌Liberty Bell 7‌ —which had been lost since 1961—even though NASA and the U.S. Navy said it would never be found. It took him 12 days using a Magellan 725 ROV to locate the capsule in 16,043 feet of water about 320 miles from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

“We were the first people to see ‌Liberty Bell 7 ‌in 38 years,” Newport writes, “and for a discarded Mercury spacecraft, it looked pretty good.” To this day, the ‌Liberty Bell 7‌recovery is the deepest commercial salvage operation on record.‌

“READY TO DIVE: FIVE DECADES OF ADVENTURE IN THE ABYSS” BY CURT NEWPORT‌

In his closing chapter, “2023: Race to the Deep‌ Ocean,” Newport opines about our lack of‌ programs that explore the hadal zone (the‌ deepest area of the ocean) while China has been‌ a key driver of deep-ocean exploration. ‌–Peter H. Hames‌

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A DECADE STRONG‌

Fort Myers Squadron and Sea Scouts’ 10year partnership‌ 26‌

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►‌The Boy Scouts of America, now called Scouting America,‌ was founded in February 1910. Two years later, the Sea‌ Scouts formed to retain older Scouts in a maritime‌ program, making a partnership with America’s Boating‌ Club | United States Power Squadrons a perfect fit.‌ Today, dozens of squadrons around the country charter Sea‌ Scout ships for boys and girls. This marks the tenth year that‌ Fort Myers Power Squadron/22 has supported Sea Scout Ship 263. I’ve been our charter representative since the‌ beginning, and a few years ago my squadron colleague and‌ friend Dan Deml stepped in to help. Jody Sanders is the‌ committee chair of two area troops, and she has been a‌ stalwart adult leader of our Ship 263.‌ “We got into Scouting many years ago when I was looking‌ for role models for my then-12-year-old son,” Jody recalled.‌ “A year later my other sons joined him in (Cub Scout) Pack‌ 18. That year we saw a brand-new group, Sea Scout Ship 362‌ (now 263) at a Scouting expo/fair event. My kids were‌ already active sailors with the Edison Sailing Center, so that‌ was a no-brainer.”‌ River, ‌her youngest, is currently on Ship 263, and the fifth of‌ her kids to be on the ship. Three sons are Eagle Scouts, and‌ her youngest son is soon to follow. ‌→‌ THEENSIGN.ORG‌

BY‌ BOB MORO‌ ‌ OF FORT MYERS‌ POWER‌ SQUADRON‌

TOP:‌BOB MORO WITH SEA SCOUTS AT A CHANGE OF WATCH‌ OPPOSITE PAGE:‌ CLIMBING WALL AT CAMP MILES‌

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A DECADE STRONG‌

84% of Scouts reported becoming more honest and learning to be stronger team players.‌

→‌Her daughter Mia was also involved in Sea Scouts, even‌ sailing to the Dry Tortugas with another local ship. She’s‌ now in Venturing, a coed Scout division for high school‌ students and young adults to age 21 that engages in high-skill adventures, including scuba diving.‌ “Scouting gave my children an appreciation of the‌ outdoors,” Jody said. “They learned welding skills,‌ shooting sports, advanced knot tying and navigation‌ skills, thanks in large part to (Ship 263 leader) Stu Pullen.”‌ They are the consummate Scouting family, their children‌ developing the skills necessary to become successful‌ adults and now joining their mom as adult Scout‌ leaders.‌ Charles Vonderheid is the Scout Executive/CEO for the Southwest Florida Council. It serves 3,853 Scouts and works with schools and organizations to prepare youth for life’s challenges.‌ “We’ve faced some pretty substantial headwinds, largely from the Covid era—two years with no recruits,” Charles said. “But we’ve deployed our spinnaker, and things are taking off.”‌ Since 2021, they’ve seen a 28% increase in Cub Scouts.

Increasing the older Scout population will take more time.‌ “Parents are looking for the advantages Scouting can bring to their children, and we deliver that. Character and citizenship training, and mental and fitness training, providing a fun and safe learning experience to enable our Scouts to make the right ethical choices throughout their lives,” he explained.‌ As for parents becoming Scout leaders, Charles said they need to find a way to make Scouting work for them.‌ “Many are single parents working multiple jobs,” he said.

