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THE SOUNDER
Summer 2010
Volume 26, Issue 2
From the Bridge
There is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.
On April 24th, the Salt Spring Island Squadron welcomed CPS Members, Guests and Boating Course Graduate Students at the Sailing Club, to join in the recognition of our ongoing service to the local boating community.
At this event, the Salt Spring Squadron was proud to:
Following the opening comments of our special invited guest, District Commander David Krauel of Vancouver Island South District, the 35 attendees enjoyed a wonderful salmon dinner and good conversation.
As a key part of the Annual General Meeting, the election process for the Officers of the Squadron Bridge for 2010 – 2011 was confirmed; and the Change of Watch pledges administered.
The new Bridge of 2010 – 2011 for the Salt Spring Island Squadron is represented by the following Members:
Commander: |
Cdr Derek Castle |
Past Commander: |
P/Cdr Bob Reynolds |
Executive Officer: |
Bob Charlet |
Training Officer: |
Lynn Clark |
Secretary: |
Kathleen McCurdy |
Treasurer: |
Klaus Mortensen |
Public Relations Officer: |
Jean Davison |
Asst Public Relations Officer: |
Neil Michener |
Membership Officer: |
Laura Dafoe |
Privacy Officer: |
P/Cdr Gordon Ford |
Marep (Hydrographic) Officer: |
Anders Nielsen |
Elect. Communications Officer: |
Susanna Kong |
Entertainment Officer: |
Gaye Gardiner |
Supply Officer: |
Lynn Clark |
Asst Training Officer: |
Peter Howell |
Editor "Sounder": |
Susanna Kong |
Environment Officer: |
Len Wilton |
Port Captain (Ganges): |
P/Cdr Gordon Ford |
Port Captain (Fulford): |
P/Cdr Lee Middleton |
Chief Proctor: |
Kathleen McCurdy |
Cruise Master: |
Anders Nielsen |
Historian: |
Gaye Gardiner |
Internal Audit Review Committee: |
Michael Clark |
From left to right: Laura Dafoe, Lynn Clark, Gordon Ford, Brian Keir, Kathleen McCurdy, Bob Charlet, Susanna Kong, Gaye Gardiner, Derek Castle
Then, the attention for the evening was directed to the Boating Class of '10...a most impressive group.
For the Winter Boating Course, the Salt Spring Island Squadron was pleased to offer an excellent line-up of diverse Instructors, who all share a passion for Boating and Marine Education.
We are most grateful to this exceptionally talented & experienced team of Volunteers, who provided an enriched learning experience for our Students – including many real-life stories of dramatic moments at sea!
A special thanks to Lynn Clark, Brian Keir, Laura Dafoe, Marnie Keith-Murray, Hans van de Sande, Eric Van Soeren, Taylor Devlin, Tom McKeachie, Ole Anderson, Jon Healey and Peter Howell...and, of course, our supportive Proctors under the leadership of Kathleen McCurdy.
From a large class of 24 registered Students, we had 20 write the exam. All 20 Students who wrote the exam plus one additional Challenger earned a passing grade, with an average mark of 90.1%!
The Boating Class of 2010!
Special congratulations were extended to Jean Davison and Gord Dafoe, who both scored the top mark of 98%, and were presented with the Bingham Award in recognition of this outstanding achievement. (left)
We also noted an honourable mention for our Class Valedictorian, Liz Gilbert, who received the next highest mark at 97%. (right)
Everyone was treated to an enthusiastic presentation by the Boating Class of '10 Valedictorian, Liz Gilbert. Liz shared her thoughts about the four month journey of the Boating Course, and her comments certainly captured the essence of this most worthwhile experience for all Students . It was an excellent presentation!
One student claimed that his expanded boating knowledge provided entitlement to wearing of this badge of honour:
Speaking of boating safety and marine navigation education, it's most encouraging to note that this cornerstone CPS Boating Course has been completed successfully by more than 500,000 boaters in Canada since the inception of Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons in 1938!
Another student contributed this training aid as an alternative to more conventional references for achieving proficiency with knots!
We were honoured to introduce Peter Scholefield as our Guest Speaker, who concluded the evening's activities with an informative presentation about Climatology & Meteorology. Peter described the climate of the southern coast region of British Columbia, and the various contributing factors to our active weather patterns, which make accurate local forecasting a unique challenge for meteorologists!
Reflecting upon the events of the evening and the enthusiastic camaraderie of all participants, it's certainly indicative of the observation that nationwide, CPS currently has over 41,000 active members. And, in a typical year, hosts 12,000 students for various marine courses.
Salt Spring Island Squadron membership is growing, with a current base of 150 CPS members – consisting of 120 Regular plus 30 Associate. However, we're always seeking to welcome new members as further support to foster safe boating and fun on the water.
The Marine (VHF) Radio Course (three evenings) was conducted during May at the Sailing Club. The turnout was excellent, with 19 enrolled Students and a 100% exam (written & oral) pass rate. As a reminder, it is a legal requirement (via Industry Canada) that any VHF Radio Operator transmitting on marine band frequencies must possess a Restricted Operator's Certificate (Maritime).
Salt Spring Island Squadron now looks forward to resuming our busy training and social schedule over the coming months, and invites its members to join at least some of these activities, as outlined in the Events section of our website.
For any questions or comments pertaining to Training Course opportunities, please don't hesitate to contact Lynn Clark, Training Officer at 250 537 5377.
Our upcoming Social Agenda includes two overnight Squadron Cruises and ORCA Day on Pender Island.
The first Cruise will be to Sidney Spit Marine Park on June 12th - June13th, while the season finale Cruise will navigate us to Cowichan Bay on the Big Island, at a date to be announced soon .
Anders Nielsen, the Salt Spring Island Squadron Cruise Master promises all participants a most pleasurable experience, packed with fun marine and land activities, but also accommodating plenty of time for relaxation with fellow boaters in beautiful surroundings. For any questions or comments about our planned Cruises, please don't hesitate to contact Anders at 250 537 0831.
ORCA Day is July 23rd at Thieves Bay on North Pender Island, and will be an exciting environmental activity jointly sponsored by Parks Canada, the Vancouver Aquarium and CPS Vancouver Island South District (which encompasses the eight Squadrons from the Victoria & Southern Gulf Islands region). Get to know your local whales! Stay tuned for further details about this special event.
Information regarding further/later Training Courses and Social Events will be communicated during the early fall season.
In closing, as you contemplate the endless summer days of boating, I note our CPS Mission Statement:
To increase awareness and knowledge of safe boating by educating and training members and the general public, by fostering fellowship among members, and by establishing partnerships and alliances with organizations and agencies interested in boating.
Derek Castle
Previous issues of The Sounder: Salt Spring Island Squadron Contact: editor This page last updated July 9, 2010
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Winter 2009 | Summer 2009 |
Spring 2009 | Winter 2008 | Spring 2008
of Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons
PO Box 573, Ganges PO
Ganges, Salt Spring Island, BC, V8K 2W2
