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THE SOUNDER
Winter 2008
Volume 24, Issue 2
From the Bridge
I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide....
The Salt Spring Squadron is experiencing an exciting period of change, leading to the rejuvenation of its CPS tradition of excellence and enthusiasm fostered in past years.
We have a full Bridge for 2008 – 2009, with a well-balanced blend of newly recruited and returning Officers. Our current CPS membership stands at 99, and we are actively seeking new members, as well as the return of past members.
The past six months have been rewarding with various activities, and also extensive planning work to ensure a successful 2009 winter/spring season.
In June, we conducted a very successful VHF Marine Radio Course, with 32 enrolled students, and a 100% exam pass rate. Industry Canada requires that anyone transmitting on a VHF marine radio must possess a Restricted Operator's Certificate (Maritime).
Incidentally, I assume that all holders of an ROC (M) Certificate are aware that the three fundamental radio calls (emergency, distress & safety) have a French connection. Yes, "Sécurité" is the French word for safety. It's interesting to note than "Pan Pan" is derived from the French word panne (that translates to breakdown), while "Mayday" is an anglicized pronunciation of the French expression m'aidez (which translates to help me).
Then, on a lovely July evening, the Bridge and friends gathered for a BBQ to contemplate the endless summer days of boating, but alas, we've now progressed much too quickly from shorts to wetsuits!
The CPS Vancouver Island South District (composed of eight Squadrons from the Victoria & Southern Gulf Islands region) hosted its annual Rendezvous at the Otter Bay Marina on Pender Island over the weekend of August 8th–10th. Despite poor (wet & windy) weather, there were over 70 participants for this weekend of fun activities and making new friends.
On Saturday, there was a team contest comprised of three activities, with awarded points tallied by judges to declare the overall winning four person team. We moved from a comical nautical skit to an island knowledge quiz to a mini-boat building challenge, with many laughs along the way, and a humble victory by Salt Spring Squadron.
In November, a group from Salt Spring Squadron joined the Pender Island Squadron for a most informative tour of the Canadian Hydrographic Service (Fisheries & Oceans Canada) facility and operation in Sidney.
This visit certainly reinforced the importance of nautical charts, and the responsibility of knowing your exact location on the water at all times. For reference, their website is www.charts.gc.ca
The Salt Spring crew was excited as we approached December, and the advent of our CPS Christmas Party. On December 6th, we hosted this gala event at the Sailing Club, and were pleased to welcome 34 guests. Everyone had a festive evening, enjoying the cocktail hour mixer and then dining with a main course of wild salmon and delicious potluck dishes. The celebration continued with dancing to various genres of music. We were pleased that Bev Gerry (VISD District Commander) came from the big island to attend our party. A great time was enjoyed by all!
Extensive planning work has been underway over the past weeks to arrange the many details of our upcoming Winter Boating Course. For 2009, Salt Spring Squadron has returned its venue to Gulf Islands Secondary School, and also added a broader diversity of Instructors to complement those returning from past years.
The Boating Course starts on January 13th and runs for 13 weeks, including a Student Cruise in April. As we are limited to a class size of 26 students, registration will be accepted on a first-come/first-serve basis, with a final deadline of January 8th (via Lynn Clark at 250-537-5377). We look forward to offering our community a most successful session.
The CPS Boating Course includes Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) eligibility, which will be mandatory by September 15, 2009 (under Transport Canada).
Speaking of education, you may be interested in the following lesson exercise from "Sailors' Math" as you ponder the glory of boating days ahead just over the horizon in 2009:
Following the conclusion of our Winter Boating Course, the Salt Spring Squadron will hold its 2009 Annual General Meeting and Graduation Ceremony on April 25th. Further details of this event will follow in a coming newsletter.
Information about the next VHF Marine Radio Course (and possibly other courses) will be communicated early in the new year.
In closing, 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.
Commander Derek Castle
Other issues of The Sounder: Salt Spring Island Squadron Contact: editor This page last updated December 23, 2008
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