“We focus on our Cub Scout program because the vast majority (98%) of our older Scouts started as Cub Scouts.” ‌→‌

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A mutually bene‌fi‌cial relationship‌ Charles is right about the enormous benefits they provide to youth. According to recent ‌Scouting America studies‌:‌ +‌84% of Scouts reported becoming more honest and learning to be stronger team players.‌ +‌79% said Scouting helped them understand and sympathize with those less fortunate.‌ +‌87%‌said they became more goal-oriented, more confident,‌ more respectful of others and better able to care for their peers.‌‌ My squadron has hosted on-the-water training for our Sea Scouts on Dan Deml’s boat, including anchoring and docking. A certified instructor, Dan has taught our awardwinning America’s Boating Course to our Scouts, allowing them to receive a mandatory Florida boater’s ID card. Most people pay $60 or more for this course, but our Scouts take it for free. We’ve also provided professional tutoring by a skilled boat and fiberglass repair expert and helped with workshops.‌ For our Scouts, annual squadron membership is just $12.

What’s more, over the past few years, our squadron has covered every Scout’s membership fee, so membership is free for our Scouts.‌ My squadron, at then-Commander Sam Bonilla’s behest, created a standalone clubhouse for our Scouts behind our squadron building in Fort Myers in 2015. What’s in it for us? ‌→‌

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▲‌SEA SCOUTS PRESENT‌ ‌BOB AND CATHY MORO‌ ‌WITH A CERTIFICATE OF‌ ‌APPRECIATION FOR‌ ‌THEIR OUTSTANDING‌ ‌SERVICE TO THE YOUTH.‌

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A DECADE STRONG‌

A central tenet of our squadron charter is community service. It’s a great feeling to watch these boys and girls grow up before our eyes.‌

→‌Well, a central tenet of our squadron charter is‌ community service. It’s a great feeling to watch these‌ boys and girls grow up before our eyes. They love‌ learning. Their Scout leaders are devoted to their growth‌ and development, and our Scouts know it. The bonds are‌ deep and obvious to all.‌‌ “The Sea Scout Program is predicated on youth-‌ run/youth-led principles, and having older Scouts makes‌ this possible,” Stu said. “The power squadron provides a‌ place to gather and, luckily for our Sea Scouts, a ready-to-‌ use training regimen. Their ABC, Seam‌anship and Piloting courses are in place to make our Sea Scouts excel.”‌‌

Preparing today’s youth ‌for‌ tomorrow‌ Each January, Fort Myers hosts a formal Change of Watch dinner.‌Our Scouts run the show—cleaning and preparing‌ our hall, setting up tables and chairs, serving the food, and‌ then cleaning up and breaking down the event.‌‌They are‌ trained to serve their communit‌y, and as part of their Eagle Scout project they have repaired and painted our building, inside and out, and performed other projects to help support our organization. When I broke my foot in a scooter accident, the Scouts tended to my gardens.‌‌ One barrier to recruitment, in my view, is social media. Scouting helps them put down the phone and explore their world.

If you have children, nieces and nephews, or if your friends and neighbors have children, ask them to consider doing something meaningful that will prepare them for the world.

Become a Scout! ‌■‌

ROHTUA EHT TUOBA

Bob Moro has been a member of Fort Myers Power Squadron/22 for 13 years. He is a past commander and remains an active bridge member. He also ser‌ves as‌ community relations officer for District 22. He has been writing for the Nautical‌ Mile Magazine for 11 years. His stories mostly focus on boating education, boater‌ safety and our marine environment. He had a 40-year career as a child protective‌ services social worker, juvenile court investigator, president of the Massachusetts‌ social workers union, and president of the Northbridge (MA) Teachers Association.‌

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AmericasBoatingClub.Org /Join‌

AMERICASBOATINGCLUB.ORG/JOIN‌

BUCKET LIST REALIZED‌

Member reminisces on conquering the open water‌ 32‌

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►‌In 1997, I retired from my sales job. I had long dreamed of going blue-water sailing. For 20 years, I’d sailed Lake Mead in Nevada. The lake could be challenging, sure, but it wasn’t the ocean. I knew a new boat was on the horizon, bu‌t I wasn’t ready‌ to make that leap until I proved to myself that I could handle‌ open water.‌ So, in 1998, I enrolled in classes and two educational charters‌ through Orange Coast Coll‌e‌ge in Newport Beach, California.‌ The coursework covered offshore safety, emergency‌ procedures and weather. The‌first charter was a one-week sail from Newport to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, aboard ‌Volcano‌, a 65-foot sloop. The second was a two-week passage aboard Alaska Eagle‌from Wellington, New Zealand, to Papeete, Tahiti.

My plan: If the first trip didn’t go well, I’d cancel the second.‌‌ Fortunately, I completed both classes and the first cruise— which came with rough weather—and without getting seasick.

That trip taught me more than I expected: getting along with crewmates, navigation, sail handling, marlinespike, seamanship, standing watch, helmsmanship and life out of sight of land. I was occasionally apprehensive, but I loved the experience and soaked up every lesson. ‌→ THEENSIGN.ORG‌

BY‌ CHARLES‌ WILSDORF OF‌ AMERICA’S‌ BOATING CLUB‌ GOLDEN ISLES‌

TOP: ABOARD THE ALASKA EAGLE OPPOSITE PAGE: FLYING ‌IN THE BOSUN’S CHAIR

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BUCKET LIST REALIZED‌

LEFT: DRAWING THE SHORT STRAW WILL GET YOU A BUNK LIKE THIS. YES, THOSE ARE VEGETABLES BELOW. RIGHT: SAILING THROUGH THE ROARING FORTIES IN THE SOUTHERN OCEAN

→‌Between trips, I also completed the United States Power‌ Squadrons Junior Navigation course.‌

Lessons in action By the time the second voyage rolled around, I’d mastered the art of living out of a duffel bag and invested in offshore foul-weather gear that actually breathed. I took time to explore New Zealand—both North and South islands—and found the people warm and generous. Our crew of seven, plus a captain, first mate and cook, departed from Picton in September. I’ll admit I was uneasy sailing out into the deep Pacific so soon after reading about the deadly 1994 Queen’s Birthday Storm. (In hindsight, maybe I should’ve skipped the book and videos.)

Our first leg was about 1,440 nautical miles, due east along a great circle route slicing through the Roaring Forties winds. Thankfully, the weather cooperated. The second leg took us 1,532 nautical miles on a heading of 12 degrees true.

+‌THIS ARTICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE AMERICA’S BOATING CLUB GOLDEN ISLES/22 NEWSLETTER, THE PORT HOLE.‌

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T‌hat first morning at sea, the horizon offered nothing but water. We didn’t see a single vessel or even an aircraft until we were 200 nautical miles south of Papeete. On day two, we crossed the international date line in costume and full party mode.

The passage took 14 days. ‌→‌ THEENSIGN.ORG‌

→‌I averaged only three-and-a-half hours of sleep per day, bunked in a pipe berth in the bow with vegetables stashed beneath—not ideal. With 12- to 15-foot seas on a beam-toclose reach, I could tell who was on the helm by how we pitched and rolled.‌‌ We had a water maker powered by a finicky generator hidden in a cramped stern compartment that reeked of diesel. A small air leak in the fuel system meant daily injector bleeds. Since I wasn’t seasick—unlike most of the crew—I became the de facto “diesel whisperer.”‌‌ When conditions calmed, we swam in open ocean, and my favorite break involved being swung from a bosun’s chair overboard via halyard, a surprise dunk always possible.‌ Duties rotated daily: cleaning heads, bilges and galley duty.

Our watch system was four hours on and eight off, with four crew per watch and one designated as watch captain.

Each of us spent 20 minutes an hour at the helm, which lacked modern navigation gear—just a compass and basic sailing instruments above the companionway. We were always tethered, even in the cockpit.‌

”‌ When conditions calmed, we swam in open ocean, and my favorite break involved being swung from a bosun’s chair overboard via halyard, a surprise dunk always possible.‌

Sail changes were frequent, and at the helm, with nothing‌ to brace against, the wheel bore the brunt—so much so‌ that only three of its original eight spokes remained intact‌ by the time we reached Papeete.‌

Boating with confidence‌ The Orange Co‌ast College program gave me not only practical‌ offshore skills but also confidence—the kind you need to‌own and skipper your own boat. My wife, Teresa, received training through the Doris Colgate Sailing School and joined an allwomen cruise in Fiji on a 46-foot Hallberg-Rassy sloop. On the water, we earned the respect of fellow cruisers for being safe, well prepared and capable. ‌■‌

ABOUT THE AUTHOR‌ A lifelong boater with experience navigating rivers, lakes and oceans, Charles Wilsdorf has been a dedicated member of America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons for over 30 years and a member of America’s Boating Club Golden Isles/26 in central coastal Georgia. He loves to teach boating and has earned the prestigious Chapman Award.

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SAVING THE MANATEES

Boaters should know the rules of their local waters‌ ADOBE STOCK

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►‌For Florida residents, winter is known as “snowbird‌ season.” The season is great for the economy; however, for‌ our manatees, things can get a little dicey.‌‌ There are over 1 million registered vessels and an estimated‌ 1 million unregistered vessels in Florida. Because the state‌ doesn’t require every boat operator to take a NASBLA-‌ approved boating course, too many boaters haven’t got a‌ clue about federal, state and local rules and regulations.‌‌ W‌hat surprises me even more is the number of America’s‌ Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons members‌ who haven’t taken America’s Boating Course. This used to‌ be a membership requirement, and it provided members‌ with a baseline of general boating knowledge; information‌ about federal, state and local laws; and knowledge about‌ how to boat safely in local waters.‌‌

BY‌ THOMAS E.‌ DAWSON OF‌ AMERICA’S‌ BOATING CLUB‌ CAPE CORAL‌

Recently, during a squadron executive leadership meeting,‌ this education deficiency became apparent. The person‌ sitting next to me was telling me about a neighbor who‌ was trying to attract manatees to their dock with a water‌ hose. I asked, “Did you tell them it was illegal to do that?”‌ Unfortunately, I was not surprised to learn that they didn’t‌ know that.‌ When I asked if they had taken America’s Boating Course,‌ the answer was, “No, I have a captain’s license.”‌‌ I explained‌that Florida has several unique boating laws‌ protecting manatees as our area has a large population.‌ Currently a threatened spec‌ies, manatees are protected by‌ federal and state laws. Under Florida law, the neighbor’s‌ behavior is considered harassment.‌‌ If you’re planning to boat in Florida, you need to know about laws designed to protect manatees. Although manatees are by nature a migratory species, they like warm water, so when they find it, they tend to stick around and not migrate.‌‌ Areas with naturally warm springs have always been favorite spots for manatees. When Florida built coal-fired power plants along the coast, the warm water outflow created wintering spots for manatees. ‌→‌

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DID YOU KNOW? NEWLY PROPOSED CHANGES BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR TO THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT COULD IMPACT THE FLORIDA MANATEE. FIND OUT HOW.

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SAVING THE MANATEES‌

If you’re planning to boat in Florida, you need to know about laws designed to protect manatees.‌

→‌As the power pl‌ants converted from coal to gas, the‌ discharge water was too cool for manatees, so‌ environmentalists forced the power companies to install industrial heaters to warm the discharge water.‌ ‌ Because manatees are on the thr‌eatened species list, the federal government has mandated protection areas around the power plants with designated speed zones. Some speed zones are in force year-round; others are seasonal. If you plan to boat in an area with manatees, it’s good to know where those speed zones are found. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has ‌downloadable maps‌for each county showing the location of those zones.‌‌ If you have never boated where there are manatees, FWC has some helpful ‌information‌‌you can download and read before you visit.‌‌ Speed zones are not the only protections for manatees. Florida takes manatee harassment seriously; any act that disrupts a manatee’s normal behavior is considered harassment.

Violations of these protections are punishable by a fine of up to $50,000, one year imprisonment, or both.‌ If you don’t want to be found guilty of harassment, do not:‌ +‌‌give food to manatees;‌ +‌use water to attract manatees to your boat, dock or marina, etc., where manatees may be harmed;‌ +‌separate a cow and her calf;‌ +‌disturb manatee mating herds;‌ +‌pursue manatees or chase them from warm water sites;‌ +‌disturb resting manatees;‌ +‌hit, injure or harm manatees;‌ +‌jump on, stand on, hold onto or ride manatees;‌ +‌grab or kick manatees;‌ +‌block a manatee’s path if one or more move toward you;‌ +‌hunt or kill manatees;‌‌ +‌use your vessel to pursue or harass manatees; or‌ +‌“fish” for or attempt to hook or catch manatees.‌ If you witness any violations, you are encouraged to report the offender to the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888404-3922) or submit a tip ‌online‌. ‌→‌

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→ This nonprofit program was created to encourage citizens to report fish, wildlife and boating violations. Rewards up to $1,000 are offered depending on the violation. Pictures and videos help in the capture and prosecution of offenders.

While boating, if you or someone else accidentally hits a manatee, it’s best to stop and make sure the manatee is not injured. It is also recommended that you call FWC and report the incident. They might ask you to stay on scene until someone comes out to investigate.

LEFT: MANATEE AND KAYAKER IN CRYSTAL RIVER, FLORIDA RIGHT: MANATEE ZONE ‌SIGN AT A MARINA ‌HARBOR IN VENICE, ‌FLORIDA

America’s Boating Course instructors always stress that you should check out state and local rules and regulations before boating in another state. If you plan on boating in Florida, the rules can be found here.

You will find over 30 clubs and squadrons in Florida, most of these in coastal cities. Reach out to the club closest to where you are staying as they can be a great source of local information on boating rules and conditions.

Finally, please consider this finding reported by FWC: “The boat operator most likely to be involved in a boating accident is a middle-age or older male who has boating experience yet has never learned the most important safety considerations by having taken a boating safety course.” If you haven’t taken America’s Boating Course, please consider doing so, as you might be surprised by what else you can learn. ■

ABOUT THE AUTHOR‌ Thomas E. Dawson is an instructor at America’s Boating Club Cape Coral/22, whe‌re he leads‌ a local waters seminar. Tom is also the author of two books, ‌“‌Safe Boating in Southwest‌ Florida: Cape Coral Edition‌”‌and ‌“‌Barret Bonden’s Local Knowledge Recommended—‌ Things You Wish Someone Had Told You About Boating Here‌.”‌ THEENSIGN.ORG‌

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2026

ANNUAL MEETING

Join us in Myrtle Beach, S.C., at the Oceanfront Resort from Feb. 9–15 HILTON HOTELS

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+ MAKE HOTEL RESERVATIONS

KRISTI ANDERSON

This winter, join your boating pals in Myrtle Beach for the Change of Watch at the 2026 Annual Meeting.

The National Meetings Committee has organized a great selection of events and activities to enrich your stay in Myrtle Beach. Oh, and did we mention that every room is a suite, every room has a view of the ocean, and complimentary breakfast is included? You don’t want to miss out!

Reserve your room If you haven’t already booked your accommodations, do so

by Jan. 15, the last day to get our group rate of $209 per night at the Embassy Suites By Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort at 9800 Queensway Blvd.

Plan your stay Join us Tuesday, Feb. 10, for a fun-filled evening, beginning with dinner at Black Drum Brewing restaurant, and then we’ll travel to the Carolina Opry Theater, renowned for its variety shows and wide array of concerts. Register for events and download the agenda now!

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ADOBE STOCK‌

SHIPSHAPE‌ Safe boating‌ at night‌

BY TERRY SLATTERY‌

►‌You’ve taken guests on your boat to a waterfront restaurant and enjoyed a nice relaxing dinner and a wonderful suns‌et. But then you re‌alize that you’ve let‌ time slip and now it’s getting dark. How do you safely‌ get everyone back to your home slip?‌‌ Boating at‌night is significantly different from daytime‌ boating. ‌Shoreside lights can mix with navigational‌ lights of boats and buoys. It’s impossible to determine‌ distances to objects.‌‌ In the days before GPS, nighttime navigation required‌ accurate charts and the ability to correlate what the‌ charts showed with what you could see on the water.‌ You needed constant aw‌areness of your‌location and‌ the ability to identify the light signatures of lighted‌ buoys. Today, nearly everyone carries an accurate GPS‌ on their cell phone. You still need‌accurate charts, which can be affordably downloaded onto your phone or tablet. Automatic GPS location tracking significantly reduces the navigational workload.‌‌

+ ‌THIS ARTICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE ANNAPOLIS SAIL & POWER SQUADRON/5 NEWSLETTER, ANCHOR WATCH.‌

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Understanding light signatures‌ It’s important to take a few minutes to plan a safe route from that restaurant to your home slip. That route should keep you away from obstacles like low bridges, unlit buoys and shallow water. →

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→ This way, you can focus on following the predetermined route, identifying other boat traffic and avoiding uncharted obstacles like fish traps. In some areas you’ll need to know where float-free channels exist to select a route that keeps you away from crab pot floats.

But a safe route won’t protect you from other boats.

You’ll need to know the light signatures of a variety of vessel types. Small sailboats tend to be poorly lit, requiring only a red/green bow light and a white stern light that’s difficult to discern from shoreside white lights. Fast-moving powerboats are easy to identify, except potentially when they are coming straight at you and only show three bow lights (red, green and white).

FYI FOR A GREAT SET OF DIAGRAMS FOR NAVIGATION LIGHTS, CHECK OUT: + NAUTICED SAILING BLOG + SAFE-SKIPPER.COM

Tugs tend to be easy to identify. They are well lit and exhibit two or three vertically stacked all-around (360-degree) white lights. Two lights indicate a tug that’s pushing a barge or is towing alongside, while a stack of three lights indicates that it is towing a barge more than 200 meters astern. The barge should also be lit with bow and stern lights, but these are often dim, so give any tug plenty of room. I’ve seen situations where the only indication of the barge was that it obscured the shore lights beyond.

Large cargo ships can present another identification challenge. They are lit with a red/green bow light, a white bow light, a white masthead light (above and aft of the white bow light), and a white stern light.

Cruise ships are easily identified because their deck lights always stay on. If you boat where dredges are common, you’ll need to know how to identify them and the safe side on which to pass. If you must pass under bridges, learn to identify the safe channel indicator lights, and be extra cautious since there is less maneuvering room.

It’s a good idea to have a vessel light reference card on board to help identify different types of vessels.

And these days there are phone apps as well. →

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SHIPSHAPE‌ Preparing to boat at night

ADOBE STOCK

I recommend reviewing the types of lights before boating at night. A powerful flashlight or spotlight is a great safety item to have at the helm. But don’t shine the light directly at another vessel, which could blind the helmsperson. Instead, shine the light on your own vessel so that it’s easy for the other vessel to see you.

Don’t forget that you have a VHF radio. When in doubt, issue a call to the other vessel. This works best for large vessels that will be monitoring their radio. A flashlight may be best for signaling small vessels of your presence.

It’s best to start in well-known waters, with short trips and good weather. Just explore within one or two miles of your slip and expand your range as you gain experience and confidence. You can turn the night navigation into a game with guests, asking them to look around and identify vessels and buoys. The goal is to make it safe and enjoyable.

Always be aware and anticipate unusual situations. Sailing south off the New Jersey coast, just north of Cape May, our boat encountered a supposed “fishing” vessel, which was pitch dark until we were quite near. Then they turned on a bunch of lights. I guess they did not want us to hit them. I have always wondered what they were “fishing” for. ■

ABOUT THE AUTHOR‌ Terry Slattery started sailing in college, and a progression of boats followed. He has cruised the Intracoastal Waterway often, crewed in two offshore sailboat races, and been to the Bahamas several times aboard LUX, a Leopard 40 catamaran. He enjoys sailing in the evenings on the Chesapeake and favors the 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. night watch when sailing offshore.

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LAST HORIZON‌ A. Wayne Baker, S‌ Knoxville (TN) Squadron/17‌ 2 mm‌

P/Lt/C Vincent A. Mauceri, JN‌‌ Peco‌nic Bay (NY) Squadron/3‌ ‌ S‌enior Member, 12 mm‌

Lt Webb Bernhardt, AP‌ Mansfield (OH) Squadron/7‌ 2 mm‌

Mary‌Ann McClain‌ ‌‌ Palm Beach (FL) Squadron/8‌ Senior Member, 9 mm‌

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P/C Joan R. Brill, SN‌ ‌ Peconic Bay‌(NY) Squadron/3‌ Life Member, 25 mm‌

P/C Michael A. Meda, AP‌‌ ‌ Grosse Pointe (MI)‌Squadron/9‌ Life Member, 34 mm‌

‌

Virginia‌M. Burton, SN‌‌‌ Grosse Poi‌nte (MI) Squadron/9‌

William E. Monroe, SN‌ ‌ Hu‌ntsville (AL) Squadron/17‌ Lif‌e Member, 35 mm‌

Philip M. Campbell, AP‌ ‌ Detroit (MI) Squadron/9‌ ‌ Life‌Member, 37 mm‌

P/D/C Everett W. Stebbins, AP‌‌ ‌ Wawe‌nock (VT) Squadron/19‌ ‌ Life Member, 45 mm‌ ‌

Dennis E. Enstrom‌ ‌ Marco Island (FL) Squadron/22‌ 3 mm‌ Harold L. Frost, AP‌‌ Greenwich (CT) Squadron/2‌ Life Member, 35 mm‌

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Richard E. Thoma, P‌‌ Grosse Pointe (MI) Squadron/9‌

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P/D/C J. Kenneth Guscott, JN‌‌ Anna Maria Island (FL) Squadron/22‌ Life Member, 28 mm‌ P/D/C Joseph T. Hanley, SN+‌ ‌ Fort Worth (TX) Squadron/21‌ ‌ Life Member, 47 mm‌ THEENSIGN.ORG

Retta Strohecker, P‌‌ Lake Murray (SC) Squadron/26‌ Senior Member, 10 mm‌

LIFE MEMBER,‌ 25 MERIT MARKS‌ EMERITUS MEMBER,‌ 50 MERIT MARKS‌

HOW TO SUBMIT‌

P/D/C Patricia A. Cunningham, SN Swiftwater (NY) Squadron/6‌ ‌ R‌onald W. Schutta‌ ‌ Life Member, 36 mm‌ Palm‌Beach (FL) Squadron/8‌

Alice Marie Ellie, AP‌ ‌ Rochester (NY) Squadron/6‌ Senior Member, 20 mm‌

SENIOR MEMBER,‌ 5 MERIT MARKS‌

‌

P/C Owen L. Peabody, AP‌‌ Tacoma‌(WA) Squadron/16‌ ‌ L‌ife Member, 29 mm‌

Doris E. David, P‌ Cape Cod (MA) Squadron/34‌ Life Member, 28 mm‌

MERIT MARKS‌

P/C John T. "Jack" Whittemore, SN+ Green Bay (WI) Squadron/10‌ ‌ Life Member, 35 mm‌

FAMILY, SQUADRON‌ COMMANDERS‌ OR OTHER‌ AUTHORIZED‌ REPRESENTATIVES‌ MAY SUBMIT‌ REPORTS OF‌ MEMBERS WHO‌ HAVE CROSSED THE‌ BAR.‌

SUBMIT‌ ONLINE‌

Ellen L. Wiederlight, AP‌‌ Peconic Bay (NY) Squadron/3‌ Deborah A. Zettl, S‌‌ Peconic Bay (NY) Squadron/3‌ Senior Member, 13 mm‌

+ ‌INDICATES ONLINE OBITUARY‌

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WAYPOINTS‌

DISTRICT 5 |‌

Excelling in‌ sailing education‌ APRYL BERNARD

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE SAIL & POWER SQUADRON/5 RECEIVES THE PRINCE HENRY THE NAVIGATOR AWARD IN RECOGNITION OF ITS ACHIEVEMENTS IN TEACHING CELESTIAL NAVIGATION CLASSES. PICTURED: DISTRICT COMMANDER WILLIAM HAMMETT, SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE COMMANDER RICH FAGA, AN ENVOY FROM THE PORTUGUESE EMBASSY AND CHIEF COMMANDER RALPH BERNARD

TEN MILE |‌

Celebrating 70 years

LYNN BROCKMAN

CHARTERED ON NOV. 14, 1955, TEN MILE SAIL & POWER SQUADRON/7 CELEBRATED ITS 70TH ANNIVERSARY ON NOV. 15 AT VESTA 88 RESTAURANT IN FREDERICKTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA. WILLIAM ENGLE WAS ONE OF 10 NAMES ON THE CHARTER, AND HIS GRANDSON ROBERT ENGLE IS CURRENTLY A MEMBER. PICTURED: ROBERT ENGLE, BARRY NICCOLAI, COMMANDER LYNN BROCKMAN, JAMES BROCKMAN, ED DEMUTH AND JOSEPH PETERSEN

DISTRICT 33 |‌

Convening in fall‌ DAMARIS ORTIZ VEGA

DISTRICT COMMANDER LUIS SOTO LUGO ASSISTED AT THE DISTRICT 33 FALL CONFERENCE IN LA PARGUERA, LAJAS, PUERTO RICO, IN OCTOBER. ALL SEVEN DISTRICT 33 SQUADRONS ATTENDED. A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PUERTO RICO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES GAVE A PRESENTATION ON MARINE SAFETY AND THE PROTECTION OF CORAL REEFS. THEY ALSO HELD A SILENT AUCTION.

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CLASSIFIEDS‌ INSURANCE‌ MARINE SURVEYOR ‌Captain John ‌Reichardt Accredited Marine Surveyor, SAMS, AMS,‌ ABYC standards certified.‌ Covering all of New England.‌ Member ABYC, SAMS, USPS;‌ 508-813-4053‌ captnjohn1@comcast.net‌ captainjohnmarinesurveyors.‌ com‌

MISCELLANEOUS‌

WANTED‌

CLASSIFIED RATES $1 per word, $25 minimum.‌ Artwork is $25 per column‌ inch. Submit payment and‌ materials to The Ensign,‌ PO Box 30423, Raleigh, NC‌

NAVIGATION RALLY???‌ An interesting navigational‌ challenge plus an enjoyable‌ social activity. Discover the‌ fun in a cruiser navigation‌ rally. ‌predictedlog.org‌

27622 or email‌ ensign@hq.usps.org‌

Spring ‌deadline:‌ Feb. 1‌, 2026‌

NAME TAG SUPPLIER ‌Lake‌ Norman Awards and‌ Engraving offers USPS name‌ tags in “ABC,” “Branded” and‌ “Traditional” styles. Call Dan‌ Splawn for a current price list‌ at 704-664-4662 or email him‌ at ‌LNAwards@msn.com‌

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

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BITTER END‌ Spinnakers on the horizon‌

BY ROBERT A. BUCHANAN‌

ADOBE STOCK

► Some folks maintain that watching a sailboat race is as exciting as watching grass grow. This is simply not true.

Sponsored by the Bayview Yacht Club, the annual Bayview Mackinac Race sails from Port Huron to Mackinac Island, Michigan. World War II and Covid were no obstacles to the world’s longest continuously sailed freshwater race, now in its 101st year. On the Friday before each race, boats gather in the Black River at Port Huron for a massive party.

The race begins the following day. Although it looks chaotic, the starting scene is carefully orchestrated.

Each boat flies its assigned class flag. Every boat also receives its own handicap, making the competition more about racing against oneself than crossing the finish line first. As a result, finishing first does not automatically equate to winning.

Once underway, the boats sail up Lake Huron, creating a stunning display with colorful spinnakers filling the horizon. The first turning mark is Cove Island, just off the Bruce Peninsula. This mark is virtual and unsupervised, adding a unique element to the race. The course then turns west across the north side of Bois Blanc Island to the finish line between Mackinac Island and Round Island Light. →

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→ As the fleet pushes onward, crews settle into the unique rhythm of offshore racing. Day blurs into night as sailors keep watch, scanning the horizon for wind shifts and rivals’ navigation lights flickering in the dusk. The night sky is often brilliant with stars, perhaps even the Northern Lights, while below deck exhausted crew steal moments of sleep, lulled by the gentle roll or jerked awake by a call to change sails. The lake itself offers both serenity and challenge, one moment glassy and tranquil, the next whipped into whitecaps by unpredictable squalls. Competitors plot their courses with a blend of experience, intuition, hope and luck, ever mindful of the lake’s moods.

Crossing the finish line, most head toward their assigned dockage. But a few do not stop; rather, they continue west toward Gray’s Reef and then down Lake Michigan to sail the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac.‌‌ During the July 2025 race, a sudden, violent squall required instant sail changes that resulted in two man-overboard events. Both crewmen were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard Katmai Bay. To lend assistance, three racers turned back, dropped their sails and started their diesels. The race committee granted redress by subtracting their carefully documented nonracing time from their handicapped time.

In other words, the three good Samaritans were not harmed by their sportsmanship.

”‌ Day blurs into night as sailors keep watch, scanning the horizon for wind shifts and rivals’ navigation lights flickering in the dusk.‌‌

The Bayview Mackinac Race is a storied event marked by lively prerace festivities, challenging offshore sailing and deep-rooted traditions. Sailors navigate Lake Huron’s unpredictable conditions. Acts of sportsmanship, like assisting during emergencies, are honored by race organizers. The traditions run deep: Weary sailors pin their course charts to saloon walls and swap tales of ghostly fogs and epic tacking duels at dawn.‌ ‌ Yes, sailing races are exciting. ‌■‌

ABOUT THE AUTHOR‌ Robert Buchanan of Ann Arbor Sail & Power Squadron/9 has sailed offshore for years and always holds a man overboard briefing before getting underway.‌

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